How are Low / Medium / High risk levels calculated?
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Risk levels are based on aggregated check-in reports from FlyerTalk forums, Reddit (r/churning, r/awardtravel), Fishbowl, and travel communities. Low = under 10% of reported check-ins resulted in an ID request. Medium = 10–40%, inconsistent enforcement, usually at full-service urban properties. High = 50%+ rate, or documented systematic enforcement at specific properties.
Why does the same company show different risks across brands?
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Each hotel chain enforces rates independently. A code rated Low at Radisson (franchise network, minimal enforcement) may be Medium at Marriott (widespread community visibility, centralized systems) or High at Hyatt in Asia (documented systematic checks). Our per-brand ratings reflect each chain's actual, observed enforcement pattern.
Are Asian hotels significantly stricter?
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Yes — Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore properties verify credentials in approximately 75–80% of check-ins, versus 10–25% in North America. Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Park Hyatt properties across Asia, and InterContinental hotels in major Asian cities are among the most enforcement-active. FlyerTalk users consistently report being asked for business cards, badges, or even corporate email confirmation in Asia.
What makes a code High risk specifically?
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Three factors drive High ratings: (1) Documented systematic enforcement — a specific property policy targeting that code; (2) Named in community lore as consistently checked (e.g., Marriott Friends & Family, General Dynamics at Marriott); (3) Automated system flags — Marriott's system has been documented to disable Mobile Key for certain codes, forcing a front-desk interaction regardless of individual staff policy.