Domestic I eticket. International I paper ticket.
I lost or misplaced an paper ticket about two months ago. I went to Admiral Club to check in. Thought I was eticketed as usual. The agent asked for my paper ticket, I said what ticket, I eticket. They told me it had been mailed to me. I said don't have it, found it when I got home by the way.
The had me sign a lost ticket affidavit and I was on my way in about 10 minutes, had to go back to check in counters though for the affidavit. No costs or fees whatsoever. Go AA.
The rest of the points are used by many experienced travelers all the time. But I agree that an inexperienced traveler could get in alot of trouble fast with some of these points.
Could you imagine the GA's face if about ten people showed up with 3 0r 4 bags each and all wanted to gate check. LOL though not really funny.