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 17, 2021, 8:23 am
#1081
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,348
While it is true there is no "guarantee", I think it's understood/expected amongst many (and I'd probably say most) CK that they will receive assistance for truly tight connections.
Mar 17, 2021, 11:37 am
#1082
Join Date: Jun 2006
Programs: AA EP 4MM, UA 1MM, DL 1MM
Posts: 407
Let's also remember that there are tiers of CK...or at least some influence due to one's eagle rating. I'm CK and have been met with a buggy coming off flights with other CKs that I'm traveling with (albeit not in my PNR), and have had to ask if there's room for them (even had to ask if I could bring Doug Parker in my Caddy one time, but I digress). I also think there are few enough CK's that some agents get to know their Keys and specifically look out for them. Put differently, I'm an anonymous Key at CLT, though pre-pandemic I was greeted by name (and from a distance) at JFK. While some may advocate for uniformity within the program, I actually like that one's "popularity" ebbs and flows a bit, depending on where they are and how they've treated the staff over the years.
Mar 17, 2021, 12:33 pm
#1083
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: DFW
Programs: AA ConciergeKey, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 366
I would agree and am probably one of the lower level of CKs. I don’t even care about the tarmac transfer or the meet and greet but if I’m running late I just hope someone would text me and say “we see you have a tight connection, we have alerted the gate at your next flight. We know you didn’t check any luggage”....etc. It’s been an inconsistent level of service that I don’t know what to expect.
Apr 9, 2021, 5:47 pm
#1084
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: 11,971
Im not complaining, and totally understand, but I guess two years in a row no CK event. I was sad because I finally was able to go last year, and we'll see if some of us requalify this year with no international J to keep it up. Im at almost 12k for the year, but won't even reach half what I made before. Maybe they will have an event in the fall? Would be nice to finally meet and also liaise with the airline to share more of what is important.
Apr 16, 2021, 9:35 am
#1085
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: DFW
Programs: AA ConciergeKey, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 366
Im not complaining, and totally understand, but I guess two years in a row no CK event. I was sad because I finally was able to go last year, and we'll see if some of us requalify this year with no international J to keep it up. Im at almost 12k for the year, but won't even reach half what I made before. Maybe they will have an event in the fall? Would be nice to finally meet and also liaise with the airline to share more of what is important.
Apr 16, 2021, 11:41 am
#1086
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: 11,971
I bet there will be lower criteria for this year. I'm more concerned about my per/mile profitability. I'm currently at ~$25k/125k, but with domestic first class fares being cheaper and my long haul international severely decreased, I'm worried I won't be designated as profitable as before by CK standards. Will be interesting to see how this shakes out. I have been getting some client requests for TATL travel again, but all in later H2. Hopefully that helps prop things up as we close the year.
Oh well, I hope they realize budgets eventually rebound, but it's better to keep people tied in with CK than lose? Who knows.
Apr 16, 2021, 11:50 am
#1087
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: DFW
Programs: AA ConciergeKey, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 366
If they are admitting lower spend folks now (which I heard), then the previously higher spend CKs that still spend a fair amount this year SHOULD get the nod. Fingers crossed!
May 5, 2021, 3:35 pm
#1088
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 14
First international flight
This is my first international flight being CK. How do automatic upgrades work on these three tier classes? I booked main cabin, would I potentially get upgraded to business class or do I only get one class upgrade to premium economy?
May 5, 2021, 4:45 pm
#1089
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP, 2 Million Miler
Posts: 821
If you book main cabin, you do automatically qualify for premium economy seating.
May 20, 2021, 7:44 pm
#1090
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: STL/ORD/MCI/SAN
Programs: AA CK MM, AC SE100K, BA Gold, UA 1K, DL Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,989
What has everyone’s experience been with car transfers lately? I received one a couple of weeks ago at LAX and have also been getting at least a cart ride offer routinely at DFW.
At PHL earlier this week, I received a text upon landing at terminal F, apologizing that no car was available to take me to terminal A. They explained that they’re “rolling out new vehicles” and are working with partners to make sure “car/suv is safe.”
I know the cars weren’t running for some time due to Covid, but thought everything was up and running again by now. Curious what other experiences have been.
At PHL earlier this week, I received a text upon landing at terminal F, apologizing that no car was available to take me to terminal A. They explained that they’re “rolling out new vehicles” and are working with partners to make sure “car/suv is safe.”
I know the cars weren’t running for some time due to Covid, but thought everything was up and running again by now. Curious what other experiences have been.
May 21, 2021, 1:24 pm
#1091
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 14
What has everyone’s experience been with car transfers lately? I received one a couple of weeks ago at LAX and have also been getting at least a cart ride offer routinely at DFW.
At PHL earlier this week, I received a text upon landing at terminal F, apologizing that no car was available to take me to terminal A. They explained that they’re “rolling out new vehicles” and are working with partners to make sure “car/suv is safe.”
