Dec 18, 2015, 12:53 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
American Airlines ConciergeKeySM / "CK" Program (by invitation only)
(Includes Executive Platinum status and Admirals Club membership)
NOTE: For questions such as "How can I get Concierge Key?" or "This is my spend: will I get CK?" Please refer to the How do I make / making AA Concierge Key / ConciergeKey / CK?thread
Also see AA Concierge Key invitations / renewal for 2019 status (out early 12/2018).
13 Apr 2020: AAdvantage extends CK status is extended automatically until Jan 31, 2022.
"The ConciergeKey Program is an exclusive program that American Airlines has for our very top customers. This is by invitation only and a very exclusive club." (Billy Sanez for AA)
ConciergeKey Services are provided to a select group of VIPs to facilitate travel on AA. The program is offered on an invitation basis only and is targeted at customers who control travel policy for large organizations. Customers who generate a high amount of revenue for AA may also be invited into this program (possibly those who spend upwards of US$60k a year on travel with AA).
Services provided include airport escorts and pre-boarding (seems variable, more likely during OSO?); assistance with flight changes, seat changes, and upgrade requests via their own dedicated telephone line. In addition, there is the ability to communicate directly with ConciergeKey associates via a dedicated email address. ConciergeKeySM representatives will also monitor day of travel of ConciergeKey members and will proactively reroute or rebook travel when necessary. ConciergeKey status allows check-in at First Class counters, as well as access to elite lines through security at certain airports. Miles and copay upgrades with copay waived.
ConciergeKey is now a distinct elite tier, above Executive Platinum. ConciergeKey benefits include membership to the Admirals Club, international miles upgrades with copayment waived, as well as two additional System-Wide Upgrades (SWU's) as part of CK membership.
CK members have access to Flagship Check-in on any flight, and CK will have Flagship Lounge access when flying a OneWorld airline.
As of 1 Jan 2017, Concierge Key members have upgrade requests prioritized over all other tiers: CK members have an upgrade window of (up to) 120 hours (Executive Platinum member's will retain the 100 hour upgrade window). CK members will board ahead of other passengers.
Regarding Concierge Key tier benefits coming in 2017, please see: New Concierge Key Benefits for 2017: New CK Elite Status Tier
Please: do respect members' privacy by refraining from asking for overly personal information and details relating to ConciergeKey membership or nomination. If your question receives no response, consider the member chooses not to reply, as is his/her right.
Boarding Area's AAdvantageGeek's blog shows the card and documents here.
Previous threads:
ConciergeKey AA Premium Service (ARCHIVED)
ARCHIVED: AA Concierge Key / ConciergeKey / CK (2014 consolidated)
Updated 18 Aug 2019 by ikwia to reflect CK being a distinct elite tier and to clarify the FL access requirement
Updated 25 Jul 2017 by JDiver
(Includes Executive Platinum status and Admirals Club membership)
NOTE: For questions such as "How can I get Concierge Key?" or "This is my spend: will I get CK?" Please refer to the How do I make / making AA Concierge Key / ConciergeKey / CK?thread
Also see AA Concierge Key invitations / renewal for 2019 status (out early 12/2018).
13 Apr 2020: AAdvantage extends CK status is extended automatically until Jan 31, 2022.
"The ConciergeKey Program is an exclusive program that American Airlines has for our very top customers. This is by invitation only and a very exclusive club." (Billy Sanez for AA)
ConciergeKey Services are provided to a select group of VIPs to facilitate travel on AA. The program is offered on an invitation basis only and is targeted at customers who control travel policy for large organizations. Customers who generate a high amount of revenue for AA may also be invited into this program (possibly those who spend upwards of US$60k a year on travel with AA).
Services provided include airport escorts and pre-boarding (seems variable, more likely during OSO?); assistance with flight changes, seat changes, and upgrade requests via their own dedicated telephone line. In addition, there is the ability to communicate directly with ConciergeKey associates via a dedicated email address. ConciergeKeySM representatives will also monitor day of travel of ConciergeKey members and will proactively reroute or rebook travel when necessary. ConciergeKey status allows check-in at First Class counters, as well as access to elite lines through security at certain airports. Miles and copay upgrades with copay waived.
