This Is the Unique Gift American Airlines Top Elite Flyers Are Getting in 2019

Daily Newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Email address

Sign up

By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Got Concierge Key? Great — because, now, you might also be privy to an extra special welcome gift from American Airlines for earning your high-level elite status.

According to some reports from the TPG lounge and other readers, Concierge Key members have been receiving personalized metal luggage tags repurposed from a decommissioned MD-80 aircraft.

The metal tags feature the aircraft's tail number, first date of service, date of retirement, where it was built, where it traveled and how many miles it logged. Crafted individually by hand, the tags have some bumps and scratches—imperfections from the actual wear of the aircraft. The tag has the Concierge Key member's name engraved as well.

From complimentary upgrades to more direct customer service, there are many benefits that come with holding elite status for an airline. As for exactly how you get invited to American's Concierge Key, the airline guards that information closely. You have to spend a lot and fly a lot, of course.

Sometimes, CK benefits are extended to top elite members with American's closest ally, British Airways. And, American's rivals also have invitation-only top elite levels beyond their published top level: Delta calls it 360, and United has Global Services.