Originally Posted by
lowkeyflyer
Let me rephrase that question.
Even if I did NOT have a second guest, after doing the online check-in I still would have had to go to the front desk to sign papers, give a physical credit card, and pick up keys. This has nothing to do with the second guest. So what's the point?
They dont swipe the card twice. They ensure that the virtual card used during online check-in is actually in your possession, unless you sign a credit card authorization form before hand. Your keys are already made in most cases during online check in. This is pretty standard - and as fraud increases, other brands are doing this as well.