I cant say for sure on non elites, but I am notified via email if a flight changes. I am guessing this is not an elite issue. If you have a world perk number on the itinerary and you profile is up to date on that world perk number, you should be notified. I cant imagine they would program the system not to email non elites. Do you know if his reservation had a world perk # applied and he has an acurate profile?