For whatever reason, there’s a not-insignificant portion of the frequent flyer community that finds invitation-only status with US airlines to be sexy. I’ve gotta be honest, I don’t really get it. Is there any other context in which overpaying for the pleasure of indulging in American’s domestic first class catering, lounge cubed cheese, and cheap chardonnay, is considered appealing?
Arguably the most well known invitation-only airline status is American Airlines’ Concierge Key, as it was a major theme of the popular 2009 movie “Up In The Air,” starring George Clooney.
What is Concierge Key status really? How do you earn Concierge Key, and what are the benefits? How many Concierge Key members are there? The truth is that there’s little published information out there about the status, but lots of data points.
In this post I wanted to attempt to answer some of the most common questions about Concierge Key status to the best of my ability. If you’re interested in details of invitation-only elite status with other airlines, check out my posts about Delta 360 and United Global Services.
In this post:
What is American Concierge Key status?
On the most basic level, Concierge Key is American’s invitation-only elite status level. There’s no published criteria to earn it, and it has to be renewed every year, so you can earn it one year and lose it the next.
Going back several years, Concierge Key was completely separate from the AAdvantage program, but that’s no longer the case. Nowadays Concierge Key is a formal part of the AAdvantage program, and it’s a tier above Executive Platinum status (American’s highest published elite tier).
How do you earn American Concierge Key status?
The criteria to earn Concierge Key is not published, but generally there are a few ways to earn it.
One way is to spend a ton on American Airlines travel. We’re talking $50,000+ of spending per year. That’s not to say that spending $50,001 will get you Concierge Key status, but rather that if you spend less than that, don’t assume you have any real chance of being invited. So you absolutely can earn Concierge Key purely through your own travel, and that’s probably the most common way it’s earned.
We don’t fully know what American looks for in this regard, though. Does the airline care purely about the dollar amount you spend, the typical fare classes you fly in (consistently full fare first class, for example), or something else? There are also some indications that the qualification criteria vary based in markets, so you have a better chance of earning it if you’re not living in a major hub city of American.
Keep in mind that nowadays American Airlines elite status is based on the Loyalty Points program, so you can even earn elite status through credit card spending. However, the general consensus is that non-flying activity generally doesn’t count toward earning Concierge Key status. I of course can’t guarantee that will be the case across the board, but don’t expect that spending a million dollars on an American credit card will earn you Concierge Key.
You can also earn Concierge Key through the influence you have over others’ travel. Sometimes American Airlines will give Concierge Key nominations as part of a big corporate contract, or to key travel planners who have influence over a lot of others’ travel.
American Airlines is even known to comp Concierge Key to some “influencers.” For example, going back several years, YouTuber Casey Neistat was comped Concierge Key status and was really unhappy when it was taken away.
For avoidance of doubt, I’ve never been offered Concierge Key status. 😉
What are the benefits of American Concierge Key status?
Concierge Key has quite a few published benefits, but some would argue the biggest benefit of the status is better “soft” treatment in the event of irregular operations.
The benefits of American Airlines Concierge Key include the following:
- Upgrade priority over all other AAdvantage elite tiers (complimentary upgrades start clearing 120 hours out, compared to the 100 hour window for Executive Platinum members)
- An Admirals Club membership
- Access to Flagship Lounges, even when traveling domestically
- Two Flagship First Dining passes annually, though this has been an unofficial benefit
- Two additional systemwide upgrades, beyond the ones that are ordinarily earned with the Loyalty Point Rewards program
- Co-pays waived on international mileage upgrades
- A dedicated phone number and email address with 24/7 support
- Access to Flagship First Check-In, even when traveling domestically
- Priority boarding before everyone else
- Assistance during irregular operations
Assistance during irregular operations is probably both potentially the most valuable perk, and also the most inconsistent one. On a good day, Concierge Key members may get proactive rebookings when flights are canceled and delayed.
American even has a fleet of cars at hubs for Concierge Key tarmac transfers, so during a short connection you may be picked up planeside and driven to your connecting flight. At the same time, there are also instances where you’ll likely be disappointed, because Concierge Key agents aren’t going to deliver 100% of the time.
