Originally Posted by
rucksack
Hypothetical question. Let's suppose I book a flight for me and a companion in the same PNR and select seats based on my status. Now let's suppose that I have our PNRs split and void my ticket within 24 hours. My companion would keep the seat selection and I would be refunded my ticket, right?
Maybe, between the time you do this and departure, certain aircraft changes may cause a seating sweep and the companion would be sent back to E-. You will be far from the first to have done this and not the first to learn it does not work at times. Not a good thing to do frequently, it could be noticed, UA is quite aware of this abuse of elite benefits.