Upgrades/Same PNR
 

Ok, I'm sure this has been asked 1,000 times but I'm not finding a good thread on search so here goes (assume this will be a quick answer):

Preparing to book a trip - I'm Plat, travel companion is Gold. If we book on the same PNR, would be both be eligible for upgrading in the Gold window or do we both slide all the way to the bottom of the list? Suppose could also book separately but was thinking if I booked both seats at least we could get Comfort+ at time of booking free of charge.

Thanks!

Why not book on the same PNR and split just before the PM upgrade window opens? That way the GM probably keeps C+/EC unless there's a late schedule that causes seats to be shuffled.

Also, AFAIK it's still an unwritten perk to be able to bring one person on a separate PNR into C+/EC with you.

You might get better advice if you tell us the route, day of week (or holiday period if applicable) and approximate time of day.

AFAIK, the UG window is determined by the lowest status level if a pax, in one/single reservation, i.e. PNR. So, in your case, the GM window.

If, the only reason you want to book it as a single rez, is because of the C+ seats, one way to do it is: book it as TWO separate rez. (two PNR's, one for each pax) and call the PM line, have them tie the PNR's together, and that way, the PM agent on the phone can assign a C+ seat for you and your companion. Also, this allows you to be UG'ed at the PM window, and your companion, at the GM window!

Safe travels.

I'd book two PNRs, call and have an agent split and link the PNRs. This will allow you to be placed on the UPGD list. When you are within your UPDG window, see if you any C+ seats are available. If so, call an agent and get them to assign your two seats in C+.

Note: If you end up getting upgraded BEFORE you are able to get a C+ seat, then you will NOT be able to out your companion in a C+ seat should one become available as you must be in the same CABIN for that benefit to extended.

I've had success with agents seating companions in C+ "because they're traveling with you", actually multiple people on the same flight now that I think about it.

If you book both on the same PNR, you should be able to grab C+ seats through the website for both you and your GM companion at the time of booking since you're PM. As for the upgrade list, you'll be on the list as if you were GM, usually (but weirdly not always) one place higher than your companion.

If you separate the bookings, it's as if you're flying alone, although a phone agent will sometimes move a companion on a different PNR into a C+ seat for you if you ask nicely.

When flying with Mrs. Lee, I've noticed that the airport list is horribly inconsistent. Sometimes we'll be right next to each other. Sometimes I'm listed above her. Sometimes she's listed above me. Sometimes there are 8 people in between our names. Often the app and GIDS don't even match.