Does anyone have an estimate of how much UA charges for E+ on a transcon from EWR b/c you can't see until after you book it.

My guess - $69 to $109. Depends on E+ vs. middle/bulkhead/exit row/non-reclining exit row.

I booked SFO-EWR for friend with no status. Economy Plus for his flights ranged from $51 for a middle with limited recline to $89 for an exit row. If you want complimentary Economy Plus, JFK to SFO/LAX on p.s. service only have Economy Plus cabin.

In the future, there's a way/trick for you to get your friend E+ if you're booking.

That's not that helpful without discussing how.

Of course it is. One just has to PM me, as I don't think it appropriate on FT.

The estimates you've been given sound correct. If you want to know exactly how much they'll charge you, start the booking process but don't finish it. I just did this the other day when trying to help my non-status brother search for flights.

Find an itin that you'd like, click on the "purchase now" button, then on the next page enter a short fake name for a "new traveler", such as "Li Oh" to save time, make up a birthdate/gender, skip the contact info, then go to "choose your seats". Hovering over the different E+ seats will reveal the price.

The payment info is the last thing that's entered after choosing seats, so you don't need to worry about accidentally making a booking. Just close the seatmap webpage or hit the "back" button on your browser.