If you’re looking to at least get Concierge Key levels of airport support with a particular trip, keep in mind that American offers Five Star Service, which is a paid program for more attentive service at the airport.
How many American Concierge Key members are there?
American Airlines understandably hasn’t revealed how many Concierge Key members there are, so the best we can do is speculate. If I had to guess, I’d say there are somewhere between 10,000 and 20,000 Concierge Key members. To be more exact, my assumption is that the number is roughly in the middle of that range.
In 2019 there was a clue — American worked with a company to send out chocolate to Concierge Key members, and the company posted that 11,300 packages had been prepared. Now, not all Concierge Key members received this chocolate, suggesting to me that there are more members than that.
If you’re curious how other elite ranks compare, I’d guess the number of Executive Platinum members is maybe 4-5x as high as the number of Concierge Key members. Again, that’s purely speculation on my part.
Bottom line
Concierge Key is American Airlines’ invitation-only elite status. It gives you priority over Executive Platinum members for just about everything, lounge access, extra systemwide upgrades, and also (hopefully) proactive help in the event of irregular operations. However, don’t expect it to earn it if you don’t spend at least $50,000 per year on American Airlines flights, and even then it’s not a sure bet.
Is the status life changing? While I’ve never had it, I’m inclined to say “no.” But others certainly may disagree…
If you’re a Concierge Key member (or have been one in the past), what has been your experience with the status? How does it compare to Executive Platinum status?
I held a CK for approximately 12 years. My CK was because I worked for a huge company that had a corporate travel program with American Airlines. This included a certain number of CKs as part of the relationship, which were given to select executives at my company. I convinced myself that my significant (150k+ miles) annual travel contributed to keeping my CK for these years, but the year after I left the company so...
I held a CK for approximately 12 years. My CK was because I worked for a huge company that had a corporate travel program with American Airlines. This included a certain number of CKs as part of the relationship, which were given to select executives at my company. I convinced myself that my significant (150k+ miles) annual travel contributed to keeping my CK for these years, but the year after I left the company so did my CK disappear. It's great to have one (all the perks, recognition and ego boost for the road warrior-class), but frankly you're very likely to spend a signifcant amount time at airports and flying on American so weigh the pros & cons of what the loyalty is costing you. If you get one enjoy it to the max - it feels great to be recognized and valued. The 9 out of 10 (flight) domestic upgrades are worth their weight in gold, the flight disruption care is missed when no longer there there, and the Cadillac limos across the tarmac feel special for a while. Yes it's inconsistent as it should be given the immense resource needs, but when it works it is worth all that travel time we spend.
I have been EP since 2005, I was CK for 2 years in a row when my company was in a massive growing faze. It was nice, but really not any different from being an EP. Yes you get on first but just like with being EP, everyone crowds up to the front and the gate agents don't do a darn thing to control the crowd. Also it's very inconsistent; one flight out of 8,...
I have been EP since 2005, I was CK for 2 years in a row when my company was in a massive growing faze. It was nice, but really not any different from being an EP. Yes you get on first but just like with being EP, everyone crowds up to the front and the gate agents don't do a darn thing to control the crowd. Also it's very inconsistent; one flight out of 8, they may have a sign with your name on it and greet you, but most of the time, you didn't even get any acknowledgement. Customer service is good but no better than being an EP. Never was I offered a car to transport me even when planes were late and I had a short connection. I even missed connections and still had difficulty getting rebooked. The perk of using flagship lounge is nice, but those are few and far between so most of the time you're just in a regular admirals club. In all honesty its okay to have but it's not something I push to get. I now fly with multiple different airlines, usually choosing the airline that has the best rout and cheapest first class available to me. Domestic first class in the USA has gone down hill so far, I don't even care when it's not available anymore. No airlines really cater to the business traveler anymore, they prefer to fill their seats with leisure travelers now.
I know there are no published rules on earning Concierge Key level, so I’ll just say this and will wait for the negative backlash. After years of traveling and being EP, I almost never, if ever, see a female boarding under Concierge Key Level. I even travel with several male colleagues who all have it.