ConciergeKey is now a distinct elite tier, above Executive Platinum. ConciergeKey benefits include membership to the Admirals Club, international miles upgrades with copayment waived, as well as two additional System-Wide Upgrades (SWU's) as part of CK membership.
CK members have access to Flagship Check-in on any flight, and CK will have Flagship Lounge access when flying a OneWorld airline.
As of 1 Jan 2017, Concierge Key members have upgrade requests prioritized over all other tiers: CK members have an upgrade window of (up to) 120 hours (Executive Platinum member's will retain the 100 hour upgrade window). CK members will board ahead of other passengers.
Regarding Concierge Key tier benefits coming in 2017, please see: New Concierge Key Benefits for 2017: New CK Elite Status Tier
Please: do respect members' privacy by refraining from asking for overly personal information and details relating to ConciergeKey membership or nomination. If your question receives no response, consider the member chooses not to reply, as is his/her right.
Boarding Area's AAdvantageGeek's blog shows the card and documents here.
Previous threads:
ConciergeKey AA Premium Service (ARCHIVED)
ARCHIVED: AA Concierge Key / ConciergeKey / CK (2014 consolidated)
Updated 18 Aug 2019 by ikwia to reflect CK being a distinct elite tier and to clarify the FL access requirement
Updated 25 Jul 2017 by JDiver
AA Concierge Key / ConciergeKey / CK members lounge (master thread)
Mar 1, 2024, 7:23 am
#2972
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: CLT
Programs: AA CK, Marriott Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 71
I had an interesting experience yesterday. Was flying TATL in F (paid for F) on AA metal. When I got to the gate, the agent told me my seat was broken (would not recline) and as the rest of F was sold out I was offered a seat in J as an alternative. I was disappointed but said that’s fine, I’ll take the seat in J. Then the agent noticed I was CK and said wait a sec, let me have the computer check to see what seat the system would reassign to me.
Two minutes later he hands me a boarding pass with the seat behind my original seat, still in First! Apparently the system had given me someone else’s seat in F and given them my malfunctioning seat.
That was definitely a pleasant surprise, but then it turned into a bit of an awkward situation once I boarded and took my new seat. A few minutes later I see a man go to my original, broken seat, and a gate agent is with him, explaining to him about the broken seat he’s been reassigned to, and that he can either keep that seat or take a working seat in J, and he chooses the J seat.
The awkward part was the whole time he’s discussing the situation with the gate agent, he’s looking at me in his original seat with a quizzical expression. I’m sure he was thinking why the hell is that guy sitting in my seat and I’ve gotten a broken one instead? I’ve got to admit I felt a little guilty about the whole situation.
I know it was very much a first world problem for both of us, but also a very unexpected benefit of CK status I suppose.
Two minutes later he hands me a boarding pass with the seat behind my original seat, still in First! Apparently the system had given me someone else’s seat in F and given them my malfunctioning seat.
That was definitely a pleasant surprise, but then it turned into a bit of an awkward situation once I boarded and took my new seat. A few minutes later I see a man go to my original, broken seat, and a gate agent is with him, explaining to him about the broken seat he’s been reassigned to, and that he can either keep that seat or take a working seat in J, and he chooses the J seat.
The awkward part was the whole time he’s discussing the situation with the gate agent, he’s looking at me in his original seat with a quizzical expression. I’m sure he was thinking why the hell is that guy sitting in my seat and I’ve gotten a broken one instead? I’ve got to admit I felt a little guilty about the whole situation.
I know it was very much a first world problem for both of us, but also a very unexpected benefit of CK status I suppose.
I had a similar experience last year while flying with my wife for vacation. My seat (1D) disappeared off my boarding pass at check-in, and F was sold out. Agent informed me my seat had broken. I asked if we should change to J, but agent said not to worry about it. 30 mins prior to boarding a rep told me that a seat "freed up". Skeptical, but not wanting to really 'know', I thanked them and took the new boarding pass with seat 2G (behind my wife).
