Oh .. .and thanks to Mr. Speed for signing both
martynriddle and myself in. Gee Mr. Speed was a busy guy last night. ^
With the ongoing discussion about UA v/s QF, I really have to say in fairness that
lounge access is the BIG bennie QF Plats have over UA ones.
In the USA a UA 1K or Gold has no Red Carpet Club lounge access whatever - much less the chance of signing in guests. (That is, apart from the same day of an It'l Star or UA flight)
And in the USA there is no free booze whatever in RCC - altho on day of flight they are supposed to give elites 2 free drink chits at gateway. It is like pulling teeth many times, but I have become rather skilled at it.