Is there any point to the Elite status IHG cards?
Jul 26, 2014, 9:47 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Location: DFW
Programs: IHG Plat, AA GLD, DL FO, Natl Elite
Posts: 259
Is there any point to the Elite status IHG cards?
Just got my Gold Elite card in the mail. Nice little thing, but is there any point in carrying it around? It seems every property knows your status already, so it's not like it's necessary in order to use the priority line. Nor does it have a barcode or mag stripe on it like airline status cards. Is it just a little tchotchke to keep?
Jul 26, 2014, 10:25 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Location: DFW
Programs: IHG Plat, AA GLD, DL FO, Natl Elite
Posts: 259
Guess I can make a travel scrapbook and put all the non-functional cards in there. Not sure what good my National card is either. I just grab the car and hand the parking lot attendant my CC and DL.
Jul 26, 2014, 3:38 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Chicago Illinois
Programs: 1MM UA
Posts: 1,753
Once I was unhappy with the people at the desk for a National Car rental I had reserved and I walked over to Avis. First they told me they had no cars, but when they saw my Avis "preferred" card, they changed their mind.
Jul 27, 2014, 9:08 am
#5
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: USA
Programs: DL PM - IC RA - HHonors Gold - Hertz Gold - AA - US - CO - Choice Privileges
Posts: 1,656
At check in I present driver's license / passport, IHG credit card, Royal Ambassador card and then ask if the room is a high room with a view...
Jul 28, 2014, 12:14 am
#8
Suspended
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, AS, DL, BA, F9, IHG Plat, HH Gold, CC Gold, SPG Gold, MR Silver
Posts: 1,786
Jul 28, 2014, 12:46 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Somewhere in Europe
Posts: 3,362
Nowadays I just use the live card that is on the IHG app, it's much easier and if required the hotels know it is up to date.
I have heard of guests who have recently moved levels being recognised at the level below if the reservations were made prior to the shift in status. It would appear that the level is logged on the reservation at the time of booking. There is a function for hotels to check but clearly some do not.
I have heard of guests who have recently moved levels being recognised at the level below if the reservations were made prior to the shift in status. It would appear that the level is logged on the reservation at the time of booking. There is a function for hotels to check but clearly some do not.
Jul 28, 2014, 6:42 am
#10
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DTW
Programs: Delta SM, ICH PLAT
Posts: 1,188
Technically, the card is not needed for stays, as long as you remember to enter it in your reservation (not everyone make their reservations via the website by themselves... some of us must go through our company's travel booking site), or, you have the number memorized or written down somewhere...
In my experience (I am PLAT), sometimes, the number doesn't stick, and I have to provided it again. (If the check-in person doesn't recognize that I am PLAT status, I ask to make sure my IHG number is in the system...)
Sometimes, my number is registered, but the check-in person forget to "notice" my status, and doesn't offer a complimentary upgrade. I am not shy about asking: "Any upgrade to a higher floor or a better view for a very loyal platinum member?" when going to a nice city/hotel. Some people may not be so vocal, and presenting their PLAT card (or in the OP's case, his GOLD card) does something similar...
Also, this is a newer benefit, but for members who happens to be in a IHG property, not staying as a guest, but want free internet access, flashing your IHG card and asking for the password is easier than confirming your membership by telling them to check your IHG membership number in the system against your ID. (This can get fairly complicated, especially where the visitor and hotel speak different languages)...
In my experience (I am PLAT), sometimes, the number doesn't stick, and I have to provided it again. (If the check-in person doesn't recognize that I am PLAT status, I ask to make sure my IHG number is in the system...)
Sometimes, my number is registered, but the check-in person forget to "notice" my status, and doesn't offer a complimentary upgrade. I am not shy about asking: "Any upgrade to a higher floor or a better view for a very loyal platinum member?" when going to a nice city/hotel. Some people may not be so vocal, and presenting their PLAT card (or in the OP's case, his GOLD card) does something similar...
Also, this is a newer benefit, but for members who happens to be in a IHG property, not staying as a guest, but want free internet access, flashing your IHG card and asking for the password is easier than confirming your membership by telling them to check your IHG membership number in the system against your ID. (This can get fairly complicated, especially where the visitor and hotel speak different languages)...
Aug 5, 2014, 2:23 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 464
I've used mine when United gave me a voucher with a gruff "Here's a Holiday Inn Express voucher, the shuttle is out at the curb." Basically, showing up as a walk-in.
Got a "Oh, you're Gold. We've put you in an 'Executive Suite' for no charge over the voucher"
Got a "Oh, you're Gold. We've put you in an 'Executive Suite' for no charge over the voucher"
Last edited by RandomNobody; Aug 5, 2014 at 3:50 pm
Aug 5, 2014, 2:53 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Somewhere in Europe
Posts: 3,362
Just means the front desk has to make up two cards and I burn the AC all the more out of spite
Aug 6, 2014, 2:53 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP/LTG | UA P
Posts: 13,530
My IHG Gold card has got me into the Fast Track line at a couple of US airports - I just cover the IHG logo . Likewise, the card has been accepted as security when renting a bike or conference electronics. Seems Gold is more valuable (or convincing) than Platinum in these circumstances.
. Likewise, the card has been accepted as security when renting a bike or conference electronics. Seems Gold is more valuable (or convincing) than Platinum in these circumstances.