I tend to agree with merrick's thinking.

ATL is an especially confusing place to test "reciprocity." When flying NW, I can use my Crown Room card in the World Club when I get to Detroit, or in a Crown Room before I leave Atlanta. But I cannot use the President's Club out next to the NW gates in Atlanta.

Part of the problem is that the member airlines enforce their rules selectively. For example, it is ALSO against Delta's rules to use a Crown Room club membership except when you have a Delta ticket for that same day. But it is never enforced. But if you enter and show a World Club card, you always have to dig out a Delta ticket.

Why can't these "alliance" partners, who love to talk of "seamless" programs, just grant blanket reciprocity? Or sell an "Skyteam" endorsement to allow worldwide access, no fuss no bother? Would you pay $100 or $200 extra for that? I would.