I have similar incidents. I am 19, and have been Gold member of former CP for 4 years. Even when I was 16 and lining up in the Business class line of CP, no one has ever approached me as far as I remember. They have treated me with respect both on ground and in the Cabin (that's what matters). The bad experience though, I was refused into the lounge cuz they said I wasn't 19. Is that true? They say they served alcohol, so I had to be overage a several times. I thought that was B*ll**** cuz matter of fact, I have went into lounge NUMEROUS times, and I see many little kids with their parent in there.

I feel that usually age discrimination (can I say so?) took place with Japanese Career. When I flew JL, and had a business class ticket (a paid one by the way), they came to me and said the similar thing. They told me I was in the wrong place (what a rude agent), so I theatrically said, "oh really? I thought this was the BUSINESS CLASS lineup" and showed them my ticket. I was too young to even bother to complain or ask for apology, but if that happens today, I will just tell them politely that I fly business class, and I won't be rude to them either. That way, it keeps both of us smiling, doesn't it? (afterall, it's your trip, so make it pleasant)

By the way, CX once refused advance boarding when I flew with them to BNE. I was flying Economy, but I was OW sapphire. I gently told the agent to look at my boarding pass clearly where it say "Sapphire" and she couldn't say anything but to let me through. I wasn't mad either, because I know they are doing their best.