I always used to try to give my GF the upgrade, but she would refuse. I figured that I got to use the upgrades on my regular travels, so on the vacation I'd sit in the back (bulkhead/exit row, of course). She always declined the offer, and always ended up regretting the decision (particularly on the SAN-EWR ).

To get around the problem I just had to convince her to go on a couple trips with me this year. EWR-YVR/ANC/SFO were three of them. Throw in a couple JAX trips and Presto! She gets her very own Silver Elite card and she gets to fight for upgrades just like me

If you manage to get elite on your own only on leisure travel but don't do any leisure travel without the GF, wouldn't she be elite also? Or, suck it up and be the nice guy on that one hour flight. She'll get a drink and the FC seat and you'll be the hero and hopefully get a much more rewarding prize