2 minutes after CK pre-boarding, another passenger shows up "Hi - you are in my seat".... (uh oh). Turns out it was a couple on their anniversary trip - they had downgraded him to J, but I guess the news didn't get conveyed in time. I showed him my 2G boarding pass and suggested to him we ask for a FA /GA to help sort this out
I actually debated just taking the J seat (it isn't his fault my seat broke... why should my bad luck become his problem)... but when I suggested we get assistance to help sort it out, he responded with a huge attitude, "Ok, yea, because I'm going to stand here and watch while they kick you out of my seat". At this point my empathy immediately evaporated, and I thought to myself... "I don't think you understand what's about to happen here..."
Sure enough, he got the boot to J.
But you know who I feel the worst for out of all of this? the sorry soul that had thought they scored an upgrade to J on a redeye to LHR, but got kicked back to their econ / prem econ seat...
Anyway.. yea, CK definitely has it's perks.
Mar 1, 2024, 7:59 am
#2974
Join Date: Nov 2022
Programs: Frequent AA Flyer
Posts: 173
Mar 1, 2024, 11:36 am
#2976
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: AA CK, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 193
He should be getting compensation for the downgrade though.
Also, @astebel, are you saying that Hyatt knows our expiration date? I wonder if I call them they can tell me! Or would it just be the same April date as most others (assuming evaluations haven't happened yet)? Someone upthread said we are still supposed to hear mid-March about renewals for this year with the end of April date starting next year or is that just a rumor? I guess no one really knows for sure!
Also, @astebel, are you saying that Hyatt knows our expiration date? I wonder if I call them they can tell me! Or would it just be the same April date as most others (assuming evaluations haven't happened yet)? Someone upthread said we are still supposed to hear mid-March about renewals for this year with the end of April date starting next year or is that just a rumor? I guess no one really knows for sure!
Mar 1, 2024, 11:38 am
#2977
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: AA CK, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 193
Mar 1, 2024, 11:43 am
#2979
Join Date: Apr 2023
Location: DFW
Programs: AA CK, 4 MM Miler, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum Elite, Avis President's Club
Posts: 43
Mar 1, 2024, 11:54 am
#2980
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: CLT
Programs: AA CK, Marriott Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 71
Qualification criteria info - when I spoke with an Exec Liaison, they mentioned that fare class is still important as a qualification metric, as they don't want to see a bunch of discount fares.
Interestingly, I had always thought it was more about BIS profitability - and while there is certainly a correlation with fare class, most of my RT TATL trips were typically close to $11k, but often were still "I" fares. And as I may be on the cusp at a little over 1.1M LP (mostly flights), if it is more about the fare class than the BIS profitability, then I may be in for some disappointment in early April.
I'll be super curious how folks with similar LP totals either do / don't make it, and then to know the portion of spend vs flying.
Interestingly, I had always thought it was more about BIS profitability - and while there is certainly a correlation with fare class, most of my RT TATL trips were typically close to $11k, but often were still "I" fares. And as I may be on the cusp at a little over 1.1M LP (mostly flights), if it is more about the fare class than the BIS profitability, then I may be in for some disappointment in early April.
I'll be super curious how folks with similar LP totals either do / don't make it, and then to know the portion of spend vs flying.
Mar 1, 2024, 11:58 am
#2981
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: CLT
Programs: AA CK, Marriott Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 71
Change of subject...
For many of us, the AA Executive Liaisons have been a welcome source of information and a place to ask questions about status renewal, qualification and CK issues from time to time. While for some they were more often the bearers of "disappointing news" rather than "great news", I have always found them to be empathetic, respectful and responsive.
Today I was speaking to one of them via email, and she let me know that she (and her Exec Liaison co-workers) would be departing as of March 30. She did not know what AA would be doing to service us in the future, but indicated that some who were not retiring would be invited to apply for a "Customer Success Specialist" position, similar to a reservations, customer relations and AAdvantage representative all in one. She said it had not yet been fully defined.