Hi Theresa - you are correct. There are very few female CKs. I am one and know of 2 others. I have been pushed out of the way by men when CK is called to board or crowd in front of me as I patiently wait. I have been told from desk agents at the CK lounges, they see very few female CKs. I wonder what the ratio is with different carriers.
I am CK, but through a very weird way.
American Airlines has the AirPass program, not the 1970 unlimited flying era pass but a discounted, flat fee travel program which can be found here. https://airpass.aa.com/
You can pay an extra yearly fee for AAdvantage status, although CK is not listed - when calling you can ask to negotiate a CK deal, which is what my main employer did for some of us employees...
I am CK, but through a very weird way.
American Airlines has the AirPass program, not the 1970 unlimited flying era pass but a discounted, flat fee travel program which can be found here. https://airpass.aa.com/
You can pay an extra yearly fee for AAdvantage status, although CK is not listed - when calling you can ask to negotiate a CK deal, which is what my main employer did for some of us employees in our small Australia office (We hopped a lot to the US and Japan). Iirc it was 50k USD p.a for the program per employee. (Around 45 of us got CK in the end between our 4 offices globally)
Now do I use the status? Yes, within the US (or on Intl AA flights) and it does come with a lot of bells and whistles
Now do I use the status outside of AA? No. I am trying to reach Lifetime Platinum on Qantas, sitting on 56k SCs and needing another 19k to get there.
Was key for four years and it was as you said beneficial during irregular operations as they would double and triple book me. The only other bene was being met on the jet bridge and escorted to my next flight. Otherwise pretty worthless in my opinion.
Ben, you don’t find elite uninvited status sexy, but flying starlux is :). I’d have thought secret benefits and the like would be as appealing as lots of the other things we all chase in travel. Free bottle of $10 wine as a diamond elite gold member. Flagship first dining in a windowless room at an airport etc
I don’t understand people who are worried about being thanked for their status. Your status is what it is and te benefits are either sufficient or not.
Totally. Do not tell me you appreciate me being $WHATEVER. Provide me good service and - maybe, if it's not obvious - tell me about that.
A large number of my clients are CK, and I can tell you that only a couple of them fly AA with any regularity. The rest are high-profile businessmen that almost only fly privately, and I'd be surprised if they even know they are CK.
Interesting to read the key benefits that some of you experienced or were entitled too and I wonder if there are further “unpublicised” benefits which you’re not willing to divulge? I was a member of Virgin Atlantic UNIQ/Wings programme between 2017-2019 and although we are not encouraged to talk about the benefits I think most has been leaked over the years, but some of the benefits we had were;
Use miles to upgrade any ticket...
Interesting to read the key benefits that some of you experienced or were entitled too and I wonder if there are further “unpublicised” benefits which you’re not willing to divulge? I was a member of Virgin Atlantic UNIQ/Wings programme between 2017-2019 and although we are not encouraged to talk about the benefits I think most has been leaked over the years, but some of the benefits we had were;
Use miles to upgrade any ticket (except light)
All available seats could be changed to reward
4 clubhouse passes for friends&family
All tickets are fully refundable regardless
No change fees
If my favourite seat is occupied they will bump the passenger and put me in
Access to the clubhouses irrespective of which airline/class your flying
Checked bag first off the plane
Escort through airports either end
There are a few more but there personalised to the customer like they will load your favourite wine/food, extra pillows things like that
Would they really bump if Meghan was in your favorite seat?
That benefit would be priceless.
I'll bet they would earn lifetime loyalty from many many people.
Nowadays, definitely Yes. They probably would bump her for a Gold Status.
And BA would probably downgrade her.
@ Credit - About bumping a passenger in your favorite seat, maybe that works within the same class of service but I can tell you from experience I have boarded with other CK passengers who have been seated in economy.
@Donna indeed it’s only in the class you’re booked into and it’s referred to as “preferred” seat in the pack. I’ve only done it once too a friend for a laugh.
