Jul 25, 2017, 10:25 am
Last edit by: Prospero
How Can I Achieve ConciergeKeySM / "CK" Program
(Concierge Key is by invitation only)
(Concierge Key is by invitation only)
NOTE: For issues relating to services provision for CK members, changes in offerings and all other issues pertaining to current Concierge Key members, please see AA Concierge Key / ConciergeKey / CK members (master thread) thread
"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) You can not apply for CK; you must be nominated and invited. According to member Gino Troian, reviews and decisions ~July, December.
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).
Possible ways to gain CK, remembering that as the criteria are not published this is somewhat speculative, based on having several CKs posting here and some members knowing several CKs (in no particular order):
- Arranger of travel with corporate travel contract with AA
- Influencer of travel with Fortune 1,000
- True VIP with significant recognition within an industry or profession
- Air Pass with $60,000 or more prepaid travel
- VFF EXP with high EQD ($75k?) and many high fare flights p.a. on AA
- Nominated by "sales" at AA (may dovetail with immediately above)
- Be sent a targeted "challenge" by AA instead of an invitation (see below)
According to Emily McNutt of The Points Guy, July 19, 2017 (link), AA has selected some high achievers to send a "challenge" type of CK invitation (offer closed 21 Jul 2017).
The offer required the invitee to earn 16,000 Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) on AA marketed or operated flights within the next 90 days in order to get Concierge Key status; successful completion receive Concierge Key through January 2019.
"According to one FlyerTalk user who was targeted, they have 65,000 EQDs (54,000 on AA-operated flights) and 223,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs)." We don't know if AA will make this offer in the future.
SERVICES: Services provided include airport escorts, Cadillac apron or golf cart transfers, 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. CK are First in upgrade and reaccommodation Priority, over EP.
ConciergeKey members receive AAdvantage Executive Platinum status, 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. (From our FlyerGuide AA Wiki page)
CK members have access to Flagship Check-in on any flight. It has been said unofficially CK will have Flagship Lounge access when flying.
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 are pre-boarded 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
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 25 Jul 2017 by JDiver
How do I make / making AA Concierge Key / ConciergeKey / CK? (master thread
Oct 6, 2018, 6:28 am
#211
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA Concierge Key, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diam
Posts: 510
Hi all,
I've read through the entire thread and I'm wondering if you can give me your opinion on if you think I'll be invited to CK this upcoming year. I'm going to close out the year with 46 segments on AA (or AA codeshare booked as AA) flights and 3 more flights on OW carriers. My total spend (fare and carrier fees) on all 49 flights is ~$50,400 and actual miles flown 113,000, whereas my EQM will be ~194,000. Only 2250 of the actual miles flown were not AA. In both calculations, it comes out to $0.45/mile. I fly 4-5 transatlantic in Business (I/J fare), 2x to deep South America (D/R fare), and a lot around the US, Canada, Caribbean, Central America.
I've been EXP for a few years now, so this isn't a one off year.
Thanks!
I've read through the entire thread and I'm wondering if you can give me your opinion on if you think I'll be invited to CK this upcoming year. I'm going to close out the year with 46 segments on AA (or AA codeshare booked as AA) flights and 3 more flights on OW carriers. My total spend (fare and carrier fees) on all 49 flights is ~$50,400 and actual miles flown 113,000, whereas my EQM will be ~194,000. Only 2250 of the actual miles flown were not AA. In both calculations, it comes out to $0.45/mile. I fly 4-5 transatlantic in Business (I/J fare), 2x to deep South America (D/R fare), and a lot around the US, Canada, Caribbean, Central America.
I've been EXP for a few years now, so this isn't a one off year.
Thanks!
Oct 14, 2018, 12:27 pm
#212
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW - AA EXP, SPG PLT, Hilton DIA, Hyatt - PLT, Hertz Prez
Posts: 787
Just to add to this discussion.. The last 2 years I have flown quite a bit in Premium internationally. Last year I ended with 30K EQD and 130K EQM. This year I am at 35K EQD and 175K EQM. I still have a trip to Hawaii in Premium and one to Asia in Premium coming up. Lets see if I qualify for CK. I highly doubt it but let's see.
