Forgive me, as I am sure many of you have long ago lost interest. But posting this here really does help collect my thoughts and there are a few new twists I hope people can comment on.


As many know, I registered for the Elite Guest Plus programme before the Feb. 15 deadline by sending all the requested materials by fax and by post. The match was to be to my UA 1K account (one million miles and change).

Got a letter from Andrea Schmittmann, FD Helpdesk manager, acknowledging receipt of transfer form and mileage statement on time, but asking for a photocopy of my 1K card. I thought this a little odd, as my UA level was clearly indicated on the "transfer form" and the instructions didn't ask for a card photocopy. Ms. Schmittmann also sent back all my original materials: UA statement, transfer form, etc.

Flew KLM in biz class LHR-AMS-JHB-CPT and back in late February. No Royal Wing lounge access because account showed "Blue."

As I got my 2002 1K card only in mid/late March, I photocopied it then, wrote Ms. Schmittmann a nice letter, and sent back everything to her (from Sydney, Australia where I was on business). Faxed it first.

No response. A month later website still showed "Blue."

In early May I rang the FD helpdesk and spoke with Juliana, who said that my account had no notations. All materials received by fax or mail are always noted in the account. Said it could be in process. Check back in a month.

In early June I rang again and was told that there was no transfer form on file, nothing had been received, and I should write again explaining situation, etc.

Put together a complete package again for Ms Schmittmann with copy of her letter, both of my letters, photocopies of 2001 and 2002 UA 1K card, transfer form, UA statement (copy, as I sent back original in March/April package to FD). Faxed it and sent it registed mail, return receipt requested, from Barcelona. Also emailed the FD helpdesk at [email protected] to advise of the package.

No response. Account still showed "Blue."

Then something weird happened: on www.klm.es website, when logged on in English account says "Blue". When logged on in Spanish, account says "Royal Wing." [Still true as of today.]

I immediately called the FD helpdesk, but the young woman said that her screen still showed my account as "Blue." Said she would look into it and I should call back the next day.

Called back and spoke with a Spanish guy, Antonio. He was shocked (to put it mildly) to hear of this ordeal. Asked for copies again of everything, including a printout of the KLM.es screen in Spanish that says I am Royal Wing. I faxed everything to him within the hour.

I now have another KLM trip planned for next week to earn the remaining service level points for the 100% mileage match. It is slow-going for Spanish members, as we earn half the points of UK or German members.

But now KLM cannot assign me decent seats because Reservations shows me as still a Blue member. They said that if I were Royal Wing I could be assigned an aisle or other preferred seat.

Called Flying Dutchman again to explain, but they said they doubted they could make any progress before I fly between Amsterdam and San Francisco next week. So, it looks like a middle seat in coach for 10 hours.

I am getting a little nervous about this Elite Guest Plus promotion. Technically it ends for everyone by August 15 or earlier, so I have only 4 weeks to get registered. Not much time to enjoy Royal Wing, if I ever get it.

Is anyone else in a similar boat? Does anyone have a clue why the Spanish language version of my logged-in account would say Royal Wing whilst English continues to say Blue?

Thanks for any encouraging words of support.

Horizons




------------------
~ Friends don't let friends fly coach ~