I know the cars weren’t running for some time due to Covid, but thought everything was up and running again by now. Curious what other experiences have been.
At PHL earlier this week, I received a text upon landing at terminal F, apologizing that no car was available to take me to terminal A. They explained that they’re “rolling out new vehicles” and are working with partners to make sure “car/suv is safe.”
I know the cars weren’t running for some time due to Covid, but thought everything was up and running again by now. Curious what other experiences have been.
My experience has been pretty bare. I get the usual cart transfer in DFW but no car transfer in the West yet. Today at DFW they told me
the Car service is only up and going in Charlotte. DFW just hired on a new batch of drivers from a company and should be up in the next two months.
May 21, 2021, 6:07 pm
#1092
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2019
Programs: AA: CK
Posts: 2,230
My experience has been pretty bare. I get the usual cart transfer in DFW but no car transfer in the West yet. Today at DFW they told me
the Car service is only up and going in Charlotte. DFW just hired on a new batch of drivers from a company and should be up in the next two months.
the Car service is only up and going in Charlotte. DFW just hired on a new batch of drivers from a company and should be up in the next two months.
May 21, 2021, 10:29 pm
#1093
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: STL/ORD/MCI/SAN
Programs: AA CK MM, AC SE100K, BA Gold, UA 1K, DL Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,989
My experience has been pretty bare. I get the usual cart transfer in DFW but no car transfer in the West yet. Today at DFW they told me
the Car service is only up and going in Charlotte. DFW just hired on a new batch of drivers from a company and should be up in the next two months.
the Car service is only up and going in Charlotte. DFW just hired on a new batch of drivers from a company and should be up in the next two months.
The info about the car service only running at CLT is definitely inaccurate -- at LAX (approx. two weeks ago), a companion and I received great service when we had one of those oddball 738 domestic flights departing from TBIT instead of T4 or T5. I received a text about 1.5 hrs prior to departure (and realized i had also missed a call from the same number), asking whether we would like to be picked up at gate 41 about 20 mins. before boarding. I thought we may have been getting a cart, so it was a pleasant surprise to be brought down the steps to an SUV that brought us from T4 to TBIT. One of the two agents mentioned they had only recently resumed the car service there. Really outstanding, proactive service overall.
They do really seem to be trying to cover all the CKs at DFW with cart rides -- it's nice to see.
May 22, 2021, 7:09 am
#1094
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: DFW
Programs: AA ConciergeKey, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 366
It's interesting how different everyone's experiences (and information are), because CLT is the only place I haven't seen a hint of CK service so far.
The info about the car service only running at CLT is definitely inaccurate -- at LAX (approx. two weeks ago), a companion and I received great service when we had one of those oddball 738 domestic flights departing from TBIT instead of T4 or T5. I received a text about 1.5 hrs prior to departure (and realized i had also missed a call from the same number), asking whether we would like to be picked up at gate 41 about 20 mins. before boarding. I thought we may have been getting a cart, so it was a pleasant surprise to be brought down the steps to an SUV that brought us from T4 to TBIT. One of the two agents mentioned they had only recently resumed the car service there. Really outstanding, proactive service overall.
They do really seem to be trying to cover all the CKs at DFW with cart rides -- it's nice to see.
The info about the car service only running at CLT is definitely inaccurate -- at LAX (approx. two weeks ago), a companion and I received great service when we had one of those oddball 738 domestic flights departing from TBIT instead of T4 or T5. I received a text about 1.5 hrs prior to departure (and realized i had also missed a call from the same number), asking whether we would like to be picked up at gate 41 about 20 mins. before boarding. I thought we may have been getting a cart, so it was a pleasant surprise to be brought down the steps to an SUV that brought us from T4 to TBIT. One of the two agents mentioned they had only recently resumed the car service there. Really outstanding, proactive service overall.
They do really seem to be trying to cover all the CKs at DFW with cart rides -- it's nice to see.
May 25, 2021, 11:39 pm
#1095
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: STL/ORD/MCI/SAN
Programs: AA CK MM, AC SE100K, BA Gold, UA 1K, DL Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,989
I'm DFW-based, and the experience has been pretty good lately. 100% of the time I have a CK agent boarding me with the little paper name tag. Day of departure always comes with a text, call or both from the rep that will be seeing to my boarding. I'm always offered a cart ride to my gate unless it's essentially adjacent to one of the Admirals Clubs. The last several months I've usually been direct with no connections so can't speak to car transfers. All airports that I've flown into with premium service agents have come with an arrival rep greeting me with name tag and MIA has been coming with a cart pickup to drive me to airport exit.
I haven't landed in MIA since I've been a CK (most recent trip was into FLL), so haven't had the arrival/non-connecting cart experience yet, but that does sound nice, as some of the MIA gates are quite far from baggage claim.