Originally Posted by
number_6
I qualified years ago (when lounge dragons were less fierce) so I don't have any personal experience with this, but almost every time that I go into certain lounges (BA at LHR, FL at ORD, etc.) there is someone at the desk arguing with the lounge dragon. Often along the lines of "I don't have my card, and my BP doesn't show the right status, but I really am Emerald" and they never get in. BA current policy is that they will not call anyone or look at anything in the computer to determine lounge admission eligibility. It is in writing in their procedures book. So you must present the physical card to get in. Sometimes that requirement is waived, but that is a favour and not an entitlement.
Sounds like the complete opposite of QF. With the Qantas Clubs I noticed that presentation of a BP with the requisite status is sufficient. A number of times I was even stopped from fishing out my card as the agents spotted my status in the BP - bless their sharp eyes.
I remember when I first qualified for sapphire but didn't have my card and the status didn;t show up in my booking - all it took was one call to AA to confirm said status and I was promptly allowed entry.
Joint QF/BA lounges have always asked for my card though.