chfenton

So just thought it was refreshing to see enforcement of the boarding priorities but I also thought it was an unusual high number of CK's but then again probably one of the routes that would have the highest concentration. JFK to LHR earlier this week when CK announcement made about 10 people headed to board. The CK representative was waiting at the beginning of the priority lane and checked the BP names against his list and if not on the list he re-checked their BP and in at least 3 instances it was a lowly group one passenger trying to board (although I witnessed at least one group 6 try to get on but there might have been a language issue with her). Simple and efficient and as soon as the last one was through the BP scanner the GA called for Group one. The 7 (he did let the spouse of one CK board as well) were only about 1 minute ahead of everyone else but they did board first.

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

I'm surprised that AA doesn't call CKs by individual name to board. (Some GAs actually do). This would avoid people from Group 9 thinking it's their turn to board when the GA welcomes CKs to board.

fotographer

once when in ORD, the lovely agents at the AC walked to my gate and introduced me to the agent there as if I was a CK
boarded first of course, it was a pretty cool feeling.. but alas that I was my only experience as a "CK"

Fine Art Landscape Photographer

I never seen CK rep @ gate.

OskiBear

I saw this a couple of weeks ago on my short hop from PHX to LGB. The CK rep drove an electric cart emblazoned with Concierge Key on it and was at the gate to greet and escort the CK passenger onto the plane. I ended up sitting in front of the passenger.

What actually happens? She carries/stows your carry-on for you? Makes sure you get a PDB? I'm just curious...

enviroian

I've seen it (well heard it actually). I've heard a gate agent call them up to the gate by name but it was only 1 CK maybe 2 max, never more.

dave_261

CK reps generally are there at about half the flights during pre-boarding. They stand by the gate agent with printed copies of boarding passes to scan, in case the CK doesn't have the energy or desire to actually hand their pass/phone to the agent.

It's a nice, and 100% unnecessary, touch.

MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

MIA also has the same cart. In general I think it's to ferry CKs to the gate from the AC or between connecting flights. I assume some CKs really don't want or use the fanfare.

MarkOK

Honestly, CKs not boarding before Group 1 is one of the least substantial things I could complain about.

AA100k

Finsup72

I rarely see them during domestic flying, but I think I've seen a CK rep at the gate at LHR every single time for my last 10 LHR-US flights. There always seems to be ~5-8 CKs on my flights.

Score8

Back in the old days, when I was a CK, the cart thing was pretty inconsistent, but it was at times both helpful and hilarious. It was helpful in DFW, when I was late for a flight. Another time, I got in the cart not paying any attention and they drove me to my gate...two gates away! Due to foot traffic, at least 10 people actually beat me to the gate.

Other than preferred upgrades and some special treatments, the thing I cared about most was assistance between terminals in Europe, particularly LHR. I once got a personal escort from the plane in CDG through passport control and on the bus to the remote terminal for regional flights. It felt a lot more like 5 star than CK.

Back then, the benefits were a lot less transparent and consistent - including pre-board etc...

rowingman

I usually get a glass of Dom, in a chilled crystal flute when they pre-board me. I have no idea what the rest of you are experiencing...

fastflyer

At CLT last Sunday night for the late MCI departure, a Premium Services representative with clipboard pre-boarded two CKs. One of the plebes lined up in the Group 1-4 line verbally accosted the leading CK ("Hey buddy, the first class line is over here," pointing behind him). The CK said nothing, and Miss Clipboard hustled him on board. Amusing situation.

355F1