North American Invitation Only frequent flier programs

If you’ve ever watched the movie “Up in the Air” with George Clooney, you may remember the scene where he and Vera Farminga are comparing their frequent flier and other loyalty accounts. George Clooney’s character pulls out the ultimate trump card: American Airlines’ Concierge Key. While the actual perks are somewhat overblown in the film, it has helped propel the concept of invitation only top-tier elite programmes. The truth is that these have existed for quite a number of years, though they all share one common feature; you cannot automatically qualify for the status, you are chosen to receive it.

The three major carriers in the US all have an invitation only level to their frequent flier programs. United Airlines makes no secret of its Global Services level and advertises some of the main benefits, albeit indirectly at times. In addition to priority check-in and boarding, Global Services members also receive automatic 1K status in the Mileage Plus program and more ways to spend miles with additional inventory and availability.

Delta Air Lines 360 is relatively new, and as such the benefits aren’t as clearly defined or refined yet but we’re expecting a more individualized service to be the major draw for its members. 360 members can expect a dedicated phone line, chauffeur driven car transfers at major hubs between connecting flights, and a higher upgrade priority.

Already mentioned above, American Airlines’ concierge key is the invitation level program of the American Advantage program. It grants the holders of the status access to all of the flagship services normally reserved for international first class passengers, in addition to complimentary upgrades with a higher priority and Admirals Club membership; to name a few of the benefits.