American Airlines has always kept their Concierge Key status very hush-hush. I had a chance to speak with an American representative earlier last year. She explained to me the only sure-fire way to get the status was spending $50K on an AirPass. Besides that, there is no published way to obtain the elite level. Well, it seems that for those with CK status, their status gets them a new perk. Concierge Key Flagship Lounge access is now part of the benefits. Gary Leff, over at View from The Wing, reported on this new elite perk.
What is Concierge Key?
Concierge Key is the invitation-only program that American offers its top travelers. It offers added benefits (I will explain further) than those obtained via Executive Platinum. Concierge Key status is meant for the most elite of the elite. It is reserved for their highest spenders. In my days of traveling, I have not encountered more than 2 CKs in any flight (except the one off occasion where I saw 4 departing SJU on my same flight). There are anywhere between 10,000-15,000 CKs, at least before the AA-US Air merger.
Concierge Key Benefits:
Concierge Key comes with some pretty cool benefits. Among these are:
- Flagship Check-In
- Admirals Club Membership
- Flagship Lounge Access (new)
- Employee escort through your entire itinerary
- Priority over other Executive Platinums on upgrade lists. (This means 120 hours before departure, vs 100 hours if you are EXP).
- Waived co-pays on mileage upgrades
- Priority 24/7 call line and email
- Additional Systemwide Upgrades
- Proactive flight monitoring and rebooking
- Tarmac Transfers at certain airports
These are the main benefits that CK offers over Executive Platinum. Well, technically, CK comes with Executive Platinum Status. The newest additions are the Flagship Lounge access, and the opportunity to board before anyone else.
The Flagship Lounge
American has recently remodeled their Flagship Lounge. The first opened this week in New York-JFK. They also added the amount of people who can access the lounge. Now Business class international passengers can access it. As well as oneworld Sapphire members traveling internationally. They have added a new concept called Flagship Dining that will be accessible to customers travelling in First class on International FLights. CKs cannot access the Flagship dining venue.
The next lounges will be opened in DFW Terminal D, Philadelphia, Miami. They are also remodeling the lounges at LHR, Chicago and LAX. These are a great benefit to premium passengers and elite travelers on American Airlines.
Landing Thoughts
I am very excited to see American expand benefits for their Concierge Key members. They spend a lot of money on the airline, and deserve more recognition than Executive Platinums (which I am one). I hope to see that the new Flagship Lounge and Dining concept prospers. It is good to see US based airlines try to catch up with their international counterparts.
What do you think? Are you a Concierge Key member and are going to try the new lounge access? Let us know!