I was awarded CK status only once in December 2019, and we all know what happened to air travel in 2020. I believe my spending was around $45K, all on international J tickets booked directly on AA website. Although I did fly a few AA international routes in 2020, the Flagship Lounges were closed and the perks largely absent. I received a CK Key ring made from the skin of an MD80 with my name...
I was awarded CK status only once in December 2019, and we all know what happened to air travel in 2020. I believe my spending was around $45K, all on international J tickets booked directly on AA website. Although I did fly a few AA international routes in 2020, the Flagship Lounges were closed and the perks largely absent. I received a CK Key ring made from the skin of an MD80 with my name on it. I was invited with others to an event at DFW to discuss with management the Oasis problems and the Project Kodiak fixes to the F cabin, namely F under seat storage, legroom in row 1 and cabin separation. Escorted to flights, although I didn’t particularly enjoy that part. The best part was being handed a printed boarding pass the first time with a huge CK printed diagonally across it. I’m over $60K this year with a trip in October so maybe I’ll get another shot.
@Donna, Hope it works out for you :-)
I live in DFW and am EP. Back in 2020 literally RIGHT before the pandemic, I have the most Long Haul travel for work that I've ever had in my life. During those trips to the airport I ran into the former Mayor of Fort Worth, Betsy Price (she was still Mayor at the time). She and several of her support staff had CK, but what was interesting is that they all flew coach! The...
I live in DFW and am EP. Back in 2020 literally RIGHT before the pandemic, I have the most Long Haul travel for work that I've ever had in my life. During those trips to the airport I ran into the former Mayor of Fort Worth, Betsy Price (she was still Mayor at the time). She and several of her support staff had CK, but what was interesting is that they all flew coach! The CK staff came to visit her at the gate and boarded her on the plane early. Besides that experience, I've seen a former US Ambassador to Germany with 4Mil+ Miles be CK on a flight from CLT to MUN and then Gary from that "other blog" get it for spending an obscene amount of money on AA Miles through Simply Miles.
That's what's wrong with people.
When a politician flies coach people find it interesting, when they fly first tax payers complain.
LOL, I sold it was interesting. That's not bad or good dude. It was in the context of "how much to spend to get CK" aspect of the conversation. Get over Yourself.
I've had CK in 2018 and 2019 and it's really nothing to write home about and the recognition then was fairly inconsistent. On some flights, I was thanked for my business and loyalty, on others ignored. In some major AA stations like LHR, MIA, and JFK, I've been greeted by gate agents holding hand-written CK signage to prompt me to board early.
Airline loyalty is on the way out, for good, with the industry's...
I've had CK in 2018 and 2019 and it's really nothing to write home about and the recognition then was fairly inconsistent. On some flights, I was thanked for my business and loyalty, on others ignored. In some major AA stations like LHR, MIA, and JFK, I've been greeted by gate agents holding hand-written CK signage to prompt me to board early.
Airline loyalty is on the way out, for good, with the industry's programs likely to be spun out or significantly curtailed. They are a financial burden to airlines and in the age of "bleisure" travel or sales that skew more "leisure" than business, the airlines, notably in the US frequently tinkering with these programs is exhausting and increasingly challenging to follow, navigate, and support.
My believe is that in 5 years, they will no longer exist in their current form.
It appears (despite a glitch last year) only LP's earned through flying on AA are considered. Figure you need at least 700k LP's, I know someone with over a million LP's earned through card spend, AA hotels and shopping and was not invited.
Makes sense though. I wish they would add a minimum segment requirement to executive platinum- I'm running into EP's that only flown AA a few times in their life which is pretty wild.
Non-flight LPs need to be closer to 5 million.
I was renewed for 2023 with 1.7 million LPs, of which more than 1.4 million were AA personal credit card spend LPs.
I spent less than 20k on actual AA flights that year. So, while I tend to agree with you that it will take multi million LP from just non flying LPs to make CK, I think there is more nuance to it than just that.
@Roper,
I think the initial entry bar is higher than for renewals.
Segment is a bad measure - miles is better. I almost always fly direct, usually paying more for the privilege, too.