To extend the primary traveler's status benefits to others, they must either be on the same record locator, or if on a different record locator, linked by calling reservations. Note that linking is just a comment on the record locator.
Complimentary upgrades are for the primary traveler and one companion. For itineraries with more than two travelers, the reservation will have to be split by a reservations agent. When using other types of upgrades, the party does not need to be split.
If upgrades are not cleared 24 hours before departure, you can indicate at the airport whether you want to split or not split (in situations that there may only be one seat left). This note can also be added ahead of time by calling reservations.
Effective June 9, 2023, companions traveling with a companion that has AAdvantage status no longer has to remove their status to correctly inherit upgrade priority. In addition, they will prioritized at the same level as a revenue ticket (status, then rolling 12 month LP).
If the upgrade is not cleared within 24 hours and traveling with a companion that has AAdvantage status, it is advised to remove their AAdvantage number from the record locator to inherit the member's status and priority on the upgrade list. This also applies if you have a higher status than your companion. This is due to a technical issue with AA's upgrade systems. To receive credit for the flight, the companion can request missing mile credit.