Remember that there are no walk ins any more. You have to try checking the recreation.gov site for any unused permits or for the permits that are released the day before.
If he's looking to do a day trip, then the Whitney Zone Day Use permit is what he needs. But the other overnight permits outside of the Main Mt Whitney Trail are still the old walk-in system. Of the 6 per day pre-reserved, if those are cancelled online, they
might show up. But not sure.
