Thanks to all for the responses. I can understand why it would be a legal issue though I had thought perhaps that as long as the TSA was checking everyone who actually went on the flight it would be alright. The idea of "giving" someone your seat I guess is an old fashioned notion. I hadn't even considered the return ticket so thanks for pointing that out.

I'll give the airline a call though I'm not optimistic. One would think that buying both a first class seat and a coach seat would entitle one to the first class seat but I know it doesn't work that way.

I appreciate all the help.