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)
Dec 4, 2018, 10:36 pm
#346
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,347
The situation I am referring to is not about clubs that don't have chits at all (and scan BP instead) -- it is about the benefit going away for CK entirely. I will continue to collect data points and report back. It seems odd that it would be such a short-lived benefit, but who knows...
Dec 6, 2018, 4:07 pm
#347
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,263
The situation I am referring to is not about clubs that don't have chits at all (and scan BP instead) -- it is about the benefit going away for CK entirely. I will continue to collect data points and report back. It seems odd that it would be such a short-lived benefit, but who knows...
Upon scanning my BP at the bar, the bartender told me I wasn't eligible (which was even more confusing since I had come off of a CX J-class flight). I headed back to the desk, and the AC agent was very helpful and tried to figure out why, even getting the club supervisor to help investigate. When i mentioned that I had heard from a friend (FT) that this benefit may be changing, the agent suggested that she had recently gotten email on this subject and in fact, that could be accurate. I had to leave but the agent and supervisor said they'd dig into this further. Whatever the case, they did provide me a comp drink.
So long story short... the JFK bar scan showed no comp drinks on my ticket.
Dec 6, 2018, 5:34 pm
#348
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,347
So I have a possible data point to add from JFK. When I asked for chits, the agent told me they had gone to the BP scan.
Upon scanning my BP at the bar, the bartender told me I wasn't eligible (which was even more confusing since I had come off of a CX J-class flight). I headed back to the desk, and the AC agent was very helpful and tried to figure out why, even getting the club supervisor to help investigate. When i mentioned that I had heard from a friend (FT) that this benefit may be changing, the agent suggested that she had recently gotten email on this subject and in fact, that could be accurate. I had to leave but the agent and supervisor said they'd dig into this further. Whatever the case, they did provide me a comp drink.
So long story short... the JFK bar scan showed no comp drinks on my ticket.
Upon scanning my BP at the bar, the bartender told me I wasn't eligible (which was even more confusing since I had come off of a CX J-class flight). I headed back to the desk, and the AC agent was very helpful and tried to figure out why, even getting the club supervisor to help investigate. When i mentioned that I had heard from a friend (FT) that this benefit may be changing, the agent suggested that she had recently gotten email on this subject and in fact, that could be accurate. I had to leave but the agent and supervisor said they'd dig into this further. Whatever the case, they did provide me a comp drink.
So long story short... the JFK bar scan showed no comp drinks on my ticket.
Dec 6, 2018, 5:38 pm
#349
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,347
So interestingly, since I was told of this change in policy on Monday, I've gotten chits without issue at DCA, CLT, and TPA. But just now at CLT, I was told of the new policy. I was given chits as a customer service gesture, but was told that it was never an official policy and that they were no longer supposed to give them out. It does raise the question of what "official policy" means...I agree it was never an explicitly published benefit, but there was an official memo sent out to clubs telling them to give CKs as many chits as they wanted. To me, that made it fairly official...
ETA: I asked the CK rep at my gate about this she told me that it is true that they’ve been told to no longer give out chits, and to remind pax that it was never part of he officially published benefits package. However, she said that the local club management at CLT has advised agents to give them out upon request. As always, I’m sure YMWV.
ETA: I asked the CK rep at my gate about this she told me that it is true that they’ve been told to no longer give out chits, and to remind pax that it was never part of he officially published benefits package. However, she said that the local club management at CLT has advised agents to give them out upon request. As always, I’m sure YMWV.
Last edited by ikwia; Dec 6, 2018 at 5:49 pm
Dec 6, 2018, 6:20 pm
#350
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,263
So interestingly, since I was told of this change in policy on Monday, I've gotten chits without issue at DCA, CLT, and TPA. But just now at CLT, I was told of the new policy. I was given chits as a customer service gesture, but was told that it was never an official policy and that they were no longer supposed to give them out. It does raise the question of what "official policy" means...I agree it was never an explicitly published benefit, but there was an official memo sent out to clubs telling them to give CKs as many chits as they wanted. To me, that made it fairly official...
ETA: I asked the CK rep at my gate about this she told me that it is true that they’ve been told to no longer give out chits, and to remind pax that it was never part of he officially published benefits package. However, she said that the local club management at CLT has advised agents to give them out upon request. As always, I’m sure YMWV.
ETA: I asked the CK rep at my gate about this she told me that it is true that they’ve been told to no longer give out chits, and to remind pax that it was never part of he officially published benefits package. However, she said that the local club management at CLT has advised agents to give them out upon request. As always, I’m sure YMWV.
As more clubs go to the BP scan in lieu of chits, it'll be harder to take advantage of this 'benefit' since they will just fall back on the BP as the ultimate decider of whether we get to drink.
Dec 6, 2018, 8:02 pm
#351
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,347
Yes, in the scheme of life, not important. But I definitely appreciate being able to enjoy quality adult beverages and bottles of water. And on the rare occasions I travel with colleagues (or even rarer, family) I enjoy feeling like the rock star who can get them free drinks.
Dec 7, 2018, 5:25 am
#352
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA Concierge Key, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diam
Posts: 510
I usually got 2 chits at the club check in time (Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, Orlando primarily) - last Tuesday in Atlanta, when I proactively asked for one, the agent said AA is discontinuing the benefit but still gave me 1 as a one-off.
The only thing annoying is the inconsistency and the perceived degradation in benefits, but not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.
The only thing annoying is the inconsistency and the perceived degradation in benefits, but not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.
Dec 7, 2018, 5:54 am
#353
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,263
So multiple data points would say that the CK drink benefit (published or not) is likely over. As I posted earlier, while the agents may have had flexibility to hook a CK up with a chit, with the new BP scan process, I don't see bartenders handing over free drinks if the system says we're not eligible.
