A friend of mine asked for advice re her dad who is no longer that mobile.

They were going to be travelling on Southwest from Midway Airport to NC the day before Thanksgiving.

Dad can no longer stand that long, and seeing as it's the heaviest travel day of the year, I can imagine that lines will be a nightmare. (They will check in on-line and not check bags, so at least there won't be waiting at the counter). Which one of these are the best options to get through the airport?

1. Rent a wheelchair just to get around the airport so that he can make it through the security lines/walk to gate. Gatecheck the wheelchair and pick it up in NC.

2. Go to airport and ask for a wheelchair landside - prior to security - so that he could sit while waiting for security. Is this possible? And who/where do you call to make arrangements?

Any advice on how best to do this would be very appreciated!!