Originally Posted by
Kmxu
Yes. This is the best solution. But you won’t get the higher PQP credit, which is important for 1K renewal. If you have achieved 1K status for next year, this is not a problem.
Another solution? Buy 1 J ticket for your wife and 4 Y tickets for the rest. Then call 1K line to split out your ticket and upfare to J. If you are warned by the agent about losing E+ seats for the other three pax, hang up and call again later. Please give it a try and report back.
Good luck.
Or just all sit in Y, or all in J, stay together as a family. There may also be the option of all family in premium economy (if available).
I am not sure I agree with the concept of 1K parents in J and kids in Y, or that a 9 year old doesn't need parental supervision in a plane; while that is not focus of the thread, there is a reason why United insists minors are in the same cabin with their guardian (more relevant for OP's initial scenario of traveling alone with his son).