Not trying to overthink this, but it's not a very 'premium' move. A CK/EXP on a cheap coach intl ticket can have a really nice sit-down meal at numerous F-class lounges around the world, but no more mid-tier liquor for us at our home clubs
ETA: Sent AA a Twitter DM on this and this was the response:
Hi, David. We never disappoint you like this. We know that premium drink vouchers may have been given to you as a courtesy in the past, but they are actually not part of the ConciergeKey benefit package. We’re working to ensure we provide a consistent experience to our customers who are traveling on eligible international itineraries. Of course, as an Admirals Club member, which does come with your ConciergeKey status, you are welcome to complimentary house beer, wine and spirits. We appreciate your loyalty and your honest feedback. We'll share your comment with the right team.
Not trying to overthink this, but it's not a very 'premium' move. A CK/EXP on a cheap coach intl ticket can have a really nice sit-down meal at numerous F-class lounges around the world, but no more mid-tier liquor for us at our home clubs
ETA: Sent AA a Twitter DM on this and this was the response:
Hi, David. We never disappoint you like this. We know that premium drink vouchers may have been given to you as a courtesy in the past, but they are actually not part of the ConciergeKey benefit package. We’re working to ensure we provide a consistent experience to our customers who are traveling on eligible international itineraries. Of course, as an Admirals Club member, which does come with your ConciergeKey status, you are welcome to complimentary house beer, wine and spirits. We appreciate your loyalty and your honest feedback. We'll share your comment with the right team.
Last edited by dave_261; Dec 7, 2018 at 8:07 am
Dec 7, 2018, 8:51 am
#355
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,967
Woah! I got it with $82k EQD and 440k EQM. Also IAH club ladies just proactively have me two drink chits in my domestic itinerary. I wonder if this has officially been cut as a benefit though.
Dec 7, 2018, 9:06 am
#356
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,263
Dec 8, 2018, 4:18 pm
#357
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
Invitations / renewals for 2019 (and lack thereof) discussion has moved to its own dedicated thread, AA Concierge Key invitations / renewal for 2019 status (out early 12/2018)
Moderator
Moderator
Jan 25, 2019, 9:32 pm
#358
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AA CK, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Radisson Platinum
Posts: 82
Proactive Rebooking Luck/Strategy?
Hi all! I stayed loyal to AA this week, and was punished for it. I could have chosen non-stops for a trip to ATL, but instead connected on AA through MIA. The outbound was flawless, but the return was a nightmare. The boarding time arrived for my ATL-MIA flight, but I looked outside and saw no aircraft. The app showed it was still en route. This started eating into my 100 minute connection. As AA typically does, they waited until the last minute to update the departure time, and then only slipped it in 15 minute increments. It seemed clear that it was going to be at least an hour delay, between landing, taxiing, unloading, boarding, etc.
As the projected connection time shrunk, I contemplated running to the Admirals Club to ask for help. My flight out of MIA was the last of the night, and I'd be stuck if I missed it. I wanted to ask them to put me on one of the three upcoming Delta nonstops to avoid being stuck. I had just about worked up the nerve to go and make the request when they started to board the flight. I was looking at a 40 minute connection time, which was do-able, especially if the CK rep was there to help. 40 minutes became 35, then 30. We made up some time in the air, but got stuck holding short of the gate in MIA, as it was occupied, and the alley was congested. It didn't help that I was in the second-to-last row, either. By the time I got off the plane, the CK rep was there to tell me that I was stranded. He was kind enough to get me a hotel and a voucher for breakfast, and the first flight out the next day. Of course, that flight was delayed, as there was a hydraulic leak, grounding the first plane. They got a replacement quite quickly, but took an hour to transfer bags and cater, so we were over two hours late. My Delta friends are going to laugh at me when I tell them this story... I could've driven home from Atlanta faster.
So, to the more robust and experienced CK members out there, what would you have done? Would you have hoped to make the connection in Miami, or would you have gone to the club and asked to be proactively put over onto a straight Delta flight, since it was quite clear that the connection in Miami was doomed?
Thanks for your advice!
As the projected connection time shrunk, I contemplated running to the Admirals Club to ask for help. My flight out of MIA was the last of the night, and I'd be stuck if I missed it. I wanted to ask them to put me on one of the three upcoming Delta nonstops to avoid being stuck. I had just about worked up the nerve to go and make the request when they started to board the flight. I was looking at a 40 minute connection time, which was do-able, especially if the CK rep was there to help. 40 minutes became 35, then 30. We made up some time in the air, but got stuck holding short of the gate in MIA, as it was occupied, and the alley was congested. It didn't help that I was in the second-to-last row, either. By the time I got off the plane, the CK rep was there to tell me that I was stranded. He was kind enough to get me a hotel and a voucher for breakfast, and the first flight out the next day. Of course, that flight was delayed, as there was a hydraulic leak, grounding the first plane. They got a replacement quite quickly, but took an hour to transfer bags and cater, so we were over two hours late. My Delta friends are going to laugh at me when I tell them this story... I could've driven home from Atlanta faster.
So, to the more robust and experienced CK members out there, what would you have done? Would you have hoped to make the connection in Miami, or would you have gone to the club and asked to be proactively put over onto a straight Delta flight, since it was quite clear that the connection in Miami was doomed?
Thanks for your advice!
Jan 25, 2019, 11:40 pm
#359
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913
There's no doubt that it's easier to get rebooked if there is a formal delay but the whole rolling 15 minute act that AA performs can make it hard to convince the AC agents to endorse your ticket to Delta.
Jan 26, 2019, 12:18 am
#360
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913