Not sure, he does have a MPO card as he used to use it prior to 1W. So CX does have his address and number so maybe they matched up the name somehow? I will check with his travel agent as well.

Just wanted to update on my attemp of comping to silver.

Just called the MPC desk. A chinese agent answered my phone call, and I had this "bad feeling" from the start. She sounded like one of those "obey by the book" agent. Well, I explained my situation, and she seems to give no pity or understanding to what I had to say, but to answer "We can't do it because you don't have enough qualifying points"... --> duh, that's why I called them up and asked them if they could "comp" me in the first place!

I tried to explain that I fear I do not get my membership material in time for my onward travel, then she told me I could just explain my situation to the ground staff at the airport, and they could check up on their computer. So, this part sounds like what Commuter has said to me.

I will call again the next day, and I'm just hoping I can speak to someone who's got the authority to play around with elite staus matters.

Well, if they don't help you out, you can try at the airport. Once you've been checked in, I would imagine that the computer then views you as "flying." At that point you can say, "Well, I've now achieved Silver, according to the inanimate computer. May I use the lounge here?" They will probably be confused, but might let it go if you do it with a nice sense of humor.

If that doesn't work, there are always the more subtle methods:

1-threats
2-begging
3-crying

Commuter:

I'm actually not the big fan of lounge, I enjoy the time looking out the window at the runway, so lounge isn't the big issue. However, I really treasure the priority handling and the business class checkin, that's why I was insisting on this comping business.

I wouldn't try any of those "subtle" alternatives. I think they are for the selfish people... and I know for myself, that if their answer is "No", then no matter how much I cry, or threat, they won't listen. besides, this will expose my stupidity and cuase embarassment.

Maybe CX doesn't consider traveller like myself to be as much of a valued traveller; I guess one needs to fly FREQUENTLY on business/first class to be actually recognized. Because after all, we Economy class passengers are simply paying for the jet-fuel and their labor. Only upper class passengers will bring profit to the company.

Cathay has not learned the value of its customers. Many of us business travellers flying on full fare economy class tickets generate some serious bucks for them. I guess as the economy takes a turn for the worst they will learn the hard way who they should be treating better.

They do offer company Marco Polo clubs. My company has a bunch that circulate for people going on business trips. I know these cards get you into the lounge but I am not sure if they are good for anything else.