Oct 14, 2018, 2:41 pm
#213
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
Just to add to this discussion.. The last 2 years I have flown quite a bit in Premium internationally. Last year I ended with 30K EQD and 130K EQM. This year I am at 35K EQD and 175K EQM. I still have a trip to Hawaii in Premium and one to Asia in Premium coming up. Lets see if I qualify for CK. I highly doubt it but let's see.
Oct 14, 2018, 4:33 pm
#214
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,263
Just to add to this discussion.. The last 2 years I have flown quite a bit in Premium internationally. Last year I ended with 30K EQD and 130K EQM. This year I am at 35K EQD and 175K EQM. I still have a trip to Hawaii in Premium and one to Asia in Premium coming up. Lets see if I qualify for CK. I highly doubt it but let's see.
Oct 15, 2018, 7:02 pm
#215
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
AFAIK and from recent reports, with $60,000 EQD in a year one might get the CK invitation. Less than that only if other factors are involved (VIP, influencer, arranger of travel, etc.)
Nov 4, 2018, 6:56 am
#216
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 2
Direct status match to ConceiegeKey from Global Services
I'm global services with UA. Will probably spend about $100k this year out of SFO so may have a chance to get UA/GS and AA/CK if I decide to diversify. Two questions:
- does CK only count AA metal PQD or includes codeshares? I fly between US and Australia in business class quarterly and see a lot of QF flights with AA codeshare
- anyone ever successfully pulled off a status match from GS to CK?
- does CK only count AA metal PQD or includes codeshares? I fly between US and Australia in business class quarterly and see a lot of QF flights with AA codeshare
- anyone ever successfully pulled off a status match from GS to CK?
I don't know if I was an isolated case or what, but you asked if anyone had successfully pulled this off, and I have.
It may have helped that I'm based in Kentucky, so far away from the major airports like EWR, ORD and SFO where there are many CK and GS members. There are not many members in Kentucky, and your home airport is part of the selection equation (for both CK and GS). I see other posts here where people are spending $60-70K and not receiving CK status. These people must be using one if the very large airports as their home airport, thus putting themselves in competition with all other heavy travelers from their airport. I haven't seen references to this fact elsewhere (but haven't read all postings) in this blog or others, but have been told from sources for both programs that this is indeed part of the equation. The whole ratio of EQMs per EQDs concept is interesting, but it's your home airport factor that nobody seems to be discussing. They have a calculating factor called BIS (butt in seat) that would contradict this ratio theory. Who really knows?
Last edited by bt_kentucky; Nov 4, 2018 at 6:58 am Reason: Found typo errors
Nov 4, 2018, 7:09 am
#217
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 2
Direct status match to ConceiegeKey from Global Services
I'm global services with UA. Will probably spend about $100k this year out of SFO so may have a chance to get UA/GS and AA/CK if I decide to diversify. Two questions:
- does CK only count AA metal PQD or includes codeshares? I fly between US and Australia in business class quarterly and see a lot of QF flights with AA codeshare
- anyone ever successfully pulled off a status match from GS to CK?
- does CK only count AA metal PQD or includes codeshares? I fly between US and Australia in business class quarterly and see a lot of QF flights with AA codeshare
- anyone ever successfully pulled off a status match from GS to CK?
I don't know if I was an isolated case or what, but you asked if anyone had successfully pulled this off, and I have.
It may have helped that I'm based in Kentucky, so far away from the major airports like EWR, ORD and SFO where there are many CK and GS members. There are not many members in Kentucky, and your home airport is part of the selection equation (for both CK and GS). I see other posts here where people are spending $60-70K and not receiving CK status. These people must be using one if the very large airports as their home airport, thus putting themselves in competition with all other heavy travelers from their airport. I haven't seen references to this fact elsewhere (but haven't read all postings) in this blog or others, but have been told from sources for both programs that this is indeed part of the equation. The whole ratio if EQMs per EQDs concept is interesting, but it's your home airport factor that nobody seems to be discussing. They have a calculating factor called BIS (butt in seat) that would contradict this ratio theory. Who really knows?
