Originally Posted by Thunderroad
To supplement the other good advice re this outrageous situation, I'd suggest taking this story to the media if UA does not provide adequate compensation and an apology. Not earth-shaking news, but a human interest story that perhaps the Denver papers would pick up on, and leaving minors stranded in this way makes it somewhat different than a run-of-the-mill incident of an airline screwing up.
And if seeking compensation from UA and not getting satisfactory response, write to Conde Nast Traveler's Ombudsman. I am sure they would be very interested in publishing this story.
From cntraveler.com:
Ombudsman offers a free service of advice and mediation. Because of the volume of letters we receive, we cannot act in all cases.
Letters should be sent to Ombudsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Times Square, New York, New York 10036, and should include documentation and any relevant photographs.
Please note that we cannot respond to submissions sent via e-mail.
Correspondence must be typed and must include a daytime telephone number.
All submissions become the property of Condé Nast Traveler and will not be returned; submissions may be edited and may be published or otherwise used in any medium.