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)
Apr 16, 2024, 12:50 pm
#3241
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: American Advantage
Posts: 26
I honestly don't know anymore what's a no brainer and what isn't when it comes to qualifying/requalifying for CK. Last year there were reports of people spending $40,000 getting it, and people spending $70.000 and not getting it. 1.6M LP seems like it should be a sure thing though, assuming most if was premium cabin spend. I suppose we'll find out relatively soon, and good luck!
Apr 16, 2024, 1:03 pm
#3242
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: Bonvoy ambassador - lifetime plat / Hilton diamond / hyatt globalist / AA CK baby!
Posts: 1,147
Apr 16, 2024, 1:14 pm
#3243
Join Date: Nov 2022
Programs: Frequent AA Flyer
Posts: 176
Well, maybe every 20 minutes, but never every 5 or 15 minutes
And of course once people start posting that they were or were not renewed, and I still haven't heard either way, I'm sure I'll be rationalizing why that's either a good or bad thing for me.
Apr 16, 2024, 1:25 pm
#3244
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: DFW
Programs: AA ConciergeKey, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 406
I would never do that.
Well, maybe every 20 minutes, but never every 5 or 15 minutes
And of course once people start posting that they were or were not renewed, and I still haven't heard either way, I'm sure I'll be rationalizing why that's either a good or bad thing for me.
Well, maybe every 20 minutes, but never every 5 or 15 minutes
And of course once people start posting that they were or were not renewed, and I still haven't heard either way, I'm sure I'll be rationalizing why that's either a good or bad thing for me.
Apr 16, 2024, 3:33 pm
#3245
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: AA CK, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 285
No SWUs for getting CK, only million milers. Yes. Several new members added last year when several of us got our "divorce" papers although our LPs and spend were much higher. The email indicated that those of us who were extended during COVID were being dropped and their "usual" way of determining members was restored.... whatever that usual way was. I was one of a few who were offered a status challenge and I am happy to say, I will make my last metric this month so at I know I will have it for at least the rest of this qualifying year. It is nice knowing exactly what I needed to make although stressful getting there. Anxiously awaiting all of your notices.
Apr 16, 2024, 3:51 pm
#3246
Join Date: Apr 2024
Posts: 13
I honestly don't know anymore what's a no brainer and what isn't when it comes to qualifying/requalifying for CK. Last year there were reports of people spending $40,000 getting it, and people spending $70.000 and not getting it. 1.6M LP seems like it should be a sure thing though, assuming most if was premium cabin spend. I suppose we'll find out relatively soon, and good luck!
In all honesty, I would be a little bummed if I didn't get renewed, but won't be heartbroken and will probably switch to another carrier like Delta as my CK experience this last year was a mixed bag. As most people have mentioned, the best part of the program is being able to be immediately rebooked during IRROPs, but even then, I've had some hellacious rebookings, for example, 2 weeks ago with the terrible weather at LGA and the delays, I had 3 different connections just to get home, instead of my usual 1 hop or at max 2 hops. Then, to top it off, for the last half of the year all the way up to today, I haven't had a CK rep call, text, or email me in any of my legs, in which they usually do when I connect through Dallas for international flights, and when I go to flagship lounges or even admiral lounges, they always ask for my ID, even after showing them my boarding pass. What's also funny is that when I book with partner airlines like JAL, they treat me like an actual CK member with private terminal transfers and an agent whisking me through security to the lounge etc.
Good luck to all for this renewal season!
Apr 16, 2024, 4:57 pm
#3249
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Plano, Texas
Programs: BA Gold, AA CK (8MM), Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 87
What happens after the challenge
For those who have qualified (or requalified) for CK based on a challenge, what happens in subsequent years? Is there again a concrete metric or back to guessing?
Apr 16, 2024, 5:01 pm
#3250
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: AA CK, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 285
Apr 16, 2024, 5:06 pm
#3251
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: AA CK, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 285
I am not sure but I imagine it is back to guessing. I think this was a unique situation. I don't know of other challenges in the past unless others can speak to it. I know of 2 others who got the challenge last year. One didn't make his 2nd metric so is back to EP, and another won't make her third so will go back when her challenge date is up. Mine is up May 5th and I will have satisfied the necessary LPs. With the amount of LPs being offered as loyalty point rewards, I imagine either the count will have to be quite high or there will be another metric AA will look at. I feel like we are italian lira at this point. Is it LPs for spend, bonuses or butt in seat metal miles??
