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)
Jan 26, 2019, 7:24 am
#361
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,263
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 26, 2019, 4:03 pm
#362
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AA CK, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Radisson Platinum
Posts: 82
Oh, I get so much crap from my Delta friends! I was expecting TSA to be a nightmare, but it wasn't too different than normal (at least in PreCheck). I can't stand ATL... that alone is enough reason for me to avoid Delta!
Jan 26, 2019, 4:06 pm
#363
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AA CK, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Radisson Platinum
Posts: 82
Under the circumstances you described, I don't think they would have put you over on Delta since there was still a chance you'd make the connection. Couldn't have hurt to ask, but I think they would have declined and given you a hearty 'oh it's still looking good for you and we'll do our very best at your connection to ensure you make it'. Had it become clear that you had no prayer to make it, you'd have had a much easier discussion to kick you over to Delta.
Jan 26, 2019, 10:49 pm
#364
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: New York
Programs: AA Concierge Key, Marriott Titanium Elite, National Executive Elite
Posts: 326
I would have called the CK line vs. going to the AAdmirals Club. I find the club agents are becoming increasingly less useful. The CK agents on the phone however have a lot of latitude to work with and could probably help you better and faster.
Jan 27, 2019, 7:44 am
#365
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AA CK, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Radisson Platinum
Posts: 82
That ATL Admiral's Club is rough. I checked in with a calzone in hand, and the agent said, "I hope you find a table, we're somewhat busy right now." They're always busy at that club... I don't think I've ever found a seat in it.
Jan 27, 2019, 3:25 pm
#366
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: New York
Programs: AA Concierge Key, Marriott Titanium Elite, National Executive Elite
Posts: 326
I had actually just hit "dial" on the CK Line number when they called CK to board the flight. Next time I'll give that a shot from the start.
That ATL Admiral's Club is rough. I checked in with a calzone in hand, and the agent said, "I hope you find a table, we're somewhat busy right now." They're always busy at that club... I don't think I've ever found a seat in it.
That ATL Admiral's Club is rough. I checked in with a calzone in hand, and the agent said, "I hope you find a table, we're somewhat busy right now." They're always busy at that club... I don't think I've ever found a seat in it.
Feb 28, 2019, 9:05 am
#367
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 1
Greetings and Boarding
long time exec play that finally made CK end of last year.
so far not very impressed.
only ~10pct of my flights since achieving this level have included a personal greeting/concierge
I’ve yet to be greeted upon landIng in a connecting city.
My CK boarding is typically after wheel chairs which usually results in a wait on the jet bridge and then accumulation of other group 1s
only one flight attendant has personally welcomed me ion equipment
Its almost like lounge staff don’t appreciate the achievement
curious to hear if this is typical for others or if perhaps I’ve just been unlucky my first 3 months
thanks
so far not very impressed.
only ~10pct of my flights since achieving this level have included a personal greeting/concierge
I’ve yet to be greeted upon landIng in a connecting city.
My CK boarding is typically after wheel chairs which usually results in a wait on the jet bridge and then accumulation of other group 1s
only one flight attendant has personally welcomed me ion equipment
Its almost like lounge staff don’t appreciate the achievement
curious to hear if this is typical for others or if perhaps I’ve just been unlucky my first 3 months
thanks
Feb 28, 2019, 9:26 am
#368
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: AA Executive Platinum; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,662
long time exec play that finally made CK end of last year.
so far not very impressed.
only ~10pct of my flights since achieving this level have included a personal greeting/concierge
I’ve yet to be greeted upon landIng in a connecting city.
My CK boarding is typically after wheel chairs which usually results in a wait on the jet bridge and then accumulation of other group 1s
only one flight attendant has personally welcomed me ion equipment
Its almost like lounge staff don’t appreciate the achievement
curious to hear if this is typical for others or if perhaps I’ve just been unlucky my first 3 months
thanks
so far not very impressed.
only ~10pct of my flights since achieving this level have included a personal greeting/concierge
I’ve yet to be greeted upon landIng in a connecting city.
My CK boarding is typically after wheel chairs which usually results in a wait on the jet bridge and then accumulation of other group 1s
only one flight attendant has personally welcomed me ion equipment
Its almost like lounge staff don’t appreciate the achievement
curious to hear if this is typical for others or if perhaps I’ve just been unlucky my first 3 months
thanks
Feb 28, 2019, 9:33 am
#369
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin
Posts: 4,629
long time exec play that finally made CK end of last year.
so far not very impressed.
only ~10pct of my flights since achieving this level have included a personal greeting/concierge
I’ve yet to be greeted upon landIng in a connecting city.
