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 26, 2018, 1:52 am
#286
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BNA
Programs: AA CK, SPG Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 273
Has giving two drink chits to CK when flying domestic become a new "thing? (Maybe its a really inconsistent "old thing?") Like most CK procedures, I am about 60% on consistency. I first started getting them when flying on weekends. Now, at certain stations, I get two chits every time I enter a club, (Dallas is the one consistent station - never happened at any terminal). I don't drink, so no skin off my back either way - my main perk is setting them on a nearby table and watching others take advantage of them or offering them to people at the bar.
Last edited by thecurtisw; Mar 26, 2018 at 1:55 am Reason: Typo
Mar 27, 2018, 5:41 am
#287
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Bedford, NH
Programs: AA - CK, IHG - Spire, Marriott/SPG - Gold
Posts: 1
Mar 28, 2018, 1:34 pm
#288
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,536
Has giving two drink chits to CK when flying domestic become a new "thing? (Maybe its a really inconsistent "old thing?") Like most CK procedures, I am about 60% on consistency. I first started getting them when flying on weekends. Now, at certain stations, I get two chits every time I enter a club, (Dallas is the one consistent station - never happened at any terminal). I don't drink, so no skin off my back either way - my main perk is setting them on a nearby table and watching others take advantage of them or offering them to people at the bar.
Apr 20, 2018, 3:14 pm
#289
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: AA LT PLT, DL PLT, HH DIA, IHG PLT, Hertz PLT, Bonvoy GLD, Avis Pres Club
Posts: 1,265
I earned CK status in January via AAirpass $50K commitment. Since then (approx 90 days) I have flown 30 segments and 51,000 EQM. All travel thus far has been domestic, and mostly through SNA, LAX, ORD, DFW, JFK, and PHX. Visited a few smaller airports / non-focus cities as well, but not worth mentioning.
Very thankful to not have experienced any IRROPS thus far, so I am unable to judge how well the proactive trip monitoring works. I'm hoping it's better than the current EXP / AC service, which used to be awesome but has gone to cr@p.
Overall, I am most smitten by the Flagship Check-In and Flagship Lounge access. At airports like ORD, the TSA P-Check line can have 100 people backed up. Being able to go in via Flagship Check-in that dumps you right to the front of the P-Check line is pretty awesome. I also absolutely love the new FLs, even if they only offer business-class level food/amenities. I've flown heavily for 10+ years and AA's new FL concept is finally on-par with many premium international carriers.
Now on to the less impressive stuff. Frankly, I am beyond confounded with the lack of consistency of treatment and benefits systemwide. I entered the program (naively) expecting something like Five Star Service with every flight at a participating airport. That's definitely not the case at all. Of the 29 segments I've flown, about 12 of them have been connecting flights. Of those, I've only ever been met at the gate twice, both times at PHX. I've only ever been pre-boarded once (also at PHX), and though the ground agent made a point to introduce me to the purser, it garnered no extra service or favor in-flight. I've never had an FA acknowledge the status or proactively offer better service. While this is not supposed to be a benefit, there are anecdotal reports of this happening to others (ie. taking the food order of CK's first has been reported).
At non FL clubs, I have only proactively been offered drink chits once, but every club except DFW has given them to me when I asked politely. The DrAAgon at the DFW AC admonished me that chits are only for international travelers, but then handed me 2 because the line was backing up.
I've flown out of the LAX remote terminal a couple times, but never proactively offered a tarmac transfer. I asked for a transfer politely both times, but only given a transfer once. That transfer just dumped me at the regular bus entrance to the terminal, and no offer was made to preboard or escort. On one <60 minute connection at DFW I was deplaning with one other CK member. That member was met at the gate and offered an Escalade. I was not. I just don't get the rhyme or reason.
Boarding before group 1 is a joke at most airports, and often results in eye daggers or awkwardly trying to find a way to push past the mobs of group 1's preemptively filling up the priority lane. I was even challenged by a fellow pax in ATL when i tried to excuse myself past him to board with the CK group. He said "You know, I'm in first class too...just wait your turn."
With the very large caveat of having no experience with IRROPS yet, I'm sad to report that CK is not a status worth dwelling over or trying to achieve. The flagship treatment at select airports is a great perk, but I don't think I'm going to lose sleep when my CK status eventually disappears. The ground treatment is simply not that special. That said, if AA ever offers a more consistent premium experience on the ground, I may change my mind.
Very thankful to not have experienced any IRROPS thus far, so I am unable to judge how well the proactive trip monitoring works. I'm hoping it's better than the current EXP / AC service, which used to be awesome but has gone to cr@p.
Overall, I am most smitten by the Flagship Check-In and Flagship Lounge access. At airports like ORD, the TSA P-Check line can have 100 people backed up. Being able to go in via Flagship Check-in that dumps you right to the front of the P-Check line is pretty awesome. I also absolutely love the new FLs, even if they only offer business-class level food/amenities. I've flown heavily for 10+ years and AA's new FL concept is finally on-par with many premium international carriers.
