United prepay baggage fees?

[Huff]

I purchased a ticket for our niece who will meet us part way to MCO on a connecting flight. I do not want her parents to have to pay for baggage when they check in. Is there a way I can do so?

I have heard it is possible to check her in online 24 hours before flight and the website will give an option to pay for baggage. Is this true? If so, would she be able to check bags curbside rather than inside counter?

What about when returning to MCO on Magic Express. Do we pay for baggage at resort baggage check in?

 

[Leafsgirl36]

We flew from Las Vegas to San Francisco and we checked in 24 hours prior to flight leaving. When we checked in online we were asked if we were checking bags and then we had to pay using our credit card. When we arrived at the airport we went to the counter and the lady tagged our bag and off we went.
I don't know anything about curbside, sorry.

 

[cmwade77]

Last time I checked United requires the unaccompanied minor fee for anyone under 18 that is not traveling with someone over 18. Just a heads up to double check their current policy.

 

[Lewisc]

Last time I checked United requires the unaccompanied minor fee for anyone under 18 that is not traveling with someone over 18. Just a heads up to double check their current policy.

Only required for kids under 12. I think you're mistaken. I don't think United ever required paying an unaccompanied minor fee for a 17 year old.

I don't think the OP is talking about an unaccompanied minor.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

As Lewisc wrote, United's unaccompanied minor service is only required for ages 5 to 11. It's optional for ages 12 to 17. Children younger than 5 are not accepted as unaccompanied minors.

United Airlines - Children traveling alone: http://www.united.com/web/en-us/content/travel/specialneeds/minors/default.aspx

I don't believe the OP identified that age of the niece.

 

[Huff]

Last time I checked United requires the unaccompanied minor fee for anyone under 18 that is not traveling with someone over 18. Just a heads up to double check their current policy.

11 and under must use it, 17 and under may use it. She is 13. However, she isn't flying alone. We'll be on her flights but her mother will need to escort her to the gate. United told me the ticket counter can give her a gate pass to escort her but it is up to them. Hopefully there will be no problems but I don't like not being able to take care of things before hand.

My question is whether a parent can escort a minor who is NOT flying under United's unaccompanied minor ticket program. Her age does not require we pay the fee so the issue is only if a parent can escort her to/from the gate. She will be with us on the flight but we will not have time to go out thru security to get her as the connection layover for us is only 50 minutes. This and the luggage issue....sheesh its difficult to plan all these things!!