I have had trips where my airfare reimbursement exceeded my theo.

And once again as I stated in the part of my post that you snipped, it was an overcomp and not a disc.

I don't see how any of that is relevant. My statement was just that if you lose more than $10k, you should ask for airfare, and 5% of loss is pretty standard. I stand by that. I think it's important to point out, because many people don't know about it. My experience is that, when I ask, I get it 100% of the time, and, when I don't ask, I get it 0% of the time (since I found out about it, I always ask when I lose). My experience is also that no matter how much you are undercomped, you won't get it when you win.

If someone gets it, I don't think that they particularly care if it's an overcomp or a disc. I'd suspect that most people don't even know the difference. I'm not even sure how you could tell the difference, since they don't tell you.

The distinction is important so as to set the appropriate expectations for readers of this forum by giving correct and accurate information. Telling people that they will get airfare comped for losing 10k is absolutely not the same thing as telling people that they may become eligible for getting airfare comped only when they lose at least 10k.

It's also important because if it's coming out of the comp balance, it could be applied to anything else, so that needs to be made clear to anyone reading the advice. This is why people make a big deal about the cruise benefit for Plats (especially the $375-750 credit), as it is a completely value-added bauble.

I never said that he would definitely get it. I said that he should ask for it. Do you disagree? Again:

Do you disagree with this advice?

:confused: I have never suggested that you said losing 10k would "definitely get" an airfare comp. I brought up that point in my original post as the antithesis so as to distinguish/clarify the truth because I felt there was a chance your statement could be interpreted as airfare as a disc comp based on losses, rather than on theo / comp balance; further, I wanted to point out that since it's coming out of comp balance even if it's an overcomp, said comp could be applied to anything. I never even disagreed with what you originally said, only wanted to clarify because of how you stated it.

Please note that you chose to agree strongly with my proposed antithesis, even while now stating that you never explicitly said it. Perhaps this epitomizes the absurd and unnecessary back-and-forth of the last several posts.

I never said anything about comp balance vs discretionary comps. I'm not even sure that you're correct, because I've never bothered to find out. In the end, my bill is always 0 (except for tips) at the end of my trip, so I'm not too worried about which bucket the airfare is coming out of.

My only statement was that anyone who has a big loss should ask for airfare. That's it. There were no other implications.

CRAP - can anyone verify that platinum MLIFE members can no longer use the VIP check-in ?

The VIP checkin used to be key for free top shelf booze 24-7 during stays

This kills Mlife for me if this is true, no way I will get comped to NOIR status...

has anyone tried recently and confirmed what their website now says (no lounge for plat)??

TIA

Was that previously included?

I think maybe the Hyatt matching system (Diamond becomes Platinum) brought in so many new Platinum's, that it might be forcing them to water down the Platinum benefits??

We are Platinum and get VIP check in at the MGM Grand but I think it part of our offer not based on status. I don't think every Platinum gets to use the lounge for check in.

How long ago were platinum members automatically allowed to use VIP check-in? I've been platinum for a few years now and this has never been the case. You are only able to use VIP if your host coded your reservation to use it, and it's been like that for at least the past 3 years.

How does this get you free top-shelf booze?

This varies by property, doesn't it? Earlier this year I could use the VIP lounge at MC at will (even if not staying there) just by flashing my Plat card. Tried to get into the lounge at Mirage just to grab a bottle of water and they were very clear that it was Noir only (or true VIP).

Yes, it varies by property. The "higher-end" properties have never allowed Plats to use the VIP check-in. rb23lb will have to mention which property this policy has apparently changed at.

Oh, as far as what MGM properties have lounges... I don't know if you'd call it a "real lounge" but the MGM Grand has a little area in the high limit room with hot food (sometimes) and its own bar. It's Noir-only.

I'm a Platinum and my host codes me to use the VIP check-in lounge and the 62nd floor lounge at Mandalay Bay. I don't think it's an automatic perk and it depends upon your play and relationship with your host. I assume that Noirs get it automatically (sadly, I lost Noir last year during the big downgrade).