Question: Checking in baggage in US
Jan 4, 2010 | 4:26 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 108
Checking in baggage in US
Hi there!
My mom just got Elite status and the card will come in useful when she's travelling in the States in 3 weeks. She just selected her Elite privileges online and I'm not sure she'll get the card in time.
If she is at the "United" counter in the States, can they look up her AP # in the system to see that she is Star Alliance gold so that she can check in luggage for free or do they only look for the card?
thanks,
My mom just got Elite status and the card will come in useful when she's travelling in the States in 3 weeks. She just selected her Elite privileges online and I'm not sure she'll get the card in time.
If she is at the "United" counter in the States, can they look up her AP # in the system to see that she is Star Alliance gold so that she can check in luggage for free or do they only look for the card?
thanks,
Jan 4, 2010 | 4:57 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: AE, SPG, HH
Posts: 340
They may want the card but she can try giving them her number instead. I just did it both ways on my trip to and from LAS via DEN and once I just ranted off my number and once they added it to the account it showed *G - rest was history.
Jan 4, 2010 | 5:35 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: YUL
Posts: 2,116
Perhaps Aeroplan can send a fax confirming the AC*E status?
Jan 4, 2010 | 8:59 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: AC*SE
Posts: 122
Qualifying for Elite on Jan 4? 35,000 miles in <4 days must be some sort of record! Anyhow, my guess is that it's a 2010 Elite package only and not 2009+2010 Elite right? Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but unfortunately, the Elite status actually doesn't start until March 1st for those qualifying right at year's end. The package probably won't arrive until mid Feb at the earliest (Mid Jan for the next sweep of new Elite packages to be sent + 2-3 weeks mail time).
It might start showing up on your boarding pass with a *G for UA flights in mid Feb but if your mom is flying out at the end of January, chances are, she won't be getting the Elite perks officially yet.
It might start showing up on your boarding pass with a *G for UA flights in mid Feb but if your mom is flying out at the end of January, chances are, she won't be getting the Elite perks officially yet.
Jan 4, 2010 | 9:07 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YYC
Posts: 25,036
Qualifying for Elite on Jan 4? 35,000 miles in <4 days must be some sort of record! Anyhow, my guess is that it's a 2010 Elite package only and not 2009+2010 Elite right? Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but unfortunately, the Elite status actually doesn't start until March 1st for those qualifying right at year's end.
Jan 4, 2010 | 9:19 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: AC*SE
Posts: 122
I thought it would show up (didn't know to look for the *G/AC*E) but ended up getting yelled at by the GA for not being an Elite at priority boarding.
Jan 4, 2010 | 9:33 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 108
Thank for everyone's input,
In response to post #6, it is from 2009. I believe she went 36000 miles last year so she barely made it
I just read further on the AP website that the the benefits officially start on March 1, however when she logs into the AP website there is a banner that says Elite now. I guess we'll see what happens at the check in counter to see if she is Gold Star Alliance member yet. She didn't have any status previously so she can't use last year's card.
In response to post #6, it is from 2009. I believe she went 36000 miles last year so she barely made it
I just read further on the AP website that the the benefits officially start on March 1, however when she logs into the AP website there is a banner that says Elite now. I guess we'll see what happens at the check in counter to see if she is Gold Star Alliance member yet. She didn't have any status previously so she can't use last year's card.
Jan 4, 2010 | 9:57 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 16,188
While UA should be able to tell she's elite, note that it can take longer for systems from partner carriers to recognize the status - its not necessarily real time. So just because it says elite on the AP site, does not mean that UA computers will see that immediately. If you don't have the card, one other way of showing can be to print out a screen shot of the Web page showing the elite status is there. May not work, but just may.
Lounge access will likely require a card, however.
Lounge access will likely require a card, however.