My US Air Gold Dividend Miles card expired as of 02/06. I hadn't received my new card yet, so I wrote to US Air, because I will need the card to gain access to the *A Gold lounges when flying on *A in April. I'll be using the SK lounges in CPH and ORD, and the UA RCCs in IAD and MCO.

I received a reply from Dividend Miles that new cards were not being issued at this time. They state:

"Continue to use your current card, even though it has an expiration date of 2/06. The airports, airport security and other partner airlines have been advised to honor the cards until the introduction of the new Dividend Miles program. New cards and program information will be mailed as soon as we can provide those for you. In the meantime, continue to enjoy your current privileges."

Somehow, I'm skeptical that I won't have trouble with the lounge matrons in the SK and UA lounges, as even with an unexpired card they eye me suspiciously and provide access only reluctantly. Of course, I'll carry a copy of this email with me, but does anyone know if it's correct that there should be no problem gaining *Gold privileges in partner airline lounges with an expired card? Any other advice for how to be prepared when entering the lounges? It can be embarrassing to stand at the counter and be challenged as if one doesn't belong.

Susan