I qualified for early Elite recognition this year which will be convenient as I have a long vacation planned from late December through late May next year.

The Elite card expires next February, after which the new card will kick in. By the time my new card arrives, however, I will be somewhere in SE Asia.

Despite the Feb 2008 expiry date, will the old card be recognized in the *A system or will I be obligated to produce the new card? If it won't be recognized, has anyone had any luck getting the new card early just by asking nicely? Is there a way *A can confirm status without a card?

Cheers