Originally Posted by jsloan

Uh...

I don't know what the agent was thinking, but "merging" tickets isn't necessary (and, for that matter, isn't really possible without some serious black magic). The correct procedure is to add your downline flights onto the first PNR, issue the bag tag, and then remove them. SHARES will validate inventory on the UA segment added to the first PNR, which can be a hassle if the flight is sold out, but not on the partner segment. No tickets should have to be re-issued -- certainly not the second ticket, which isn't even supposed to be touched during the procedure. Next time, I'd try asking if they'd call the help desk. (I'd also try to find a different agent, because I'd really want to avoid whatever it was that your agent today was planning. )