A+ Elite Benefits Apply to Companion
 

So I'm about to make A+ Elite next week and have a trip already scheduled with a buddy of mine in May. I know that he has the possibility of being upgraded within 40 minutes life I do, but does he get the 2 free checked bags benefit as well if he's on my PNR?

No. Companion upgrades, yes, companion bags, no.

But if you check in together, and you each have one bag, you can just check them as 2 bags of yours...

Thanks I didn't know about the companion benefit for upgrades.

Could you use business class upgrade for companion 48 hours in advance?

To clarify, its only 1 companion that can get upgraded. If you have you and 3 others on the PNR (party of 4), at best you can get 2 upgrades. Or at least, that is how it was applied when I had a group of 4.

How about other elite benefits like 1st boarding and expedited security lines? Does anything else besides the upgrade chance apply to a companion?

Security line is really at the discretion of the security to let a companion go with you.

That's a very valid option to ensure BC (for 4 credits per person) and of course the security lane and free bags.

To the OP - Since your travel was booked prior to making Elite they'll likely have to reenter your A+ number to update current status.

My wife and I have always boarded together, whether we got upgraded or not. I've heard them state before "If in a group, board with the highest priority in your party".

I've talked my way with my wife into expedited security lines in the past, too, where applicable. Just ask nicely.

I think the reentering the number thing is a Southwest problem. I was just able to change to an exit row for free, and it sent me a confirmation email saying "thank you AirTran preferred customer."

Well congrats then! Did you try it on the May reservation?

Yep