My CK boarding is typically after wheel chairs which usually results in a wait on the jet bridge and then accumulation of other group 1s
only one flight attendant has personally welcomed me ion equipment
Its almost like lounge staff don’t appreciate the achievement
curious to hear if this is typical for others or if perhaps I’ve just been unlucky my first 3 months
thanks
so far not very impressed.
only ~10pct of my flights since achieving this level have included a personal greeting/concierge
I’ve yet to be greeted upon landIng in a connecting city.
My CK boarding is typically after wheel chairs which usually results in a wait on the jet bridge and then accumulation of other group 1s
only one flight attendant has personally welcomed me ion equipment
Its almost like lounge staff don’t appreciate the achievement
curious to hear if this is typical for others or if perhaps I’ve just been unlucky my first 3 months
thanks
Feb 28, 2019, 9:43 am
#370
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,263
long time exec play that finally made CK end of last year.
so far not very impressed.
only ~10pct of my flights since achieving this level have included a personal greeting/concierge
I’ve yet to be greeted upon landIng in a connecting city.
My CK boarding is typically after wheel chairs which usually results in a wait on the jet bridge and then accumulation of other group 1s
only one flight attendant has personally welcomed me ion equipment
Its almost like lounge staff don’t appreciate the achievement
curious to hear if this is typical for others or if perhaps I’ve just been unlucky my first 3 months
thanks
so far not very impressed.
only ~10pct of my flights since achieving this level have included a personal greeting/concierge
I’ve yet to be greeted upon landIng in a connecting city.
My CK boarding is typically after wheel chairs which usually results in a wait on the jet bridge and then accumulation of other group 1s
only one flight attendant has personally welcomed me ion equipment
Its almost like lounge staff don’t appreciate the achievement
curious to hear if this is typical for others or if perhaps I’ve just been unlucky my first 3 months
thanks
Feb 28, 2019, 12:01 pm
#371
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA CK EXP 3MM, National EE, Hertz Plat
Posts: 320
long time exec play that finally made CK end of last year.
so far not very impressed.
only ~10pct of my flights since achieving this level have included a personal greeting/concierge
I’ve yet to be greeted upon landIng in a connecting city.
My CK boarding is typically after wheel chairs which usually results in a wait on the jet bridge and then accumulation of other group 1s
only one flight attendant has personally welcomed me ion equipment
Its almost like lounge staff don’t appreciate the achievement
curious to hear if this is typical for others or if perhaps I’ve just been unlucky my first 3 months
thanks
so far not very impressed.
only ~10pct of my flights since achieving this level have included a personal greeting/concierge
I’ve yet to be greeted upon landIng in a connecting city.
My CK boarding is typically after wheel chairs which usually results in a wait on the jet bridge and then accumulation of other group 1s
only one flight attendant has personally welcomed me ion equipment
Its almost like lounge staff don’t appreciate the achievement
curious to hear if this is typical for others or if perhaps I’ve just been unlucky my first 3 months
thanks
The irrops is what is key, i have been at times booked on 2 alternate AA flights and 1 UA flight, they really go all out. Call the CK desk and they will pretty much do whatever is necessary, and typically they are proactive.
Mar 2, 2019, 11:37 am
#372
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
Anyone had any luck in CK agents opening up award inventory on lightly booked long haul flights? Trying to get on ORD-LHR day flight which is more than half empty in 10 days. Was wondering if that’s ever something we can ask for...
Mar 5, 2019, 2:41 pm
#374
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tampa Bay
Programs: AA ConciergeKey, Hertz PC , Marriott Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 73
American Airlines and Hyatt Hotels to Share Elite Loyalty Benefits
"Concierge Key members of AAdvantage will also be automatically given top-tier Globalist status with World of Hyatt under the new program’s guidelines."
"Concierge Key members of AAdvantage will also be automatically given top-tier Globalist status with World of Hyatt under the new program’s guidelines."
Mar 11, 2019, 7:48 am
#375
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,198
Question: I have a CK member client who is insisting that AA provides "guaranteed" upgrades from coach to business using "Points" (as they referred to them) - I can find no such reference to this benefit anywhere, and I believe upgrades are still capacity controlled as for any other member level, just prioritized higher. Am I wrong, or is my client wrong? Something has led him to believe he receives a guaranteed upgrade.
Edited: I assume we still need to find C class to process the upgrade, correct?
Edited: I assume we still need to find C class to process the upgrade, correct?
Last edited by bocastephen; Mar 11, 2019 at 7:55 am