FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Improving upgrade odds for couples
Thread: Improving upgrade odds for couples
View Single Post
Old Aug 11, 2025 | 6:41 pm
  #27  
ryanbriar
30 Countries Visited
1M
100 Nights
10 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA 1MM CK, DL Plat, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Ambassador (RIP SPG), Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,664
This is how I view companion upgrades:
  • Single PNR — two spaces in the upgrade inventory need to be open at ones to process. Even if there are many seats open in J, the “computer” may only release one at a time at the window (same with SWUs). This means that you will get skipped over.
  • Separate PNRs, but linked together for upgrades — I believe that this avoids the inventory release issue and allows the companion to inherit status if they don’t have their status in the system, but folks can correct me if I am wrong.
  • Separate PNRs unlinked — Complementary upgrade based on each person’s status. One “workaround” should approach #2 not avoid the inventory release issue is to link the PNRs after the higher-tier person clears to then ideally clear an upgrade for a companion.

Please feel free to correct me if any of this is off base. I’ve learned the hard way with getting skipped over so now my wife and I split PNRs off the bat if we are going the upgrade route and cross-reference for IROPS etc.
ryanbriar is offline  
Reply