Now on to the less impressive stuff. Frankly, I am beyond confounded with the lack of consistency of treatment and benefits systemwide. I entered the program (naively) expecting something like Five Star Service with every flight at a participating airport. That's definitely not the case at all. Of the 29 segments I've flown, about 12 of them have been connecting flights. Of those, I've only ever been met at the gate twice, both times at PHX. I've only ever been pre-boarded once (also at PHX), and though the ground agent made a point to introduce me to the purser, it garnered no extra service or favor in-flight. I've never had an FA acknowledge the status or proactively offer better service. While this is not supposed to be a benefit, there are anecdotal reports of this happening to others (ie. taking the food order of CK's first has been reported).
At non FL clubs, I have only proactively been offered drink chits once, but every club except DFW has given them to me when I asked politely. The DrAAgon at the DFW AC admonished me that chits are only for international travelers, but then handed me 2 because the line was backing up.
I've flown out of the LAX remote terminal a couple times, but never proactively offered a tarmac transfer. I asked for a transfer politely both times, but only given a transfer once. That transfer just dumped me at the regular bus entrance to the terminal, and no offer was made to preboard or escort. On one <60 minute connection at DFW I was deplaning with one other CK member. That member was met at the gate and offered an Escalade. I was not. I just don't get the rhyme or reason.
Boarding before group 1 is a joke at most airports, and often results in eye daggers or awkwardly trying to find a way to push past the mobs of group 1's preemptively filling up the priority lane. I was even challenged by a fellow pax in ATL when i tried to excuse myself past him to board with the CK group. He said "You know, I'm in first class too...just wait your turn."
With the very large caveat of having no experience with IRROPS yet, I'm sad to report that CK is not a status worth dwelling over or trying to achieve. The flagship treatment at select airports is a great perk, but I don't think I'm going to lose sleep when my CK status eventually disappears. The ground treatment is simply not that special. That said, if AA ever offers a more consistent premium experience on the ground, I may change my mind.
Apr 29, 2018, 5:19 pm
#290
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,348
I’ve consistently gotten drink chits since I became CK, sometimes proactively and sometimes upon request. Several months ago at CLT, I was told that it had been implemented as an official policy system-wide. So I was quite surprised when today at DFW I was denied by 2 separate agents. Does anyone have a reference to the official policy that they can share?
Apr 30, 2018, 4:01 am
#291
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: USA
Programs: AA-CK, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,449
Speaking of CK perks, I received an email last week giving me access (2x) to First Dining when I'm not on a qualifying itinerary. Was that targeted or did we all get that?
Apr 30, 2018, 4:35 am
#292
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
May 8, 2018, 4:11 pm
#294
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: AA-CK; Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 11
I earned CK status in January via AAirpass $50K commitment. Since then (approx 90 days) I have flown 30 segments and 51,000 EQM. All travel thus far has been domestic, and mostly through SNA, LAX, ORD, DFW, JFK, and PHX. Visited a few smaller airports / non-focus cities as well, but not worth mentioning.
Very thankful to not have experienced any IRROPS thus far, so I am unable to judge how well the proactive trip monitoring works. I'm hoping it's better than the current EXP / AC service, which used to be awesome but has gone to cr@p.
Overall, I am most smitten by the Flagship Check-In and Flagship Lounge access. At airports like ORD, the TSA P-Check line can have 100 people backed up. Being able to go in via Flagship Check-in that dumps you right to the front of the P-Check line is pretty awesome. I also absolutely love the new FLs, even if they only offer business-class level food/amenities. I've flown heavily for 10+ years and AA's new FL concept is finally on-par with many premium international carriers.
Now on to the less impressive stuff. Frankly, I am beyond confounded with the lack of consistency of treatment and benefits systemwide. I entered the program (naively) expecting something like Five Star Service with every flight at a participating airport. That's definitely not the case at all. Of the 29 segments I've flown, about 12 of them have been connecting flights. Of those, I've only ever been met at the gate twice, both times at PHX. I've only ever been pre-boarded once (also at PHX), and though the ground agent made a point to introduce me to the purser, it garnered no extra service or favor in-flight. I've never had an FA acknowledge the status or proactively offer better service. While this is not supposed to be a benefit, there are anecdotal reports of this happening to others (ie. taking the food order of CK's first has been reported).
At non FL clubs, I have only proactively been offered drink chits once, but every club except DFW has given them to me when I asked politely. The DrAAgon at the DFW AC admonished me that chits are only for international travelers, but then handed me 2 because the line was backing up.
I've flown out of the LAX remote terminal a couple times, but never proactively offered a tarmac transfer. I asked for a transfer politely both times, but only given a transfer once. That transfer just dumped me at the regular bus entrance to the terminal, and no offer was made to preboard or escort. On one <60 minute connection at DFW I was deplaning with one other CK member. That member was met at the gate and offered an Escalade. I was not. I just don't get the rhyme or reason.
