VirtualTroy, I know what you mean. I've always thought that the oneworld status symbol thingies are pretty small and difficult to see - especially, the difference between sapphire and emerald can be difficult to see on some cards, especially in the 'moody' lighting of some lounges. In this aspect I think the Star Alliance approach makes more sense: as well as a coloured symbol it actually says whether it is gold or silver etc.

While we're on the subject of Star Alliance, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Air Canada Elite card, having finally reached the dizzy heights of Star Gold status. The basic AC card is quite attractive, with a red maple leaf on a white background, but by all accounts the elite one is tack-a-rama (gold on black or something similar). This of course begs the question: what is more important, status or aesthetic sensibilities? (OK, this *is* FT, I know the answer already!)

Getting back on topic, whoever did the redesign of the QF cards last time didn't do a very imaginative job. There are some very stylish cards out there (the new bmi and AirNZ ones, for example) but the QF ones are dull, dull, dull... and the bronze ones (like mine - blush!) are a particularly virulent pinkish shade.