I hope this is in the right forum - as it is related to miles and not one specific airline.

What is the normal procedure for replacing lost(stolen actually) FF cards from various airlines? My wallet was stolen and with it most of my FF cards and I was wondering how people got them replaced.

It may seem like stating the obvious, but when I've lost/misplaced FF cards in the past, I've found that a quick phone call to the FF program in question is all it takes to get them replaced.

Typically takes 6-8 weeks to get new cards, so be patient.

You *do* have your numbers written down someplace, don't you?

You *do* have your numbers MEMORIZED, don't you?

Next time keep the FF and hotel cards at home and just write them down on an index card (sized-down to fit your wallet). This way you always have them, even when you don't think you need them! More important, this takes up a lot less space.

I've been doing this for years and it comes in rather handy.

I enter all my card details in a excel file and keep it in YAHOO brief case. Recently I lost my vallet in BKK and was able to retrive all cards' details by going to an internet cafe

Thanx for the responses, I realize that a quick phone call would do, but I seem to recall a friend being hassled about this (maybe because he lost his cards 4 times a year) I have my UA and SR numbers memorized and don't carry them around, but my AA,DL and other airlines that I fly 5-10K a year were lost. Thanx

Very good suggestion, drbala. I try to keep a list of current credit card and similar numbers in a PDA memo file.

Just an endorsement for PalmOS users...

strip is a freeware password management tool for PalmOS which I use to store all my web site logins, account numbers, FF numbers, etc. It's very handy, and secure because it encrypts the data on your PDA to protect it in the event of a lost or stolen device.

In the same vein as above, but for laptop users...

BestCrpyt is, in my opinion, a must have for laptop users. It allows you to create an virtual, encrypted drive letter within an existing drive. I then use this drive for quicken data, my email data, FF numbers, etc.

If the laptop gets stolen they will never get into the crypt-drive without the password. (For you techies it uses state of the art Blowfish 256bit military strength encryption).

Best of all, it's transparent, fast, automatic, and extremely easy to use.

PF




[This message has been edited by Pointfreak! (edited 08-30-2001).]

I don't see the rush to replace them as long as you know the number. I haven't had to show them for years.

If you have status you will be getting a new one in a few months, but if you really need one just call or drop them an e-mail and they will send one.

There is no rush - lost them in March, but I will not be getting status on any of the carriers soon, so sooner or later it might be nice to have a card - which is on its way now.

Unless you travel on alliance partners. Many of the Star Alliance partners want to see and actual card for access to their lounges,etc. Just and FYI...

Some *A partners (depending on check-in site) now print coded *A status on the BP, such as UA*G, TG*G, etc., which is generally enough for partner *A lounge entry. Also, most lounges will provide admission if the carrier prints their own status (but not the *A code) on the BP which correspones to *G. For example, a UA BP might say PREMIER EXEC 100K with no additional notes on *A status. I have found that to be good enough for entry into most *A lounges, at least here in Asia, without the need to drag out a card (which is helpful when your hands are full, dragging a bunch of bags around).

In a worst-case scenario, ask the check-in agent to print up a lounge invitation card, write a note, or call the lounge, which they are generally quite happy to do.

This and UAL Traveler, thanx. Never even thought to carry my cards, just relying on them looking up my name, if needed, or looking at my ticket, which usually had the number printed on it.

I'm sure having no status had something to do with my simple thinking, but I seem to be catching on, however slowly. Having status is like a whole other world.

For the cards that were lost that you don't know the numbers for, you can simply call up the airline's 800 number and ask them to look up your FF# and they should tell you. I've done this on NW, AA and DL after I had misplaced my cards. Also, you can ask for replacement cards to be issued as well.