Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
You will be able to book E+ for free as a present Gold for yourself and one companion (Plats and above can do for the entire PNR -- up to 8)
However, if you fall below Gold prior to travel and a seat sweep occurs (due to change of aircraft / schedule) after you have lost status, you will be moved to E-. Depending on how long after you have lost status til when the trip occurs, the chances of this increases.
For now I would book the E+ seats and hope UA extends status again or consider buying a annual subscription if the pricing works out.