I was thinking of allowing my daughter (13 and has travelled alot) to fly from my home town (small regional airport) thru DEN to ORD by herself this summer. We have family in DEN where she will connect flights and I feel confident that if anything went haywire they could come get her. She also has flown thru DEN alot with me. She would also be on the same airline, United, so she would be in the same terminal, realizing that regional flights are at the end of that terminal.

While I feel comfortable having her go east, it's the return west starting out at ORD that has me concerned. Can her grandmother accompany her to the gate without actually being a passenger? If so how do I arrange this?

I know about United unaccompanied minor program, but thought the $99 each way was a waste if grandma can get her on her plane.

Thanks for the info!!!!!!