Originally Posted by
CanadianMike
Travelling with my partner. Aeroplan PY Lowest booking.
Unfortunately had our PNR split as only I was upgraded on our outbound (I still think that how that works is ridiculous...)
For the return (J5 R0), wondering what would offer best chances of upgrade or highest priority? She's 35K for what it's worth.
1) I (SE), make her nominee, and request upgrade in advance.
2) I (SE), request @ airport day of departure.
3) Use status pass for her new PNR, and then either of above options or have her use her own credits?
My understanding is:
Option 1 will automatically give her your SE priority after check in opens, but you will lose the ability to make anyone else your nominee for the remainder of the benefit year.
Option 2 depends on the specific concierge person who helps you and how they input it into the system. She could get the SE priority level, or her own level. I would consider it a crap shoot between those two.
Option 3 puts her at 49.5k as another poster has said, which doesn't give any added benefit if you use option 1 as well, but could give the added benefit of being able to use her points which can free up more of your points for future flights.
If I was in your position, I'd choose option 2 and look at the app about 90 minutes before departure. If she is in good shape, leave it at that. If it looks like she might miss it by a spot or two, and you have reason to believe she wasn't input at SE level (e.g. if there is a gap between your name and hers) then reverse what was done and do option 1. You would need to have all checked luggage in your name (zero checked bags in her name) to make it go smoothly in case you have to uncheck and recheck her in.