Nov 5, 2018, 7:24 am
#218
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP, 2 Million Miler
Posts: 821
Just to add to this discussion.. The last 2 years I have flown quite a bit in Premium internationally. Last year I ended with 30K EQD and 130K EQM. This year I am at 35K EQD and 175K EQM. I still have a trip to Hawaii in Premium and one to Asia in Premium coming up. Lets see if I qualify for CK. I highly doubt it but let's see.
Nov 19, 2018, 3:50 pm
#219
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: DFW
Programs: AA ConciergeKey, Marriott Ambassador / Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 5
Evaluating CK invite chances vs. pushing remaining travel to 2019? Thoughts?
Looking to get some some thoughts on chances of CK, given the following situation and context:
- About 4-5 weeks ago when I was on the phone with AA, the agent commented something along the lines of "you fly alot / spend alot, etc.". I responded with a reference / hopes of Concierge Key, and after a quick chat the agent put me on hold to "call someone in that department". Coming back they acknowledged that I was in fact on a specific "list" of "possible invitees" to be reviewed in December.
- Interesting interaction, and highly unexpected feedback - given what I know of CK + various reviews of forum commentary over last couple years.
Now for the ask to the experts: My current YTD stats (rounded) are below, and I do have a couple more pending trips that are optional this year that would increase those stats by an extra ~$3k in spend.
Question is should I have any realistic expectation of making CK, and would an extra ~$3k in spend make a difference (I'd prefer to push that travel to next year, but would hate to lose CK at the 11th hour)? Thoughts?
-EQD: $51.5k
-EQM: 193,000
-Segments: 97
-EXP last 7 years (consecutively)
- About 4-5 weeks ago when I was on the phone with AA, the agent commented something along the lines of "you fly alot / spend alot, etc.". I responded with a reference / hopes of Concierge Key, and after a quick chat the agent put me on hold to "call someone in that department". Coming back they acknowledged that I was in fact on a specific "list" of "possible invitees" to be reviewed in December.
- Interesting interaction, and highly unexpected feedback - given what I know of CK + various reviews of forum commentary over last couple years.
Now for the ask to the experts: My current YTD stats (rounded) are below, and I do have a couple more pending trips that are optional this year that would increase those stats by an extra ~$3k in spend.
Question is should I have any realistic expectation of making CK, and would an extra ~$3k in spend make a difference (I'd prefer to push that travel to next year, but would hate to lose CK at the 11th hour)? Thoughts?
-EQD: $51.5k
-EQM: 193,000
-Segments: 97
-EXP last 7 years (consecutively)
Nov 20, 2018, 7:43 am
#220
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
Looking to get some some thoughts on chances of CK, given the following situation and context:
- About 4-5 weeks ago when I was on the phone with AA, the agent commented something along the lines of "you fly alot / spend alot, etc.". I responded with a reference / hopes of Concierge Key, and after a quick chat the agent put me on hold to "call someone in that department". Coming back they acknowledged that I was in fact on a specific "list" of "possible invitees" to be reviewed in December.
- Interesting interaction, and highly unexpected feedback - given what I know of CK + various reviews of forum commentary over last couple years.
Now for the ask to the experts: My current YTD stats (rounded) are below, and I do have a couple more pending trips that are optional this year that would increase those stats by an extra ~$3k in spend.
Question is should I have any realistic expectation of making CK, and would an extra ~$3k in spend make a difference (I'd prefer to push that travel to next year, but would hate to lose CK at the 11th hour)? Thoughts?
-EQD: $51.5k
-EQM: 193,000
-Segments: 97
-EXP last 7 years (consecutively)
- About 4-5 weeks ago when I was on the phone with AA, the agent commented something along the lines of "you fly alot / spend alot, etc.". I responded with a reference / hopes of Concierge Key, and after a quick chat the agent put me on hold to "call someone in that department". Coming back they acknowledged that I was in fact on a specific "list" of "possible invitees" to be reviewed in December.
- Interesting interaction, and highly unexpected feedback - given what I know of CK + various reviews of forum commentary over last couple years.
