Originally posted by SuperCat:
I brought this topic back up as I don't normally fly United, but I have been asked to buy a ticket for my brother-in-law who is in the Army to fly home for Memorial day weekend. I originally was going to have him fly USAirways, but the schedule didn't work out. I am ready to buy his ticket, but run into this credit card problem. I don't think he has a credit card and I live over 150 miles away from a United CTO or a United airport. Luckily there is enough time, to have a paper ticket issued and mailed to me, but it is a big hassle. I haven't had any problems doing this on TWA or USAirways.
You can keep it electronic. Just go to a CTO or airport and have them swipe your card in advance.