Hey everyone -

I'll be a new FO next week and I just had a couple questions regarding upgrade seating that I couldn't seem to find anywhere else.

I'm mostly a leisure traveler and most of the time it's with my wife. So while I'm not expecting (m)any upgrades, what is the process of seating with your companion? I know my wife would rather sit in the worst seats on the plane and next to me than one row apart in first class. Is there an easy way to guarantee seats together when upgraded or to automatically decline an upgrade unless seats are together?

Secondly, I know I will have access to preferred seats for myself and a companion. We will have a trip coming up with four in the reservation. I know it would require a 2/2 split PNR in order to get C+/FC upgrades, but does the same hold true for preferred seating as well? Or can I select exit row seats for me and my wife and seat the other two in "regular" coach seats while keeping us all on the same PNR (for IRROPS and baggage allowances purposes)?

Thanks for your help!