For what it is worth, I would add the following:

-- by way of opinion: I tend to agree with the suggestion of others that the 1-companion rule for E+ is correct, even generous.

-- by way of fact: higher elite status members -- 1K -- actually get to bring up to 8 companions traveling on the same confirmation into E+ http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,1171,00.html

-- by way of suggestion: I suspect you won't like this, but as a practical matter, depending on how many "extra" people you are flying with, where you are flying to, and if you or someone else is planning to fly UA again in the next year, you may wish to consider having one of your companions purchase the United's annual E+ option for $425: https://store.united.com/traveloptio...nkTitle=UM_EPA Someone with annual E+ also gets to bring a companion with them, so between you and that individual, you would have 4 E+ seats covered. A lot of people don't like to shell out extra money for privileges they think should be free in the first place, but imho it is a pretty good deal if you plan on taking an international flight (or two), and an even better deal if you will be doing so with a companion. That extra 5" makes a big difference in comfort on a long flight.

Good luck!