Boarding before group 1 is a joke at most airports, and often results in eye daggers or awkwardly trying to find a way to push past the mobs of group 1's preemptively filling up the priority lane. I was even challenged by a fellow pax in ATL when i tried to excuse myself past him to board with the CK group. He said "You know, I'm in first class too...just wait your turn."
With the very large caveat of having no experience with IRROPS yet, I'm sad to report that CK is not a status worth dwelling over or trying to achieve. The flagship treatment at select airports is a great perk, but I don't think I'm going to lose sleep when my CK status eventually disappears. The ground treatment is simply not that special. That said, if AA ever offers a more consistent premium experience on the ground, I may change my mind.
Very thankful to not have experienced any IRROPS thus far, so I am unable to judge how well the proactive trip monitoring works. I'm hoping it's better than the current EXP / AC service, which used to be awesome but has gone to cr@p.
Overall, I am most smitten by the Flagship Check-In and Flagship Lounge access. At airports like ORD, the TSA P-Check line can have 100 people backed up. Being able to go in via Flagship Check-in that dumps you right to the front of the P-Check line is pretty awesome. I also absolutely love the new FLs, even if they only offer business-class level food/amenities. I've flown heavily for 10+ years and AA's new FL concept is finally on-par with many premium international carriers.
Now on to the less impressive stuff. Frankly, I am beyond confounded with the lack of consistency of treatment and benefits systemwide. I entered the program (naively) expecting something like Five Star Service with every flight at a participating airport. That's definitely not the case at all. Of the 29 segments I've flown, about 12 of them have been connecting flights. Of those, I've only ever been met at the gate twice, both times at PHX. I've only ever been pre-boarded once (also at PHX), and though the ground agent made a point to introduce me to the purser, it garnered no extra service or favor in-flight. I've never had an FA acknowledge the status or proactively offer better service. While this is not supposed to be a benefit, there are anecdotal reports of this happening to others (ie. taking the food order of CK's first has been reported).
At non FL clubs, I have only proactively been offered drink chits once, but every club except DFW has given them to me when I asked politely. The DrAAgon at the DFW AC admonished me that chits are only for international travelers, but then handed me 2 because the line was backing up.
I've flown out of the LAX remote terminal a couple times, but never proactively offered a tarmac transfer. I asked for a transfer politely both times, but only given a transfer once. That transfer just dumped me at the regular bus entrance to the terminal, and no offer was made to preboard or escort. On one <60 minute connection at DFW I was deplaning with one other CK member. That member was met at the gate and offered an Escalade. I was not. I just don't get the rhyme or reason.
Boarding before group 1 is a joke at most airports, and often results in eye daggers or awkwardly trying to find a way to push past the mobs of group 1's preemptively filling up the priority lane. I was even challenged by a fellow pax in ATL when i tried to excuse myself past him to board with the CK group. He said "You know, I'm in first class too...just wait your turn."
With the very large caveat of having no experience with IRROPS yet, I'm sad to report that CK is not a status worth dwelling over or trying to achieve. The flagship treatment at select airports is a great perk, but I don't think I'm going to lose sleep when my CK status eventually disappears. The ground treatment is simply not that special. That said, if AA ever offers a more consistent premium experience on the ground, I may change my mind.
May 9, 2018, 12:15 pm
#295
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New York
Programs: AA EXP 1.0mm, not sure where I am with hotels these days
Posts: 2,795
May 9, 2018, 1:15 pm
#296
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,536
CK all got it.
https://twitter.com/xJonNYC/status/988517650883055618
https://twitter.com/xJonNYC/status/988517650883055618
May 9, 2018, 10:05 pm
#297
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BNA
Programs: AA CK, SPG Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 273
I’m definitely saving mine for when I have family or others with me. Certainly don’t want to “waste” the experience just by myself!
Last edited by thecurtisw; May 9, 2018 at 10:05 pm Reason: typo
May 10, 2018, 7:50 am
#298
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, LT Gold
Posts: 3,148
Jul 2, 2018, 1:13 pm
#299
Join Date: Jul 2018
Programs: AA CK
Posts: 7
ConciergeKeysm just appeared on my Account profile last Thursday. No other contact such as hard copy mail, card or email. Until then I really don't have much intel on what I have, other than 6 Systemwide Upgrades and numerous 500 mile upgrades being credited to my acct.
Jul 2, 2018, 1:21 pm
#300
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, LT Gold
Posts: 3,148
ConciergeKeysm just appeared on my Account profile last Thursday. No other contact such as hard copy mail, card or email. Until then I really don't have much intel on what I have, other than 6 Systemwide Upgrades and numerous 500 mile upgrades being credited to my acct.
What has your YTD travel with AA looked like? What's your current EQD/EQM totals, and what types of flights have you been taking? Also, company paid trips or personal?