I'd like to go see someone over the holiday, however, I currently lack any kind of credit/debit card that's in my name. I've got plenty of friends who are offering to let me give them the money and use thier card...but don't you need the card when you go to check in?

Do I have options? Can I possibly somehow use someone elses card and buy my ticket online without needed the physical card later?
I know about the GreenDot/other prepaid credit cards. I don't want to get one because they seriously rip you off. It cost me over $75 the first time..just to get the card.. $10 for activation, $20 for some other package, and 40 for some required activation thing on the phone....plus they charge you 5 bucks to use it.

I don't wanna go to the airport and pay cash...becuase I don't know if I'd be able to get the flight (my destination is at a small airport, not a big one) and also, it's gonna cost me enough, won't it cost like, 3x more at the counter?
what does this do?
I also cannot get a bank account anywhere to get a credit card because of some massive credit issues/identify theft and stuff..and..yeah..

Western Union offer an airline payment service. You pay cash at your local Western Union and they pay the airline. There would be a fee but may not be that much.

Another option is getting a pre-paid credit or debit card as you don't need any credit check for these so you could get one. Only problem is that some airlines will not accept them as payment if they don't have a card holder name.