My friend is scheduled to fly on flight 578 PHX-HOU, but because of a massive protest today in Phoenix (roads from downtown are really really snarled as is public transportation), cannot make it in time.

What are his options and how does WN typically treat such situations?

The only flight I can see with availability right now is 1508 at 7:25 PM.

Please do not make this into a political thread, I'm looking for ideas for him.

I'm going to try to book a Delta award flight for him as a backup in case WN doesn't treat him well (but they might be overwhelmed with folks missing their flights).