Summary
- Earning ConciergeKey status is extremely difficult due to high spending thresholds.
- ConciergeKey members enjoy unique benefits above Executive Platinum status.
- Select corporate clients can provide employees with ConciergeKey status.
Loyalty programs are one key way for airlines, like US-based legacy carrier American Airlines, to offer an elevated passenger experience to those who return to the airline time and time again. Specifically, airlines attempt to cater to high-rollers through elite status systems, which offer unique benefits that range from lounge access to free upgrades for those fortunate enough to qualify for them.
American Airlines is no exception to this and traditionally offers a four-tier status system that caps out with the ultra-exclusive AAdvantage Executive Platinum level. In recent years, the airline has begun to modify its product offerings, with unique benefits made available to those who continue to prove their loyalty to the carrier, with newer, lower reward tiers.
Photo: American Airlines
At the top of the spectrum, however, American Airlines offers a product unlike any other, one that comes along with an aura of exclusivity that is undeniable. The unique ConciergeKey status is offered to only the most elite of the airline’s passengers, and little is publicly known about how its select recipients are chosen.
Nonetheless, the benefits offered by ConciergeKey status rise far above what even Executive Platinum members are given access to. In this article, we will take a deeper look at American’s secret highest level of status, how it can be earned, and what benefits it comes along with.
Earning ConciergeKey status is not easy
Becoming a member of American’s ultimate inner circle of elite travelers will be extremely hard, if not outright impossible, for the average traveler. Even the highest-spending business travelers, even those who consistently make an effort to fly in premium cabins, will likely not even come close to qualifying for the exclusive benefit.
For starters, there are no fixed thresholds for qualifying for the airline’s highest status tier, although one can expect that it would require significantly higher expenditure than all other AAdvantage status levels. For reference, here are the thresholds for AAdvantage status qualification:
|
Status tier: |
Loyalty point qualification threshold: |
|---|---|
|
AAdvantage Gold |
40,000 |
|
AAdvantage Platinum |
75,000 |
|
AAdvantage Platinum Pro |
125,000 |
|
AAdvantage Executive Platinum |
200,000 |
For one who accrues miles at a rate of 11 per $1 spent, as is standard for Executive Platinum members, retaining that status requires an annual expenditure of around $18,000. For those who are looking to attain the status, this number will likely be a bit higher, according to an analysis from Nerd Wallet.
While American Airlines has not publicly posted its criteria for ConciergeKey status selection, industry analysts have estimated that a year-long expenditure of at least $50,000 on the carrier would be standard for consideration. However, this is not a fixed threshold, and many people spending in excess of this amount should not automatically expect to receive the status level.
American overwhelmingly uses ConciergeKey status to cater to those who are not just some of the carrier’s highest spenders on a yearly basis, but also those who hold heavy influence over the decisions of others, such as business executives, celebrities or media influencers. Just like all other status tiers, ConciergeKey membership must be renewed by the airline on an annual basis and, as a result, can easily be taken away at the end of each calendar year.
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There is an additional way to gain ConciergeKey status, which does not involve individually spending an exceptionally large amount on American Airlines flights. Some of the airline’s most loyal corporate travel clients, who negotiate large contracts in bulk, are given the opportunity to provide select employees with this elevated status.
What benefits does ConciergeKey status offer?
The backbone of ConciergeKey status benefits fall in line with what is offered by the rest of the AAdvantage status system, with a few key perks. For starters, all ConciergeKey members can enjoy the benefits of Executive Platinum status, which, according to the airline’s website, includes all the following:
- Unlimited premium upgrades on all flights operated within North America
- Unlimited complimentary access to extra-legroom Main Cabin seats
- A 120% bonus on all award mile accruals
- Three free checked bags plus priority handling
- Complimentary food and beverages when traveling in Main Cabin
Nonetheless, there are a number of benefits offered to ConciergeKey status members that are not made available to Executive Platinum members. For starters, they are able to enjoy extensive access to the Admirals Club, something usually only made available to those traveling on long-haul business class tickets, with elite status or an AAdvantage co-branded credit card with a high annual fee.
Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock
ConciergeKey members, according to NerdWallet, are able to access the Admirals Club at any time and can bring two companions along with them, including two fellow travelers or their immediate family. Furthermore, ConciergeKey members are given extensive access to Flagship First lounges, even when flying domestically. Under most circumstances, access to these lounges is restricted to those flying on a long-haul international business class ticket.
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There are endless other benefits reserved specifically for ConciergeKey members, including an exclusive customer support line, several standby benefits, and upgrade privileges. Furthermore, members who hold this unique status are able to board the aircraft first.
ConciergeKey status has also become popular in popular culture and has developed a unique aura of prestige and exclusivity. In George Clooney’s 2009 film Up in the Air, the protagonist is a consultant who aspires to achieve this unique tier of status with American Airlines. In 2017, YouTube personality Casey Neistat expressed his extensive displeasure with the airline for taking away his status, according to View From The Wing.