Originally Posted by
WineCountryUA
No, has to go the two ticket approach. Note the second ticket does not have to be the original person.
So another alternative, is instead of one PNR, two people. Book the travel for two people on two PNRs. Book the first ticket and then use the remainder of the ETC for the second ticket / PNR.
An ETC can be used on a ticket for anyone, not just the person to whom it was given. You're thinking of the remainder value of a cancelled ticket. That remains on the reservation until you have a use for it; at which point any remainder will be given to you on an ETC which can be used on anyone.
For example, say you cancel a $1700 ticket for person X; you could buy a $50 SFO-LAS one-way for person X and you'd be given a $1650 ETC that you can use on anyone.