You deffo need the card ASAP!!! I lost mine and nearly had to cause war to get into the LH lounge in FRA!!! They are real dragions as posted above. Even when you do have you Gold card they just about let you in.

UA have always been fine though , I got in with the print out of my status off the BMI website. It looks like the policy has changed though as above. I guess it depends if you get a sympathetic lounge clerk!! Ive been in the LH lounge in LHR and didnt have my card and the girl said it doesnt matter because she could see the G* BD thing on my boarding card!!! It changes with each lounge you go to and is not consistant.