I reached Sapphire around August 15th (JMB website reflected). I haven't received my JMB Sapphire card yet. Next week I have a BA flight in premium economy, and I'd like to be able to use business class checkin / lounge access & priority boarding. Am I likely to receive my new JMB card in time for the flight? If not, will I be able to use OWS benefits somehow (maybe my BP will reflect that?)
FWIW I'm able to select seats for free on BA.com, so BA seems to know I am a Sapphire.
You rarely need the physical card with you to use the OWS benefits. As long as. The status is correctly reflected on your boarding passes (meaning in the system) it will be smooth sailing in most places. The number of times I need my card in a year can be counted on fingers.
As you can select seats for free, the news has reached BA.