May 24, 2013, 3:53 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
NOTE: The current thread can be found here.
Five Star Service : Personalized Departure, Connection, or Arrival services available in major US airports and some international airports.
Departing passengers are met curbside, assisted through check-in, escorted through an expedited security lane (Usually PriorityAAccess), escorted to the AAdmirals Club, escorted to the gate, and then they can either pre-board or be the last one to board.
Connecting passengers are met at the arrivals gate. For International arrivals, passengers are Escort through Immigration and Customs, baggage claim, and Security. Then, they are escorted to the AAdmirals Club, escorted to the gate, and then they can either pre-board or be the last one to board.
Arriving passengers are are met at the arrivals gate. For International arrivals, passengers are Escort through Immigration and Customs, and baggage claim.
AA Five Star Service have stated that they are not allowed into the Customs/Immigration hall at MIA. Passengers will be escorted to the customs/immigration hall and met when they exit the customs/immigration hall when the Five Star service will continue.
Some passengers have reported that they have been escorted through the Diplomatic lane at DFW, ORD, JFK. At MIA, no fast track is provided.
- Five Star Service also include Pro-active Flight Monitoring and Priority Re-Accommodation during Delays.
- Golf Carts are used to Escort passengers through the terminal in most locations (usually not offered at JFK)
- Five Star Service is available to customers with confirmed and ticketed travel on the day of Five Star Service in either First or Business class on at least one segment of the customer's itinerary.
US Airports
Los Angeles [LAX]
Miami [MIA]
New York Kennedy [JFK]
New York LaGuardia [LGA]
Boston [BOS]
Chicago [ORD]
Dallas/Fort Worth [DFW]
San Francisco [SFO]
Washington Reagan [DCA]
International
Buenos Aires [EZE]
London Heathrow [LHR]
Milan [MXP]
Narita [NRT]
Sao Paulo [GRU]
Cost (As of October 21, 2013)
Prices vary by location for the first passenger.
LAX, MIA, JFK, LGA - $250
BOS, ORD, DFW, SFO, DCA - $250
EZE, LHR, MXP, NRT, GRU - $300
Additional adults cost $75, additional children (17 and under) $50.
Assistance is provided by the Premium Passengers/Concierge Key Representatives
ARCHIVE: AA Five Star Service / FSS Personal Assistance (consolidated)
Aug 30, 2016, 12:59 pm
#541
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SAV,JAX
Programs: AA-LT Gold 1.2MM ,DL, Marriott LT TITANIUM; HH Gold, AMEX PLT
Posts: 495
I am flying FCO-ORD-JAX on Friday Sept. 2 and have contracted 5* service for DH and I. It looks like a tropical storm will hit JAX on Friday evening and most likely airport will close.
If I get stuck in ORD on Friday night will 5* service carry over to next day for connection?
If I get stuck in ORD on Friday night will 5* service carry over to next day for connection?
Aug 30, 2016, 4:43 pm
#542
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
I am flying FCO-ORD-JAX on Friday Sept. 2 and have contracted 5* service for DH and I. It looks like a tropical storm will hit JAX on Friday evening and most likely airport will close.
If I get stuck in ORD on Friday night will 5* service carry over to next day for connection?
If I get stuck in ORD on Friday night will 5* service carry over to next day for connection?
Sep 8, 2016, 5:22 pm
#543
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Programs: Honors Diamond; AA Ex Plat; AS MVP 75K
Posts: 225
I am literally in the midst of the 5* experience using on a business class ticket JFK-EZE. Does one need to tip the assistant in these situations?
Sep 8, 2016, 6:09 pm
#544
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SAV,JAX
Programs: AA-LT Gold 1.2MM ,DL, Marriott LT TITANIUM; HH Gold, AMEX PLT
Posts: 495
Sep 8, 2016, 7:59 pm
#545
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
Sep 8, 2016, 8:51 pm
#547
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Arizona, USA
Posts: 2,403
I've used it five times in the past few months. Perfect service every time. Two of them accepted tips; the others did not. I sent them thank you notes, but I doubt that they ever get them.
I just booked it again for a trip in a few weeks. Even though I have an Admiral's Club membership, it's knowing that someone will make sure that you have a seamless experience.
I have such a hatred for crowds, lines, angry mobs, and... of course... the TSA.
The only bummer is at DFW: the Five Star agents leave you on your own to fend with security. They go through a separate entrance.
By far the best experience was at LAX, but I'd happily pay every time. They all have such class, calm, and warmth. It's especially great when they walk you on the plane.
I dislike having people see me or watch me. These people are so good at discretion. I explained that I struggled with crowds and chaos, so one arranged for a private sitting room at an Admiral's Club. We sat there together until it was ready to board. We had a nice chat, and I felt like I was on midazolam... all peaceful and calm. I don't want to be treated like a celebrity; I just want a calm and comfortable trip. They really get it.
I was toying with the idea for a tight connection at O'Hare, but it seemed like a waste of $250 for such a short amount of time. I'll have to think about that one.
When I called this morning, the phone agent was great. They've always been so thoughtful, asking if there was anything I would need, and making sure I knew I could call any time if I had any particular requests.
For this particular trip, I chose American over United because of Five Star service. United only has something contracted out to a third party. American gets this one right.
I just booked it again for a trip in a few weeks. Even though I have an Admiral's Club membership, it's knowing that someone will make sure that you have a seamless experience.
I have such a hatred for crowds, lines, angry mobs, and... of course... the TSA.
The only bummer is at DFW: the Five Star agents leave you on your own to fend with security. They go through a separate entrance.
