I have an itinerary in December that will be the cross over for earning the next status level (and the last one of the year). I'll get there by the "skin of my teeth". It's a 2 stop, RT coast to coast route with 2 persons on the PNR.

A situation has presented itself that one of us on the confirm # may need to depart from the itinerary after the 2nd to last flight of the trip, stay in that hub destination and skip out on the last 45 min flight of the itinerary. I will not be checking bags.

My question is, what is the best way to approach this situation with UA so that I do not loose my expected PQP earn?

If I attempt to officially change the itinerary ahead of time, do I need to separate the reservations? That will be more complicated than it sounds based on some other factors. Will it require rebooking the entire reservation? I assume will result in an increase of the fare. .

Or, can I just let them know at the gate on arrival that just I will not be boarding the next flight? I do not expect to get any $$ refund on the unused flight so my paid fare will not change (which is the determinant of the PQP) and don't care about loosing any MP mile points. But I really need every last PQP