I have upgraded my parents (same last name) with my CR1s - and UA is insisting I need to sign a waiver because the tickets were bought over the phone (on my CC actually) instead of online.

However, I have read on FT that this waiver is not needed if it's the same last name (UA insists this is only for award travel, and that upgrades are different).

I have about 24 hours to schlep over to the Beijing CTO (yep there is one here) - and don't mind doing so as a lunch break - but just want to make sure I'm not wasting my time.