Every place outside of the USA has verified my identity and my status. If they are with you, you might be able to work something out, if he carries his card. If he/she is NOT with you, you may be told to walk.

In the US many locations would not let my wife check in until I got there. She routinely goes ahead to the hotel on the shuttle etc. while I wait on the baggage and take care of things. She tells them what is going on and 50% of the time I can verify it over the phone where I am and what is going on. The other 50% they ask her to take a seat until I get there.