quick question
 

Hi:

I have probably have a goofy question. Do you know which US carriers offer actual plastic frequent flyer cards? It seems you usually have to print off one on paper.

Thanks a lot!

The original may be a printed off version, but you will probably get a 'real' card once you have actually credited some travel miles. Once you get status you should definitely get a card, though there may be some plans (I can think of Flybe here in the UK) where you might not.

THanks,

Dr. PITUK

I think many FF programs don't send unless requested because folks w/ multiple FF accounts often don't carry the various FF cards anyway - bulks up your wallet. I keep condensed note listing all in wallet & on PC. I've never had (in recent years, anyway) anyone need to see a "real" card.

Northwest send out plastic cards only to elite members. Base level members get a paper card.

UA sent us cards as newbies on signup; NW wants status.
Handy at the kiosks, or making sure the car & hotel guys get it right.

Hotels: BW & ICH will 'card' newbies.

Wallet bulk? wanna see my collection of Casino cards ?? :D :D

/.

From personal experience, general members of American's AAdvantage and United's Mileage Plus get paper cards when first registering. Delta provided me with a plastic card for my account with no status.

As others have said, though, once you earn elite status on any airline, you will almost across the board get a plastic card.

Hi. Welcome to Flyertalk. :D

AA mailed my first one to me - paper laminated. Elite cards are plastic.

Just so you know, it is considered impolite here on Flyertalk to use vague thread titles. It is pretty difficult to remember a week later what somebody else's "quick question" was. A title like "Plastic Frequent Flyer Cards?" would be more suitable.