When I was recently promoted to Gold, the card had not arrived by the day of my next trip. I feared for my personal safety in the T5 lounges, judging by the stories told here.

What actually happened was this. I called BAEC and said, "My new card hasn't arrived yet. This isn't a problem in itself, but would it please be possible to fax me a lounge letter?" Of course - and it arrived within minutes.

Then when I got to the GF front desk, I presented my BP and my Silver card and said "I'm sorry that this is still the only card I've got at the moment, but I have got a letter if you'd like to see that." No need, thanks, came the reply - and a few keytaps later I was duly admitted with a smile.

It was as easy as that. So I have a hard time believing all the "lounge dragon" stories.