I will have my mother-in-law arriving at the ORD airport where she will need to change planes to get on another. My friends in Chicago can help her with changing planes, but how do they go in through security without a valid ticket? If you explain the situation, can the airline, or the security guys help you go in?

Or is it possible to buy a refundable ticket, check in, and then not fly and get a refund?

TIA.