What do the concierge's do?
 

As a new SE (albeit one no longer flying AC much), what services do the concierge's offer? In other words, what do the SE's use them for?

I wasn't even aware they existed until now, nor know how to find/contact them beyond the wallet card with the phone numbers that I just received in my SE kit. Do they have their own rooms similar to the UA 1K rooms at major airports?

Or am I asking something not publicly mentioned very much? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I was met once by a concierge at LHR and escorted through immigration and customs to the AC Arrivals Lounge, I assume, because I had a 4 hour connection. That is the only time I have seen or dealt with one.

Well, above and beyond stuff they've done for me:

1) made sure a vegetarian meal was boarded specially for my spouse (travelling with me) even though the request had fallen off her PNR - just try and do something like that if you're not SE and not dealing with a concierge. they laugh at you. she called the caterer and had them bring over a J-class veg meal (we saw it arrive) even though we were travelling economy. (this was at YYZ)

2) at HNL doing the transfer to SYD I've arrived at the baggage carousel and they've had my bags all stacked and waiting on a cart for me

3) set up an impromptu birthday party for my spouse at the airport (even though she wasn't travelling with me) - this was way over the top and scored BIG points with me.

That's cool - are these things you requested in advance or are they activities done by the concierge(s) themselves?

I would say a concierge planning on their own an impromptu birthday party for your wife would spell Divorce.

I have been escorted through security front of the line. In LAX

Baggauge waiting while I went through customs NRT, then Tomami went to find my supplier who was picking me up.

Christopher in YVR got me on an earlier flight before I landed in YVR from Tokyo.

Look for the concierges and itroduce yourself. These people are amazing. E-mail your requests to them and they get done.

AC has put these people in place as if they know that the regular service is sub par.

SUPER ELITE CONCIERGES ROCK

The only thing requested in advance was the birthday party - I sent an email to the station asking if they could do a meet and greet when she disembarked, and get her a cupcake or something, but they did alot more, including several gifts, customs & baggage escort, etc. etc.. I wouldn't expect that from them every time (actually, i wouldn't expect it from them ANY time.)

It's too bad that the SEx coupons couldn't be used anymore. I wrote a couple of letters of thanks both to the concierge, and the SE desk.

This is rather refreshing to see some positive posts about AC in an area that they do well in.

Thanks for all the feedback.

SCOOP... " It's too bad that the SEx coupons couldn't be used anymore "

Wow... this gives " service " a whole new meaning.... smile

From the Aeroplan Guide, the concierge service should be available to SE - for any class of service, and for other Aeroplan/non-Aeroplan members - who fly paid business class (I am assuming that this service does not exist for those who fly upgraded business class). On employment sponsors' trips, I have flown on fully paid business class fares on AC - domestically, transborder, and transatlantic - I have never seen the concierge representative at any airport.

My only caveat is that this is something they DID do well in. I, too, had amazing service from the concierge(s) I encountered pre-AC days.

However, I've had virtually no concierge proactiveness since AC took over from Canadian....

But maybe it's just me...

I have had all sorts of concierge proactiveness. This last week, one greeted me and gave me chocolates and the other brought my next segment boarding pass to the ramp as I was deplaning.

I have had great service from them in FRA, LAX, ORD, YYZ, YYC, LHR.

OK ... enough ... time to chip in...

Quite frankly the concierges are a one of the reasons that I'm sticking with AC this year. The are in a word FANTASTIC. I never abuse the fact that I have access to them but it's pretty comforting to know that when I need a hand they will be incredibly responsive.

I have had amazing service over the past few years from concierges in GRU, YYZ, YVR and YUL. Most recently last week in LGA. Most particularly the crew in LAX (Steve, Rita and Dave) are very friendly and very good at what they do.

They are particularly good at taking care of spouse and kids when they are travelling either with or meeting up with you. I've had the concierge meet my wife and kids in YUL and escort them to the MLL after a flight from YYZ. I was coming in from YVR a few hours later and wanted them to wait somewhere comfortable.

Pleeeeeese ... do not question the value of the concierge service and give AC any ideas. They are reasonably proactive but it does no harm to gently introduce yourself to them in the course of your travels. You will see them dressed in the black uniforms typically carrying a clipboard

The ones in LHR are the only ones I have dealt with and they were really great (Jennifer? Dawn?). But, then again, ALL of the "ladies" in LHR are great - in the arrivals lounge and the MLL

I was SE for 3 years and I never saw any concierge in my life.

I called once the concierge at the SE number to ask if she can help me with some travelling problems and she said: "Sorry, I cannot help you.".

I think this service is just a laugh.