Originally Posted by
GNRMatt
I've run into this issue as well since coming over from US. As mentioned above, the only way around it is to, at the gate, request the gate agent to make the lower status person your "companion" so that they get your status.
You can call and link the resv as soon as you book the tickets. No need to wait until the gate. That way, you (and your linked companion) should/could clear at your normal upgrade window of 100/72/24 hours before flight time.