Apr 16, 2024, 5:29 pm
#3252
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Plano, Texas
Programs: BA Gold, AA CK (8MM), Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 87
Sky pesos
I am not sure but I imagine it is back to guessing. I think this was a unique situation. I don't know of other challenges in the past unless others can speak to it. I know of 2 others who got the challenge last year. One didn't make his 2nd metric so is back to EP, and another won't make her third so will go back when her challenge date is up. Mine is up May 5th and I will have satisfied the necessary LPs. With the amount of LPs being offered as loyalty point rewards, I imagine either the count will have to be quite high or there will be another metric AA will look at. I feel like we are italian lira at this point. Is it LPs for spend, bonuses or butt in seat metal miles??
Apr 16, 2024, 5:39 pm
#3253
Join Date: Nov 2022
Programs: Frequent AA Flyer
Posts: 176
The first year I received CK, i spent around $40k (same with my second year) where my home base airport is a medium sized airport where AA is third in terms of passenger volume (no admiral lounge or partner lounges). In terms of mileage flown before they switched to LPs, it was around 225k. I'm hoping to get renewed again this year as I flew around $55k with about 450k LPs (all premium spends, no redemptions, upgrades etc) from the same medium sized airport.
In all honesty, I would be a little bummed if I didn't get renewed, but won't be heartbroken and will probably switch to another carrier like Delta as my CK experience this last year was a mixed bag. As most people have mentioned, the best part of the program is being able to be immediately rebooked during IRROPs, but even then, I've had some hellacious rebookings, for example, 2 weeks ago with the terrible weather at LGA and the delays, I had 3 different connections just to get home, instead of my usual 1 hop or at max 2 hops. Then, to top it off, for the last half of the year all the way up to today, I haven't had a CK rep call, text, or email me in any of my legs, in which they usually do when I connect through Dallas for international flights, and when I go to flagship lounges or even admiral lounges, they always ask for my ID, even after showing them my boarding pass. What's also funny is that when I book with partner airlines like JAL, they treat me like an actual CK member with private terminal transfers and an agent whisking me through security to the lounge etc.
Good luck to all for this renewal season!
In all honesty, I would be a little bummed if I didn't get renewed, but won't be heartbroken and will probably switch to another carrier like Delta as my CK experience this last year was a mixed bag. As most people have mentioned, the best part of the program is being able to be immediately rebooked during IRROPs, but even then, I've had some hellacious rebookings, for example, 2 weeks ago with the terrible weather at LGA and the delays, I had 3 different connections just to get home, instead of my usual 1 hop or at max 2 hops. Then, to top it off, for the last half of the year all the way up to today, I haven't had a CK rep call, text, or email me in any of my legs, in which they usually do when I connect through Dallas for international flights, and when I go to flagship lounges or even admiral lounges, they always ask for my ID, even after showing them my boarding pass. What's also funny is that when I book with partner airlines like JAL, they treat me like an actual CK member with private terminal transfers and an agent whisking me through security to the lounge etc.
Good luck to all for this renewal season!
I’ve experienced everything you’ve described. Great service, tarmac transfers, in flight recognition, helpful IRROPS assistance. All interspersed with no contact from premium services for weeks or months, subpar IRROPS assistance, and zero inflight recognition.
With it all I still hope I’m renewed because as I’ve said before, AA’s route network and schedule really are a very good fit for my travel needs, so it would be very difficult for me to move my spend to another carrier.
Apr 16, 2024, 10:17 pm
#3254
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/2MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 12,072
If you are not renewed, does AA send an email indicating that or is it just you get dropped unceremoniously?
Im especially alarmed because I just received an email from customer service about another issue, and the final line was "we appreciate your executive platinum status." That freaked me out as if it is an indication that I wont be renewed as Concierge Key. I wonder if it was just a mistake from the customer relations desk or if I did drop to EXP. My app still says CK through 4/30 so not sure if I am reading too much into it or if it's a sign that I got dropped and they are able to see that in the system.
Im especially alarmed because I just received an email from customer service about another issue, and the final line was "we appreciate your executive platinum status." That freaked me out as if it is an indication that I wont be renewed as Concierge Key. I wonder if it was just a mistake from the customer relations desk or if I did drop to EXP. My app still says CK through 4/30 so not sure if I am reading too much into it or if it's a sign that I got dropped and they are able to see that in the system.
Last edited by SkyTeam777; Apr 16, 2024 at 10:41 pm
Apr 16, 2024, 10:25 pm
#3255
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: Bonvoy ambassador - lifetime plat / Hilton diamond / hyatt globalist / AA CK baby!
Posts: 1,147