Using points to maintain Platinum status
 

My Platinum status was due to expire tomorrow. Because I believe that as a leisure traveler--it seems that Platinum status is really geared to the business traveler. A drop to Gold status seemed fine with me-- until I realized that the matching Silver status with United came into action. No I don't expect upgrades with that lowly status--however when doing a search for flight availability under mrsderby44's account it didn't include opportunities that were available under my account. A call to United customer service confirmed that-- sir you have status with us and the Mrs doesn't therefore you have more flights available to you. That was a defining moment for me and I decided to use 40,000 points for another year as Platinum--and we do plan on flying United especially using points in the next year. Will I be able to buy Platinum status again next February? Thanks to all for your help.

In what cabin using miles, and to where?

Business/first class flights, booked with miles, get you basically the same benefits (preferred check-in, early boarding, free checked bags, better seats) that Silver status gets you.

United silver status from having MR PP has prompted me to take occasional flights on UA. I shockingly received an upgrade from Y to F because of it, and there is also the more likely E+ seating; so there is definitely incremental value on UA from having MR P status.

Thank you Tanic and sdsearch for your replies. After reading my post I realized that it wasn't to the point. My reason for posting was to find out if I can use Marriott points more than once to keep my Platinum status. We do plan on flying United first class to the Caribbean and to the west coast from PWM. Best of luck and happy travels to all.

The increased availability of award seats is only for UA Plat and above.

Update
 

Unfortunately for us we have to travel during peak weeks i.e. school vacation weeks. Since we both had enough points in our accounts I figured I'd open our accounts in two different browsers and book at about the same time. My page showed tons of availability in both main cabin and first class. Mrsderby44's showed zero flights. I ended up transferring points from Chase to United--problem solved--the first class numbers were too high so I booked main cabin. An example of having lowly Silver can make a huge difference. So using points to maintain Marriott Platinum status worth it to us.Happy travels and best of luck to all.

Even though I have somehow made MR Platinum for 3-4 years now, I don't expect that to continue (Gold hopefully, Platinum is a stretch for me). So, I've thought a lot about whether the 40k to maintain Platinum is worth it. Even though for most people, it probably isn't given the lack of huge differentiation between Marriott's Gold and Platinum levels, the UA status actually is the deciding factor for me, since I have zero status and Silver (though not super meaningful) has enough benefits (Econ + 24 hours prior, including for companion, and free baggage) is sufficient to make it worth it for me. Hopefully I'll continue my Platinum streak but when I fail to and they don't comp it, I'd likely spend the points; hopefully, they'll still have a partnership then!

I would keep the Platinum level for the UA silver incase u need to do a status match with another airline.

My advice is that if you are MR Gold and would value Platinum, you can book a meeting room for $75 at so many properties like CY and SHS to give you 10 free nights. So painless.

I fly a few UA flights a year, and have really been glad to have the Silver status.