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)
Jul 2, 2018, 1:40 pm
#301
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA CK
Posts: 85
Typically the email with a link to your CK benefits will be sent to your inbox in 2-3 days. You'll be asked for your Aadvantage number and I believe one other credential in order to access the site. The box of CK material with luggage tags should be sent to your address on file in about 2 weeks or so based on my experience.
Jul 2, 2018, 1:42 pm
#302
Join Date: Jul 2018
Programs: AA CK
Posts: 7
Jul 17, 2018, 7:53 am
#303
Join Date: Jul 2018
Programs: AA CK
Posts: 7
Update
CK appears in my account in late June.
Voicemail from AA 10-12 days later welcoming me to CK.
Box with card, two bag tags and info arrive 14 July.
Info mentioned 4 SystemWide Upgrades deposited, but I see 6.
Nothing about inviting a person to Plat Exec.
I was Plat Pro, not Exec. I had over $70k in EQD since last summer, $33k this year. More now and more to come.
I do have reports to me that are freq Int'l flyers and one that I know of is CK.
CK appears in my account in late June.
Voicemail from AA 10-12 days later welcoming me to CK.
Box with card, two bag tags and info arrive 14 July.
Info mentioned 4 SystemWide Upgrades deposited, but I see 6.
Nothing about inviting a person to Plat Exec.
I was Plat Pro, not Exec. I had over $70k in EQD since last summer, $33k this year. More now and more to come.
I do have reports to me that are freq Int'l flyers and one that I know of is CK.
Aug 19, 2018, 10:24 am
#304
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
Update
CK appears in my account in late June.
Voicemail from AA 10-12 days later welcoming me to CK.
Box with card, two bag tags and info arrive 14 July.
Info mentioned 4 SystemWide Upgrades deposited, but I see 6.
Nothing about inviting a person to Plat Exec.
I was Plat Pro, not Exec. I had over $70k in EQD since last summer, $33k this year. More now and more to come.
I do have reports to me that are freq Int'l flyers and one that I know of is CK.
CK appears in my account in late June.
Voicemail from AA 10-12 days later welcoming me to CK.
Box with card, two bag tags and info arrive 14 July.
Info mentioned 4 SystemWide Upgrades deposited, but I see 6.
Nothing about inviting a person to Plat Exec.
I was Plat Pro, not Exec. I had over $70k in EQD since last summer, $33k this year. More now and more to come.
I do have reports to me that are freq Int'l flyers and one that I know of is CK.
I thought it only is awarded in January of each year?
Aug 19, 2018, 3:15 pm
#305
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA CK
Posts: 85
Aug 19, 2018, 3:53 pm
#306
Join Date: Jul 2018
Programs: AA CK
Posts: 7
I never did get an email or info for linkage to a special online site. Is there a CK webpage on AA that I’m missing?
Just back from a quick trip to LHR, first as CK. DFW counter called me to come up. Had me and one other board prior to all others. LHR agent at gate introduced herself as soon as I cleared gate check. Positioned me with two others at gate and we boarded before all others. I will say that the FAs on both flight were much friendlier than normal. Especially Drew and Susan on LHR>DFW. I gave them recognition slips because they were perfect FAs. A nice departure from the downright “SkyHags” I encounter out of DFW with regularity.
Just back from a quick trip to LHR, first as CK. DFW counter called me to come up. Had me and one other board prior to all others. LHR agent at gate introduced herself as soon as I cleared gate check. Positioned me with two others at gate and we boarded before all others. I will say that the FAs on both flight were much friendlier than normal. Especially Drew and Susan on LHR>DFW. I gave them recognition slips because they were perfect FAs. A nice departure from the downright “SkyHags” I encounter out of DFW with regularity.
Oct 15, 2018, 5:35 pm
#308
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: AA CK, Delta PLT, Hilton LT Diamond, Marriott/SW Plt
Posts: 34
Oct 31, 2018, 2:11 pm
#310
Join Date: Jul 2018
Programs: AA CK
Posts: 7
Going to Vegas with "the boys" this weekend. I booked Economy. I called CK two weeks ago and was able to attach a "Gold" friend in Economy as a companion in order to position us both for upgrade. Both of us upgraded to FC 96 hours before flight on outbound. Both appear to be Complimentary, IE. no 500 mile upgrades withdrawn. Tomorrow morning will be 96 hours ahead of return.
This may be old news for most on here. I'm just reporting the facts.
This may be old news for most on here. I'm just reporting the facts.
Nov 1, 2018, 10:49 am
#311
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,536
So, could use some advice here, based on my ignorance of things (owing to the fact I practically never fly with a companion).
Key. JFKCUN in March, peak school break days. Wife in same PNR, we are waitlisted, comp for me, 500-miler for her. I'm actually not on pins and needles about the upgrade. But there are two issues I'm thinking about:
1) If likely that she might clear, then I'm thinking of selecting my $250 Amex airline benefit on American, to pay for the 500-milers. Otherwise the credit is better allocated to Delta.
2) Traveling with 2 kids, one of which will be just over 18. Lounge rules say immediate family/kids <18, OR two guests. So here's the question - if I need to purchase a pass for him, can all four of us use the FL, or does the purchased pass mean we all have to downgrade to the AC? Put another way, if you buy an AA pass and are accompanying a Key, do you use FL or AC?
