Thanks Madison Guy, but the baggage allowance is a non issue, as it is an international flight, my main concern if the PNR splits is that my wife, with no status, will be at the bottom of the list, as I was always under the impression when the PNRs are linked, the status of the elite member is applicable to the linked PNR. It's crazy, as the AA exec plat line can not give a definitive answer here, but they all claim they would not do it and. there really is no good reason to do it. Very confusing. Thanks!