Airlines continue to issue a physical frequent flyer card to those with high elite status. You would think that in today’s well connected world, that this would not actually be required.
Usually your status will appear on your boarding pass and in your airline’s frequent flyer app. So why do they continue to send these out? Surely it is no longer needed?
The Physical Frequent Flyer Card
It is always nice to go up a level in an airline programme and receive a new physical frequent flyer card in the mail. I quite like opening the letter and getting a new card and baggage tags.
However, I can’t really think of any time that I have had to show the actual card. Usually my boarding pass will let me into the lounge, and it’s certainly never been needed when boarding a flight.
It’s also needed when there are IT issues and the airport and airline staff need proof you’re eligible for things like fast-track security or business class check-in. Computers are not fool proof, so it may be best to carry it with you.
Overall Thoughts
I keep my physical frequent flyer card in my wallet, so I have it with me all the time. That means I am not likely to forget to include it when going on my regular travels.
God forbid some issue occurred and I was told I wasn’t able to avail of the benefits I’ve earned. As I’ve become quite accustomed to them, it wouldn’t be a happy day if I was in a situation like that. At any rate, I could always use it to keep the power on in my hotel room, rather than using the room key!
Do you carry your frequent flyer card with you or do you rely on the app version or for the technology just to work correctly? Have you ever been asked to show your card and how did that come about? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Featured image by Ethan McArthur on Unsplash.
I figured out years ago to just make a list of my loyalty details and keep it in my wallet. I’ve never had an issue because I don’t have the card with me. But this post informs me that I should stick the applicable cards in my carryon just in case. Thanks!
I’ve never had a problem either, but some ultra frequent flyers have reported many times where they’ve been asked for the card, so I thought I’d better point that out. I’m lucky in that I don’t have many loyalty cards. Just the one important one, the rest can take care of themselves. Thanks for the comment!