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
#391
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: DFW
Programs: AA ConciergeKey, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 370
I question those. I feel like anyone who is seriously discussing this uses FT as the community of record. It should all be coming soon!
#392
Join Date: Apr 2024
Location: DCA & IAD
Programs: AA CK; UA GS; BA AG; Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 2
AA CK for 8 years running...still no update on 2024/2025 renewal for me. Anyone else getting email notice or mailed renewal package (letter, card, bag tag, etc.)?
#393
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: EGGX <-> CZQX
Programs: AA CK, UA GS, DL 360, B6 Mosaic
Posts: 414
#394
Join Date: Apr 2024
Location: DCA & IAD
Programs: AA CK; UA GS; BA AG; Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 2
AA CK notification received on 4/26 below....not surprised of non-renewal but genuinely happy that AA CK extended another month and the prospect of near-term offer to retain. Will be curious to see the requirements. Good luck!
Thank you for being one of our most valued customers. We appreciate the opportunity to deliver world-class service to you across our global network and hope you feel cared for on your journeys with us.
We wanted to let you know we reviewed your ConciergeKey® membership for the upcoming year. While you were not selected for the 2024-2025 ConciergeKey® program, we value your loyalty and are preparing a special, limited-time offer to help you retain your membership. We’re pleased to provide this new option for you to continue enjoying American’s most exclusive membership and are currently finalizing the details.
You’ll hear from us in mid-May to learn about this opportunity.
In recognition of your loyalty, your ConciergeKey® membership has also been extended through May 31, 2024.
It’s our privilege to elevate your travel experience, and we look forward to welcoming you onboard soon.
Thank you for being one of our most valued customers. We appreciate the opportunity to deliver world-class service to you across our global network and hope you feel cared for on your journeys with us.
We wanted to let you know we reviewed your ConciergeKey® membership for the upcoming year. While you were not selected for the 2024-2025 ConciergeKey® program, we value your loyalty and are preparing a special, limited-time offer to help you retain your membership. We’re pleased to provide this new option for you to continue enjoying American’s most exclusive membership and are currently finalizing the details.
You’ll hear from us in mid-May to learn about this opportunity.
In recognition of your loyalty, your ConciergeKey® membership has also been extended through May 31, 2024.
It’s our privilege to elevate your travel experience, and we look forward to welcoming you onboard soon.