OK, fair enough. So, for the optimistic, when an instrument is applied, delaying check-in to the airport would give the greatest possible chance to clear together, but makes it extremely difficult (read: not likely) to keep the reservation from being split if the upgrades don't clear in advance.

Right - I would definitely not let the tag get applied if I don't want the PNR split. It's dicey to find a competent agent, and one wrong keystroke will irrevocably split the PNR.

Did the Child show as an option to add to the upgrade list? I have seen consistently when I'm traveling with my son (8), that, during mobile check-in, it asks about putting people on the UG list and only lists me. If we are traveling with my wife (also MP Gold), then it shows the two of us and not my son. I realize that it's not really a problem as I don't want the PNR split, so I don't put myself on the UG list. It just seems to be strange behavior.

Also, answering my earlier question about asking about UG list for CPU, it still asked and I was able to say no and keep the PNR intact.

Yes, but child is 15+ so could sit alone. I've not had a problem even when under 15 having her on UG list with me without spouse (either when getting the split right or traveling without spouse).

Though if you and wife are gold you should all be eligible for upgrades (son is companion for one of you). Seems odd he couldn't be a companion for either of you.

I checked in using website though, because the mobile app has been a problem in the past. I may try it next time though . . .

Maybe I'll try using the website for the return flight and see if it asks then. The mobile app definitely seems to leave him off the list of people who can be put on the UG list.

So reporting back - I think United may have fixed the mess created for splitting.

3 pax RT itin, I'm the only elite. When I checked in online for first flight, it asked which companion I wished to designate as my "companion". Reservation split into 3 PNRs. My designated companion appeared on upgrade list right below me. However, all three passengers had BG 1.

On return, my designated companion *also* appeared right next to me on UG list, and all three of us had BG1 status. In addition, I was able to switch E+ seats for my other companion without getting a charge for it, which used to be the case.

So, it seems that UA properly allows all pax on the original PNR to retain the elite benefits "inherited" from the status passenger, and only limits the CPU benefit to one pax. This is a very positive step if others can verify it.

I verify it. Same thing happened to me on a 3-pax itinerary 2 weeks ago. Split into 3 PNRs on the outbound, all benefits remained throughout the voyage. Even the baggage allowance remained correct (UA Gold)--2 x 70 lbs for all three, which in the past has been troublesome. I was very impressed--and relieved.

Once the record is split it is split. You can call to get the 2 E+ seats at T-24. At the airport you can have them add MsCP to the UG list (if you find a willing agent).

My recent experience suggests you should both be able to select E+ seats on the return at T-24, although you will have to do it separately for each reservation.

What you mention is a risk (that exists even if the reservation isn't split), but I suggest you both have the United app, log into your respective accounts, and then choose seats roughly simultaneously.

Any other data points on if inheriting status is now staying intact when splitting?

Have 3 seats left and two of us with RPUs (me 1K; SO Gold). E+ looks quite empty but since it's an A320 probably need to split if they clear one at a time. Don't want to mess up the return though. Wondering if I should wait until T-24 and then check-in and split then or just split closer to T-36.

Promising experiences posted earlier in this thread

I'll let y'all judge whether or not this is relevant.

I recently flew LAX-SEA via SFO on July 12th and back on July 20th with mrs. iapetus and the iapetus jrs. Thinking primarily about maximizing our upgrade chances, I split the PNR: my wife and son on one, my daughter and me on the other. mrs. iapetus, owing to my 1 MM status is also a 1K. None of us cleared on either outbound leg at T-96h. And, at check-in, all four reservations got split.

At T-96h everyone but my son cleared SEA-SFO on the return. And we all cleared SFO-LAX at T-96h. At T-24h, my son had still not cleared SEA-SFO and went on the waitlist for that flight. At some point prior to check-in, I managed to change his seat from one E+ seat to another (knowing that I would give him my F seat if I cleared, I wanted to make sure that his assigned seat was one I would like). He didn't clear that flight. :( Finally, I was able to check both of the iapetus jrs. in via the app at T-24h. I was actually quite surprised to be able to do this; I assumed that the system would "see" them as unaccompanied minors and force us to check them in at the airport.

So make what you will of that. It seems to me that benefits were retained after splitting the PNR. All of the bags were checked in with mrs. iapetus and me; so I can't say if the baggage benefits were retained after the PNR split, but it seems like the system still recognized us as one family of four with 2 1Ks. I really appreciated being able to share the upgrade experience with them all (even if it wasn't the best of upgrade experiences that UA has to offer). :)

Seems we have at least 3 experiences with 3+ PNRs getting split but pax retaining inherited benefits for return.

However, all three have been a result of the auto-split at check in. Maybe try splitting at T-36 to see whether the result is the same? :cool: