The privileges enjoyed by members who are at a higher level than “elite” or “honored” members include having everything taken care of for you before you even realize your flight has been disrupted. Even if you miss your boarding time, you can still board the flight. Moreover, a Jaguar luxury car can pick you up to transfer you for your connecting flight – all services available to super elite airline members.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Bonnie Crawford, Chief Customer Officer of a software company living in Portland, Oregon, recently revealed that she almost missed a board meeting due to missing a connecting flight to Toronto. Thanks to the assistance of United Airlines customer service staff, she was rebooked on a complimentary business class direct flight with Air Canada.
As the summer approaches, passengers facing long lines at airports, flight delays, or cancellations have become common occurrences. Many travelers worry about not being able to complete procedures in time and thus arrive at the airport early. Faced with the issue Crawford encountered, most people might think, “I have never been treated like this before.”
However, Crawford is no ordinary frequent flyer. As the Chief Customer Officer of a software company, she holds United Airlines’ top-tier “Global Services status,” which is a semi-secret, highly prestigious membership level that is invite-only by the airline, with a selection process shrouded in mystery and highly sought after by frequent high-spending travelers.
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines also have similar top-tier membership levels like American’s “ConciergeKey” and Delta’s “Delta 360°.”
By joining these super member clubs, you will enjoy fast customer service, pre-booking flights before issues arise, access to VIP lounges, priority for upgrades, and related gifts. Travelers with this super elite status don’t need to worry about airline loyalty program memberships or travel points expiring.
Scott Chandler, Senior Vice President for Revenue Management and Customer Loyalty Programs at American Airlines, stated that to win the favor of super elite members, they have invested significant time and resources in their “ConciergeKey” program because these travelers are the most valuable assets to the company.
Chandler said that these super members come from professions far beyond the expectations of the general public and they interact with American Airlines almost daily, not just during flights.
Understanding how to qualify for “Global Services status,” “Delta 360°,” or “ConciergeKey” remains a mystery, with airlines like American, Delta, and United Airlines unwilling to discuss specifics regarding membership numbers and benefits publicly.
Some super members have expressed that the most cherished benefits include airlines efficiently resolving issues before they escalate on any flight.
A senior partner of a large consulting firm who holds membership in “Global Services status,” “Delta 360°,” and “ConciergeKey” shared an experience where a United Airlines Global Services representative called him while on his way to the airport weeks ago, noticing he hadn’t arrived yet and the boarding deadline was approaching. After he confirmed he was en route, they reserved his seat.
Last week, when this executive was rushing to catch a connecting flight at Charlotte Airport in North Carolina, an American Airlines “ConciergeKey” customer service representative called the airport to ensure the gate staff knew he was on his way. Despite boarding having concluded, he still managed to get on the plane.
“These are the key services,” the executive said. “These services ensure you make it home.”
Steve Giordano from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Director General Manager of a flight testing and aircraft delivery company that spends up to $2.5 million annually on air tickets is a longstanding “ConciergeKey” member.
Giordano also utilizes American Airlines’ luxury car transfer service to help him make it to the boarding gate within tight connecting times. “CBS This Morning” host Gayle King, also a “ConciergeKey” member, thanked American Airlines staff on Instagram earlier this April for assisting her with the airline’s luxury airport car service.
These connecting processes are far from ordinary. In Houston, Delta Airlines uses Porsches to transport passengers to the next flight’s tarmac, American Airlines uses SUVs, and United Airlines employs Jaguars.
However, these services have limitations. A super member stated that they cannot use their super member status to assist others. Additionally, no matter how high your membership status, you cannot overcome issues like weather, air traffic delays, or crew absences.
“They won’t delay the flight for you,” he said. “But if they know you’re rushing, they might not close the boarding door as quickly.”