thanks again for your kind and detailed reply.
your reply got me cking what i was charged by united and I noted that i was charged for each person
54.15$ aus passenger service charge.
49.81$ aus pass movement charge.

thats all very well but i was charged this for 3 children as well as my wife and i .
as far as i understand children are exempt from this charge arent they?
should i try to get this refunded?

thanks again