I've always been one of those travelers who didn't feel the need to pull out the elite level frequent stay/flyer card because I figured they could see my status on the omnipotent computer; now, I'm not so sure. I'm curious whether people routinely take out that Hyatt Platnium or Continental Gold Elite card when checking in, or checking on an upgrade? Thoughts?

For me it depends.

When travelling home airline I dont bother (unless I am using an easy-check machine). They can retrieve my booking easily from name off passport. For other airlines, if travelling on eticket I usually provide the card. IMHO less hassle than a printed itin. If travelling on a paper ticket I wont bother, unless I think there's a chance my FFP# isnt entered (or I've changed my mind which one to credit to since booking).

Sometimes card comes in handy if there's someone guarding which line you can use to check-in.

I have a wallet with an ID pull out with a top and bottom window. Top window goes my driver's license, bottom window is my DL card (soon to be an AA card). So when I check in, they see my ID and SkyMiles card. I think it works well.

with regards to the op's question, i recently asked the same question. Posts by fellow Fter's are in the link below.

hope that helps.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...=483708&page=2

I only pull it out, with a smile, if FA at the desk said to me "This line is for elite only".

I usually only pull it out to use in CO's kiosks to print my boarding pass. It's much easier than fumbling around for my confirmation number or using a credit card.

Other than that, most of my cards rarely leave their wallet. But I do carry them just in case I need them.

I've only shown the card in 2 sets of circumstances. First, when my status has recently risen. Hilton had my status as Gold for a couple months after I hit Diamond due in part to my making reservations prior to status change and in part due to database problems on their end. Second, when I'm flying a partner airline and wish to board early or use an elite check-in line. In all other circumstances, they seem to know who and what I am.

I always show my card when checking in for my flight/hotel. It makes it easier to find your reservation and helps to ensure the points post correctly, which is the important thing!

I only pull out my elite cards under two circumstances --

1) I need to use one of the phone numbers on the back, or

2) My number didn't get recorded on my reservation at a hotel/rental car company....

Bob H

Can't remember the last time I showed someone by CO elite card.

Hilton Diamond card gets "flashed" when presenting credit card at hotel check-in.

I use my card as I have a very common family name and therefore it is easier to get the corret reservation out of the system, especially in hotels with more than just a few rooms.
In foreign countires, it helps the staff to catch you name.

As a sidenote the check-in staff notice you are a frequent guest

The only time I ever pull out the card is when I'm flying oneworld carriers. I just want to make sure my AAdvantage number is entered and get access to the FC lounges......especially in HKG.

I use my AAdvantage Plat card when I'm in the Business class checkin line for an economy ticket or when I'm doing the self-checkin kiosks. Who knows what information they store when you swipe your credit card in one of those things!

Mostly I only really need my EXP card when using a BA lounge, as they have a policy of not believing what's printed on your BP and will often only admit you with the card. (See threads passim in the AA forum - though I've never understood - if they think you could fake your status on the BP, why should they believe you're flying at all? Surely you could fake the whole thing.)

Never flashed my HH Diamond, though maybe I should after the crappy service I've had at a couple of properties, notably the SEATAC Hilton and the ES CLE - contrasted with the last time I stayed at the Hilton Newcastle. The client called to make my booking and was told "Oh yes, Mr chartreuse, he's a Diamond member!" Upgrade, lounge, everything. Way to become one of my favourite properties

Almost certainly no information is stored - and there's nothing on there they don't already know about me since I use that credit card to purchase tickets, and they already know all my contact information and even my flight history. I agree there may be privacy concerns with the databases they use or information I've shared, but self-checkin kiosks are not the weak point in the system.