MM: I don't think the airlines are being corrupt. They see that they have your friend in a possible position of weakness, so they are seizing the opportunity to kick him in the teeth. It's that simple. They are in the business to make as much money as possible, not make friends. It's perfectly legal.

This has absolutely nothing to do with security, although the airlines like to hide behind that, don't they? Regardless of whether the airline makes your friend buy another ticket, he and his baggage still have to pass through the same security, immigration, and customs regimen that everyone else does.

If this was about security, they would simply change his name in the sytem and perhaps put him on the "special" list for a little bonus treatment from TSA at the airport.

But it's not: It's PURELY about the airline stepping on your friend's neck for a few extra bucks. Unfortunately, that's perfectly legal. You are left to try and "work the system" as best you can.