Jamie
Key. JFKCUN in March, peak school break days. Wife in same PNR, we are waitlisted, comp for me, 500-miler for her. I'm actually not on pins and needles about the upgrade. But there are two issues I'm thinking about:
1) If likely that she might clear, then I'm thinking of selecting my $250 Amex airline benefit on American, to pay for the 500-milers. Otherwise the credit is better allocated to Delta.
2) Traveling with 2 kids, one of which will be just over 18. Lounge rules say immediate family/kids <18, OR two guests. So here's the question - if I need to purchase a pass for him, can all four of us use the FL, or does the purchased pass mean we all have to downgrade to the AC? Put another way, if you buy an AA pass and are accompanying a Key, do you use FL or AC?
Jamie
Nov 1, 2018, 11:05 am
#312
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,263
So, could use some advice here, based on my ignorance of things (owing to the fact I practically never fly with a companion).
Key. JFKCUN in March, peak school break days. Wife in same PNR, we are waitlisted, comp for me, 500-miler for her. I'm actually not on pins and needles about the upgrade. But there are two issues I'm thinking about:
1) If likely that she might clear, then I'm thinking of selecting my $250 Amex airline benefit on American, to pay for the 500-milers. Otherwise the credit is better allocated to Delta.
2) Traveling with 2 kids, one of which will be just over 18. Lounge rules say immediate family/kids <18, OR two guests. So here's the question - if I need to purchase a pass for him, can all four of us use the FL, or does the purchased pass mean we all have to downgrade to the AC? Put another way, if you buy an AA pass and are accompanying a Key, do you use FL or AC?
Jamie
Key. JFKCUN in March, peak school break days. Wife in same PNR, we are waitlisted, comp for me, 500-miler for her. I'm actually not on pins and needles about the upgrade. But there are two issues I'm thinking about:
1) If likely that she might clear, then I'm thinking of selecting my $250 Amex airline benefit on American, to pay for the 500-milers. Otherwise the credit is better allocated to Delta.
2) Traveling with 2 kids, one of which will be just over 18. Lounge rules say immediate family/kids <18, OR two guests. So here's the question - if I need to purchase a pass for him, can all four of us use the FL, or does the purchased pass mean we all have to downgrade to the AC? Put another way, if you buy an AA pass and are accompanying a Key, do you use FL or AC?
Jamie
2) I think it's unlikely that they'll even question if you have 2 kids w/ you and one looks 18, in what's obviously an immediate family situation. And if they do, I still think they'll let you all in, even 'as a one-time courtesy'. If not, you can't purchase a pass to the FL, so you'd be relegated to the AC.
Nov 1, 2018, 12:40 pm
#313
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,536
1) Not really a question. but sounds like a decent strategy to wait/hope you clear in advance, and then buy some upgrades with your Amex benefit.
2) I think it's unlikely that they'll even question if you have 2 kids w/ you and one looks 18, in what's obviously an immediate family situation. And if they do, I still think they'll let you all in, even 'as a one-time courtesy'. If not, you can't purchase a pass to the FL, so you'd be relegated to the AC.
2) I think it's unlikely that they'll even question if you have 2 kids w/ you and one looks 18, in what's obviously an immediate family situation. And if they do, I still think they'll let you all in, even 'as a one-time courtesy'. If not, you can't purchase a pass to the FL, so you'd be relegated to the AC.
1) Turns out Amex doesn't cover 500-milers. No bother. I'll keep my annual airline credit selection as Delta. Delta doesn't give drink chits like American does (to certain flyers)...but the Amex credit DOES include drink purchases at Delta SkyClubs.
2) Oh man, it would sting to have to downgrade to the AC. But I bet you're right, I doubt they'll check IDs, and it probably doesn't hurt that I'm familiar with many of the JFK professionals.
Safe travels - Jamie
Nov 11, 2018, 7:26 pm
#314
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: New York
Programs: AA Exp / Marriott Titanium / Hilton Gold / Hyatt Globalist / United Silver
Posts: 958
Are CKs exempt from safety checks?
I was sitting in 1A today next to a CK on 1C - and he worked on his laptop on the tray table from the moment he boarded until we landed. Until today, I thought laptops and tray tables had to be stowed away, but I guess CKs are exempt from it?
I was sitting in 1A today next to a CK on 1C - and he worked on his laptop on the tray table from the moment he boarded until we landed. Until today, I thought laptops and tray tables had to be stowed away, but I guess CKs are exempt from it?
Nov 11, 2018, 9:28 pm
#315
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AA CK, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Radisson Platinum
Posts: 82
That's not my experience...
Are CKs exempt from safety checks?
I was sitting in 1A today next to a CK on 1C - and he worked on his laptop on the tray table from the moment he boarded until we landed. Until today, I thought laptops and tray tables had to be stowed away, but I guess CKs are exempt from it?
I was sitting in 1A today next to a CK on 1C - and he worked on his laptop on the tray table from the moment he boarded until we landed. Until today, I thought laptops and tray tables had to be stowed away, but I guess CKs are exempt from it?