Originally Posted by
izakayagrande
Apologies if this has already been answered elsewhere, but I couldn't find it. Can the "companion of a GS paid J fare traveler" upgrades, and the "72 hour J>3" upgrades, be applied to award coach tickets or only purchased coach tickets?
GS plus points can be used on award or paid tickets. GS upgrades clear into PN inventory, not PZ, and are usually easier than PZ. Does not need to be a companion on the same flight.
If you are looking at complimentary upgrades on award ticket, possible with this caveat:
Companions are eligible for Complimentary Premier Upgrades on award tickets only when traveling on the same reservation as the United Global Services member.
So technically not in your case unless you are applying plus points. I've not tried getting a CPU for someone on my flight with a different PNR. Maybe someone who has tried can chime in if they were able to do it.