Regardless, this is another major loss for those of us who have grown to rely on the program and the people that have been part of it. If you have a relationship with anyone specifically that you've worked with over the years, you might want to say goodbye and thank you should you need to call in or write in over the next 30 days.
For many of us, the AA Executive Liaisons have been a welcome source of information and a place to ask questions about status renewal, qualification and CK issues from time to time. While for some they were more often the bearers of "disappointing news" rather than "great news", I have always found them to be empathetic, respectful and responsive.
Today I was speaking to one of them via email, and she let me know that she (and her Exec Liaison co-workers) would be departing as of March 30. She did not know what AA would be doing to service us in the future, but indicated that some who were not retiring would be invited to apply for a "Customer Success Specialist" position, similar to a reservations, customer relations and AAdvantage representative all in one. She said it had not yet been fully defined.
Regardless, this is another major loss for those of us who have grown to rely on the program and the people that have been part of it. If you have a relationship with anyone specifically that you've worked with over the years, you might want to say goodbye and thank you should you need to call in or write in over the next 30 days.
I believe it's a team of ~9 people, and although many of them have applied to the new "Customer Success Specialist" role, only one or two of them may be selected.
Not sure of y'all's experience when management tries to train people on everything rather than having dedicated groups, but anything remotely complicated can quickly require too much depth... and I know when I've needed their help, it wasn't for simple things.
Hopefully if people voice their concerns, they may at least take more of the current Exec Liaison team into this "customer success specialist" role.
Mar 1, 2024, 7:30 pm
#2982
Join Date: Feb 2022
Posts: 14
Mar 1, 2024, 10:26 pm
#2983
Join Date: Nov 2022
Programs: Frequent AA Flyer
Posts: 173
Qualification criteria info - when I spoke with an Exec Liaison, they mentioned that fare class is still important as a qualification metric, as they don't want to see a bunch of discount fares.
Interestingly, I had always thought it was more about BIS profitability - and while there is certainly a correlation with fare class, most of my RT TATL trips were typically close to $11k, but often were still "I" fares. And as I may be on the cusp at a little over 1.1M LP (mostly flights), if it is more about the fare class than the BIS profitability, then I may be in for some disappointment in early April.
Interestingly, I had always thought it was more about BIS profitability - and while there is certainly a correlation with fare class, most of my RT TATL trips were typically close to $11k, but often were still "I" fares. And as I may be on the cusp at a little over 1.1M LP (mostly flights), if it is more about the fare class than the BIS profitability, then I may be in for some disappointment in early April.
Maybe I'm just being hopeful for myself though, as I fly frequent TATL F trips, usually on A fares, but sometimes on F fares. I basically need refundable F fares, and take whatever is available when I make the booking. As you say, we'll know in the next few months.
Mar 2, 2024, 4:09 pm
#2984
Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: Greensboro (GSO)
Programs: AA ExPlat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hertz President’s Circle
Posts: 18
I could believe that they don't want lots of discounted fares, but I have a hard time believing frequent $11k RT TATL trips is not the type of customer they're looking for, assuming your total annual spend is in the range they want for CK.
Maybe I'm just being hopeful for myself though, as I fly frequent TATL F trips, usually on A fares, but sometimes on F fares. I basically need refundable F fares, and take whatever is available when I make the booking. As you say, we'll know in the next few months.
Maybe I'm just being hopeful for myself though, as I fly frequent TATL F trips, usually on A fares, but sometimes on F fares. I basically need refundable F fares, and take whatever is available when I make the booking. As you say, we'll know in the next few months.
Mar 2, 2024, 5:13 pm
#2985
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: AA CK, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 193
I would just read the tea leaves...... this has always been a mystery. I feel somewhat fortunate that I know EXACTLY what I need and when to retain my CK. Best of luck to all and see you on the flip side. We went through last year and it was agony. No one knows until it is done.