The group is 12 people =( So I'm guessing why that doesn't work? it's
UA1620 it says on the flight number. I double checked with her and she said her status indicates she's still gold but even for her she has to pay baggage fees?

=( Yup - it doesn't work:

Travel companions of MileagePlus Premier members will have the same exemptions as the Premier member whose status provides the benefit, as long as they are traveling on the same reservation. Exemptions do not apply to group reservations of 10 or more customers.

@#$3 If I knew that, we would have forgoed the group and bought tickets separately, it's not like there was a discount involved.