carrying your Medallion card?
Aug 22, 2012, 6:20 am
#16
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ATL
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Aug 22, 2012, 6:40 am
#18
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Aug 22, 2012, 7:01 am
#19
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: USA
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Aug 22, 2012, 8:11 am
#20
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Aug 22, 2012, 9:13 am
#21
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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Aug 22, 2012, 11:10 am
#22
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Based in DCA, but spending much time in Chile, Arizona, northern England, and airports
Programs: DL PM; Delta Amex Reserve
Posts: 91
The only situations I've been in where it helped were international, as others have said. Back before I had any status, a colleague got us into the priority lane at SCL. The gatekeeper refused to let us go to the check-in window even though her boarding pass said "elite plus" (or whatever it was back then); he wanted to see the card. Finally the desk agent overheard and waved us forward. Could have been a Spanish-English thing, but the card would have helped. I still carry mine.
Aug 22, 2012, 11:20 am
#23
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Southern Nevada
Programs: DL DM/MM, Priority Club Plat, HH Silver, Marriott, Hertz President's Circle, WN Rapid Rewards
Posts: 141
I carry mine in a wallet in my backpack; use it fairly frequently when going into AF or KLM lounges. It is easier than getting into a discussion on the meaning of "Sky Team Elite Plus" on my boarding pass.
Aug 22, 2012, 11:21 am
#24
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: AA EP, DL GM
Posts: 108
I read a post on here recently which got me to thinking. I think the gist of the post was that there was an IROP or something and the FA gave all the elites some sky pesos by swiping thier card, right there on the plane. Which brings me to my ? - i NEVER carry my Medallion card. I certainly have my # memorized so I see no need to carry my card. I've also seen some posts on here where the card gets you into STE lounges if there is a dispute. Those are both compelling reasons to carry the card but I wonder if most ppl on here, in fact, carry the card? Besides the two aforementioned examples, are there other reasons to physically carry the Medallion card? Hopefully my new shiny Platinum should come in a few weeks since I'm PM as of yesterday..............
I'd love your thoughts/reasons to carry the Medallion card - or not? thanks. Safe travels everybody.
I'd love your thoughts/reasons to carry the Medallion card - or not? thanks. Safe travels everybody.FWIW, I got into the LHR ST lounge a few weeks ago using my BP and reciting my SM number to the desk agent. There was thread with mixed reviews as to whether the physical card is needed, and though it wasn't in my case, it prompted me to start carrying the card.
Another good reason is for getting through TSA elite lines when you aren't flying DL, but bag tags can accomplish that as well.
Aug 22, 2012, 11:59 am
#25
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM 1.7MM
Posts: 134
I whip mine out (my DM card, I mean 
) much more than I would have thought.
AF lounges and check in on KLM are most common uses.
For reasons I don't understand (and nobody seems to be able to explain) I can't check in online for KLM, usually can't check in via kiosk, and if I check in at the desk without a discussion, my SM number and ST elite won't print on my boarding pass. I've taken to just handing them my passport and DM card to avoid the chatter ("Oof, that is not possible, sir.") and number recital/repetition.
On a related note, I carried my UAL 1K card for at least 5 years after I quit flying them. Did nothing domestically, but at distant partner stations it worked like a charm for getting in priority lines. (Held with thumb over expiration date.)
) much more than I would have thought.AF lounges and check in on KLM are most common uses.
For reasons I don't understand (and nobody seems to be able to explain) I can't check in online for KLM, usually can't check in via kiosk, and if I check in at the desk without a discussion, my SM number and ST elite won't print on my boarding pass. I've taken to just handing them my passport and DM card to avoid the chatter ("Oof, that is not possible, sir.") and number recital/repetition.
On a related note, I carried my UAL 1K card for at least 5 years after I quit flying them. Did nothing domestically, but at distant partner stations it worked like a charm for getting in priority lines. (Held with thumb over expiration date.)
Last edited by cmaas; Aug 22, 2012 at 12:05 pm Reason: typo
Aug 22, 2012, 12:17 pm
#26
Suspended
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I keep mine in my wallet all the time not because I need it often but because I'd forget to dig it out and bring it with me when I do need it.
Aug 22, 2012, 12:37 pm
#27
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
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Aug 22, 2012, 2:06 pm
#28
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Aug 22, 2012, 2:48 pm
#29
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta GM, Marriott Platinum, Hertz 5*
Posts: 2,530
I keep my SM card (and not my SC card) in my wallet. There are three things (which have already been mentioned upthread) which I use it for regularly. These more than justify the minuscule space occupied and the insignificant weight added to my wallet by the SM card. The better question, I think, is why NOT carry it?
I always use my SM card for SC access. I always use an eBP and it is easier to hand them my SM card and ID than my phone. I swipe my SM card at the kiosk if I need to check for an earlier flight option, then show my ID at security, so I already have both out when I get to the SC.
I also have my SM number memorized, but it's much faster to just swipe the card. Plus half the time the screen calibration on the kiosk seems to be off.
Prepay for any lot... It's $10 in advance and that w/ the medallion card gets you in the premium parking area. It's only $15 if you pay on the spot.
I also have my SM number memorized, but it's much faster to just swipe the card. Plus half the time the screen calibration on the kiosk seems to be off.
Prepay for any lot... It's $10 in advance and that w/ the medallion card gets you in the premium parking area. It's only $15 if you pay on the spot.