Will it? I've read both ways reported in this thread.

I've read that splitting no longer happens unless you are upgraded at the gate even if you choose to stay upgrade eligible at check-in. But this has always been unclear to me since I rarely travel with companions.

I also read that benefits remain with the non-status/lower status companion even after splitting. This is also unclear to me. And if it survives to the return flight. (ie. If split on outbound, will non-status still be upgrade eligible?)
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I had a post #661 a while back that never got any answers

I just booked flights for my family of 7 EWR-FCO for next year in economy. I applied mileage upgrades for the return to premium economy and will wait for my new plus points to arrive to apply for upgrades to polaris on the outbound. I am quite sure I won't get 7 to clear let alone to have 7 clear all at once. Reading here it sounds like I need to split up the reservation now to have any chance since they won't upgrade us individually? Assuming this will mess up all of our status and IRROPS support? I am 1k MM and my wife is my gifted 1k and thats it for status.

You're not likely to clear that many way in advance, but even if you split 4 and 3 your chances aren't great. I think you'll be fine in IRROPS with two PNRs each with a 1K though . . . there will be a challenge accommodating 7 regardless.

I might let it ride and figure that maybe you can all clear together when it's closer to flight time.

Pluspoints question
 

Hello all,
OGG-LAX booked for 5 in economy, utilizing Pluspoints for all 5. 7 First class seats for sale 25 days out. Is it better for upgrading to split the res? If at least 2 don't get upgraded, I'll be in deep trouble with the Mrs. Thanks in advance. 1k although I don't think that matters.

Thanks,
Nathan

7 empty and 25 days out?
No need to worry about Mrs. nkh75: none of you will get the upgrade, is my prediction! :)

Near zero chance you will get any, but certainly better to split 3+2 or even 3+1+1 etc to increase the chance of clearing

If that were the likely scenario, understood, and I can just use miles for 1. Watching flights with that # of open first class seats frequently for my weekly flying, none clearing seems unlikely. My question I think still remains on whether splitting the res is beneficial.

Thanks,
Nathan

What's interesting is that there is at least 3 seats available in first every day from 9/27 to 10/20. Sounds like going 1/2/2 as 2 of the passengers are minors with the 1 being miles is the highest probability for clearing.

Splitting won't help unless they open up multiple seats in advance, which is extra unlikely. And unless you have multiple 1Ks on PNR, your priority will drop. If you get inside 24 hours you'd all be as high up list as you could be, with PNR split if anyone clears.

Post #3 answered that.

If you are looking at seat map, that 7 seats could be less, as not everyone already in F may have selected a seat. Regardless, with about a month to go, not looking too good. The odds are not with you regardless of the number you are seeking to upgrade.

Yes, splitting the reservation will increase chances of someone getting upgraded. As long as you’re together, you will be passed over for people lower on the waitlist if PZ<5 opens. For example, if one upgrade seat is released, the first reservation on waitlist looking for 1 upgrade gets it. Not you or anyone on your reservation, who are looking for 5.

That being said, there’s no way 5 of you will be upgraded considering UA’s reduced F capacity to OGG. "If at least 2 don't get upgraded, I'll be in deep trouble with the Mrs..." - you might start thinking now how to diffuse the situation :)

What day of the week are we talking about? mrs. iapetus, the iapetus jrs. and I all cleared OGG-LAX on a Saturday afternoon back in July. I'm a 1K, and so is mrs. iapetus on account of my 1MM status.

If I were you, if you really want first, buy up all 5 now. Upgrades are unlikely.

Significant difference now. Non-stops east of West Coast are not running now. All F pax are routing through on reduced-schedule to OGG via LAX or SFO. The alternate is via HNL and HA to OGG. OP is wanting 5 seats w/ J7 25 days out - his vision is a mirage..

I just bought all 5 with points. Thans again for the helpful responses FT.