All That Glitters

By now, many Harrah's regulars in Joliet and East Chicago have found that they're no longer Total Gold members. Some will have found enhanced benefits with new Total Platinum cards, while the elite few have been upgraded to Total Diamond.

Total Platinum members can expect priority reservations in restaurants and check-ins at hotels, personalized travel service, airfare discounts and enhanced offers in the mail. At the Total Diamond level, players also receive access to VIP lounges, complimentary meals, free room upgrades, show tickets and invitations to special events.

The three-tiered program is designed to offer enhanced benefits to more customers than were served under the old Total Gold Star program. There are tens of thousands more Total Platinum members than there were Total Gold Star holders.

However, the changeover is not seamless. Under the old program, Total Gold Star holders had access to VIP lounges and received complimentary buffets on each visit. Not all Total Gold Star holders retain those benefits in the new program. Many have been issued Total Platinum cards, which do not include lounge access and automatic meal comps. For them, the switch to Total Platinum is a downgrade, not an enhancement.

I've received e-mail from several Gold Star holders caught in the switch. The Grochowski family also took a hit. My parents were Gold Star holders; now they have Total Platinum. Same with me.

Overall, Total Gold/Total Platinum/Total Diamond means more slot club benefits to more players. But a few will find they were better off under the old program.

AIRLINE UPDATE: I've noted before that Harrah's Total Gold members receive 20 percent discounts on travel to Las Vegas on National Airlines. That program, which was targeted at Total Gold members through direct mail, ended June 30.

However, discounts continue. The benefits package for Total Platinum members details a 10 percent discount on National flights, and says Total Platinum holders also can receive discounts on other Harrah's partner airlines.

The 20 pecent discount offer was also renewed to some players. If you're a Harrah's regular, check your mailbox.