As a 1K I would be delighted just to walk up to the UA international counter at SFO rather than having to wait in line. That is more valuable than name recognition. Funny how I never wait at LH, EK, etc. where I have no status but always at UA. I guess that is another rant for another thread.

I must say I do get annoyed with high end hotels that don't track frequent guests and the clerk asks me if it is my first visit. Umm, no, I stayed here 4 times last year, it would be nice if you would recognize that and keep track of my room preferences. Should not be that difficult with automation and frequent guest programs.

Surprisingly I am also annoyed by the casual tone that many CSRs use on the phone. If you don't know me personally you shouldn't be calling me by my first name. Period. With the exception of people I work with or people whose children are playing with mine.