Now for the ask to the experts: My current YTD stats (rounded) are below, and I do have a couple more pending trips that are optional this year that would increase those stats by an extra ~$3k in spend.
Question is should I have any realistic expectation of making CK, and would an extra ~$3k in spend make a difference (I'd prefer to push that travel to next year, but would hate to lose CK at the 11th hour)? Thoughts?
-EQD: $51.5k
-EQM: 193,000
-Segments: 97
-EXP last 7 years (consecutively)
Secondly that the agent was willing to check for you with that department. I am wondering if I will have the same luck although my ratio of spend to EQM is much worse due to mostly long-haul premium cabin travel, which skews it. Plus a handful of discount Y trips using SWUs, which I am sure they frown upon for CK.
EQD: $82,000
EQM: 450,000
EXP last 7 years
I have had so many service disruptions that if I don't get CK this year, I will drop my spend in half and move more to Star Alliance and SkyTeam.
Nov 20, 2018, 8:11 am
#221
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Not sure yet
Programs: Marriott - Lifetime Platinum Premier, AA - CK
Posts: 263
Last year...
EQD - $67k
EQM - 330k
EQS - 132
Was awarded with CK.
this year...
EQD - $30k
EQM - 97k
EQS - 103
I will add another $4k in spend with about 15k more miles on 14 more segments.
Finger crosses that I get the invite again, but doubt it.
EQD - $67k
EQM - 330k
EQS - 132
Was awarded with CK.
this year...
EQD - $30k
EQM - 97k
EQS - 103
I will add another $4k in spend with about 15k more miles on 14 more segments.
Finger crosses that I get the invite again, but doubt it.
Nov 20, 2018, 8:31 am
#222
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, LT Gold
Posts: 3,148
There's been some info that's come to light that makes it a bit easier to judge whether one is in the "CK range" or not... and it's very simply looking at your $ per EQM.
In SkyTeam777's case, it's $0.18. In reality, that's not much more than my EXP numbers ($0.17)... but he/she is just flying MORE.
It seems AA is interested in CK's spending north of $0.25/EQM, with some exceptions, of course.
In SkyTeam777's case, it's $0.18. In reality, that's not much more than my EXP numbers ($0.17)... but he/she is just flying MORE.
It seems AA is interested in CK's spending north of $0.25/EQM, with some exceptions, of course.
Nov 20, 2018, 8:42 am
#223
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Not sure yet
Programs: Marriott - Lifetime Platinum Premier, AA - CK
Posts: 263
There's been some info that's come to light that makes it a bit easier to judge whether one is in the "CK range" or not... and it's very simply looking at your $ per EQM.
In SkyTeam777's case, it's $0.18. In reality, that's not much more than my EXP numbers ($0.17)... but he/she is just flying MORE.
It seems AA is interested in CK's spending north of $0.25/EQM, with some exceptions, of course.
In SkyTeam777's case, it's $0.18. In reality, that's not much more than my EXP numbers ($0.17)... but he/she is just flying MORE.
It seems AA is interested in CK's spending north of $0.25/EQM, with some exceptions, of course.
Last year - $0.20/ EQM ($67k spend).
This year so far.... - $0.31/EQM ($30k spend)
Nov 20, 2018, 8:46 am
#224
Join Date: May 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, LT Gold
Posts: 3,148
I don't know enough about any of this beyond a WAG. But some of the info that's come out in this thread and the other CK thread does suggest a $/EQM north of $0.25, which makes sense. I'm sure there's some kind of actual EQM threshold on this, of course. Who knows what that is, but it seems safe to assume that if you're a "value" hyper-EXP, with high EQM at lower costs, it's not a lock for CK.
Nov 20, 2018, 8:51 am
#225
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Not sure yet
Programs: Marriott - Lifetime Platinum Premier, AA - CK
Posts: 263
I don't know enough about any of this beyond a WAG. But some of the info that's come out in this thread and the other CK thread does suggest a $/EQM north of $0.25, which makes sense. I'm sure there's some kind of actual EQM threshold on this, of course. Who knows what that is, but it seems safe to assume that if you're a "value" hyper-EXP, with high EQM at lower costs, it's not a lock for CK.