By far the best experience was at LAX, but I'd happily pay every time. They all have such class, calm, and warmth. It's especially great when they walk you on the plane.
I dislike having people see me or watch me. These people are so good at discretion. I explained that I struggled with crowds and chaos, so one arranged for a private sitting room at an Admiral's Club. We sat there together until it was ready to board. We had a nice chat, and I felt like I was on midazolam... all peaceful and calm. I don't want to be treated like a celebrity; I just want a calm and comfortable trip. They really get it.
I was toying with the idea for a tight connection at O'Hare, but it seemed like a waste of $250 for such a short amount of time. I'll have to think about that one.
When I called this morning, the phone agent was great. They've always been so thoughtful, asking if there was anything I would need, and making sure I knew I could call any time if I had any particular requests.
For this particular trip, I chose American over United because of Five Star service. United only has something contracted out to a third party. American gets this one right.
Sep 8, 2016, 10:34 pm
#548
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
Such an informative thread.
We have a QF - AA 90 minute connection into DFW including a change of terminal, both in F but separate tickets (so no more protection under OW rules).
While QF has hosts who can be requested in DFW we are ultimately concerned with making our flight, or being reaccommodated on the later service. The later flight currently only has 2 F seats for sale :s
So the question is: Will paying for 5* service enable our ability to be reaccommodated over other pax such as upgrades?
We have a QF - AA 90 minute connection into DFW including a change of terminal, both in F but separate tickets (so no more protection under OW rules).
While QF has hosts who can be requested in DFW we are ultimately concerned with making our flight, or being reaccommodated on the later service. The later flight currently only has 2 F seats for sale :s
So the question is: Will paying for 5* service enable our ability to be reaccommodated over other pax such as upgrades?
Sep 9, 2016, 3:34 am
#549
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SAV,JAX
Programs: AA-LT Gold 1.2MM ,DL, Marriott LT TITANIUM; HH Gold, AMEX PLT
Posts: 495
My travels went as planned. No IRROPS. However the 5* rep did tell me that if we had to stay overnight they would take care of us the next day. Good to know for the future.
Sep 9, 2016, 7:59 am
#550
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: JAL Global Club & oneworld Sapphire, ANA SFC & Star Alliance Gold
Posts: 3,746
Do they at least take you to the front of the line, or do you wait in line like everyone else? I'm condidering Five Star for an upcoming trip, and one of the criteria for my decision is whether they get me through security faster than I would go through otherwise.
Sep 9, 2016, 8:29 am
#551
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
In my experience they expedite your passing through security by taking you to the best line you are eligible for - Flagship, Pre Check, Priority, etc. but they do not have the authority to "bust the line" for you (at LAX they will inject you into the most expeditious line, for example). So the answer will be dependent on where you are - e.g. is there Flagship chevk-in?
Sep 9, 2016, 8:33 am
#552
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Such an informative thread.
We have a QF - AA 90 minute connection into DFW including a change of terminal, both in F but separate tickets (so no more protection under OW rules).
While QF has hosts who can be requested in DFW we are ultimately concerned with making our flight, or being reaccommodated on the later service. The later flight currently only has 2 F seats for sale :s
So the question is: Will paying for 5* service enable our ability to be reaccommodated over other pax such as upgrades?
We have a QF - AA 90 minute connection into DFW including a change of terminal, both in F but separate tickets (so no more protection under OW rules).
While QF has hosts who can be requested in DFW we are ultimately concerned with making our flight, or being reaccommodated on the later service. The later flight currently only has 2 F seats for sale :s
So the question is: Will paying for 5* service enable our ability to be reaccommodated over other pax such as upgrades?
For those inquiring about tips, these people are full time AA professional employees working for Premium Services, and you are paying a sugnificant amount of money for their services, in most locations not permitted to solicit or accept tips, therefore I do not tip. They are not contract, low compensation people like Eulen wheelchair personnel, who should get a tip (IMO $20 for an airport transit is about right).
As others have said, Five Star is one place AA gets it right. Over the years I've had one single experience that was less than stellar (at LHR).
Last edited by JDiver; Sep 9, 2016 at 8:41 am
Sep 9, 2016, 2:16 pm
#553
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
Glad to hear that your travels went uninterrupted. Thanks for the feedback, too. That's good to know!
Sep 10, 2016, 4:18 am
#554
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
So I emailed 5 * and asked several questions. Answers were:
I asked the rep to reconfirm the first two points because they were mandatory for us to book the service and she said she would email when the DFW reps start at 5AM.
- We would not be met at the QF gate upon arrival
- 5* staff do not escort through immigration, rather we would be met after immigration
- Golf carts are used at DFW? (I'm not sure I believe this because no-one here has mentioned it and we always trust in FT)
- If we misconnect we would be reaccomodated in Y (the last flight is sold out in F) or moved to the next possible F flight (which would be 9AM the next day)
I asked the rep to reconfirm the first two points because they were mandatory for us to book the service and she said she would email when the DFW reps start at 5AM.
Sep 10, 2016, 8:59 am
#555
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
So I emailed 5 * and asked several questions. Answers were:
I asked the rep to reconfirm the first two points because they were mandatory for us to book the service and she said she would email when the DFW reps start at 5AM.
- We would not be met at the QF gate upon arrival
- 5* staff do not escort through immigration, rather we would be met after immigration
- Golf carts are used at DFW? (I'm not sure I believe this because no-one here has mentioned it and we always trust in FT)
- If we misconnect we would be reaccomodated in Y (the last flight is sold out in F) or moved to the next possible F flight (which would be 9AM the next day)
I asked the rep to reconfirm the first two points because they were mandatory for us to book the service and she said she would email when the DFW reps start at 5AM.