That is true, but even so, I've always been able to enjoy chauffeur drive and lounge access (I'm Gold, so lounge access is a given). For the chauffeur drive, I just call customer service to arrange it, and in the arriving airport I go to the drivers tell them I forgot to make a booking and show my bp. If they have a car available, they will help. Experience based on BKK, DXB en BRU only though.