Traveling can be a whirlwind of excitement, but sometimes, a small hiccup like a missing or inaccessible boarding pass can turn that excitement into stress. Don't fret! American Airlines offers multiple convenient ways to get a new boarding pass, ensuring you're ready for your flight. Let's walk through the steps together.
Lost Your Boarding Pass? Let's Get You a New One!
Ever been there? You're rushing to the airport, bags in hand, only to realize your boarding pass has vanished into thin air. Or perhaps your phone decided to die at the most inconvenient moment. Whatever the reason, getting a new American Airlines boarding pass is usually a straightforward process.
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| How Do I Get A New Boarding Pass American Airlines |
Step 1: Assess Your Situation – Where Are You and What Do You Have?
Before diving into solutions, let's figure out your starting point. This will help determine the easiest and fastest method for you.
Tip: Reread complex ideas to fully understand them.
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Sub-heading: Are You Still at Home or En Route to the Airport?
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If you're still at home or have access to a computer and printer, your options are plentiful.
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If you're already at the airport and your phone is out of commission, you'll need to rely on airport resources.
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Sub-heading: Do You Have Your Confirmation Code or AAdvantage Number Handy?
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This is crucial for retrieving your reservation. Without it, the process might take a little longer as you'll need to verify your identity.
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Sub-heading: Is Your Phone Charged and Connected to the Internet?
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For mobile boarding passes, a working smartphone is key.
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Step 2: The Digital Approach – Your Go-To for Speed and Convenience
American Airlines heavily encourages digital boarding passes. They are eco-friendly, updated in real-time, and often the quickest way to get through security and boarding.
Sub-heading: Option A: The American Airlines Mobile App (Highly Recommended!)
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Download and Open the App: If you don't already have it, download the "American Airlines" app from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android). It's free and an invaluable travel companion.
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Log In or Find Your Trip:
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If you have an AAdvantage account: Log in with your AAdvantage number and password. Your upcoming trips should appear on the home screen.
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If you don't have an AAdvantage account: Tap "Find Your Trip" and enter your six-character confirmation code (record locator) and your last name.
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Check-In (if not already done): If you haven't checked in for your flight yet (which you can do starting 24 hours before departure), the app will prompt you to do so. Follow the on-screen instructions, confirming your details, seat selection, and any bag information.
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Access Your Mobile Boarding Pass: Once checked in, your mobile boarding pass will be displayed within the app, usually under the "My Trips" section. It will typically show a scannable QR code or barcode.
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Save to Your Digital Wallet (Optional but Smart!): For even quicker access and to avoid needing an internet connection at the security checkpoint, save your mobile boarding pass to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet for iOS, Google Wallet for Android). This creates an offline version.
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
Sub-heading: Option B: American Airlines Website (aa.com)
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Visit aa.com: Open your web browser and go to the official American Airlines website.
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Navigate to "Check-in" or "My Trips": On the homepage, look for options like "Check-in" or "My Trips."
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Enter Your Information: Provide your last name and your six-character confirmation code or AAdvantage number.
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Retrieve/Print Your Boarding Pass:
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If you haven't checked in, you'll be prompted to complete the check-in process.
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After check-in, you'll have the option to email your boarding pass with a mobile option (which is essentially a link to your mobile boarding pass) or to print a PDF version. If you have access to a printer, printing it at home is a solid backup.
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Step 3: The Airport Approach – When Digital Isn't an Option
Sometimes, technology fails, or you simply prefer a physical copy. American Airlines has you covered at the airport.
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Sub-heading: Option A: Self-Service Kiosks (Fastest Airport Method!)
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
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Locate a Kiosk: These self-service machines are plentiful in the check-in area of most airports.
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Scan or Enter Information:
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You can often scan your passport or a credit card associated with your booking.
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Alternatively, you can manually enter your six-character confirmation code (record locator) or your AAdvantage number and last name.
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Retrieve and Print: Once your reservation is found, the kiosk will display your flight details. You'll have the option to print your boarding pass. You might also be able to print bag tags here if you're checking luggage.
Note: American Airlines recently disabled automatic printing of boarding passes at kiosks if you've already checked in online. However, you can still select the option to print it from a secondary menu.
Sub-heading: Option B: American Airlines Ticket Counter (For Special Circumstances)
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Head to the American Airlines Ticket Counter: This is where airline staff can provide direct assistance. Be prepared for potentially longer wait times, especially during peak travel periods.
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Provide Identification and Flight Details: Present your government-issued photo ID (like a passport or driver's license) and your flight details (confirmation code, flight number, destination).
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Request a New Boarding Pass: The agent will be able to verify your identity, access your reservation, and print a new physical boarding pass for you. This is also the best option if you have complex travel requirements, are an unaccompanied minor, or are traveling with a pet.
Sub-heading: Option C: At the Gate (Last Resort)
If you've somehow made it through security without a boarding pass, or if your mobile pass suddenly stops working right before boarding, approach the gate agent.
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Approach the Gate Agent: Once the gate agent is present and boarding has not yet begun, explain your situation.
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Provide ID and Flight Information: Have your government-issued photo ID ready. They will be able to look up your reservation and print you a boarding pass at the gate. This should be considered a last resort to avoid delays for yourself and others.
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
Step 4: Confirm and Keep It Safe!
Once you have your new boarding pass, whether digital or physical:
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Double-check all details: Ensure your name, flight number, date, time, and gate number are correct.
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For mobile passes: Keep your phone charged, and consider taking a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass, especially if you're worried about intermittent internet access at the airport.
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For printed passes: Keep it in a secure and easily accessible place, like a travel wallet or passport holder.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions about American Airlines boarding passes, answered quickly:
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How to get a mobile boarding pass for American Airlines? Download the American Airlines app, check in, and your mobile boarding pass with a scannable code will be available in the app. You can also save it to your phone's digital wallet.
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How to print an American Airlines boarding pass at home? Check in online at aa.com (within 24 hours of departure), and you'll be given the option to print your boarding pass as a PDF.
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How to get a new boarding pass if I lost my physical one? You can get a new one from a self-service kiosk at the airport, or by asking an agent at the American Airlines ticket counter or at your boarding gate.
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How to retrieve an American Airlines boarding pass online if I closed the page? Go back to aa.com, navigate to "Check-in" or "My Trips," enter your confirmation code and last name, and you should be able to re-access and print/email your boarding pass.
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How to get a boarding pass if my phone dies at the airport? Head to an American Airlines self-service kiosk or the ticket counter. You'll need your government-issued ID and your confirmation code or AAdvantage number.
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How to get a boarding pass for an infant traveling on my lap with American Airlines? While you can often check in online, a printed boarding pass is usually required for infants. You may need to visit the ticket counter to get this issued.
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How to get a new boarding pass if my flight details changed (e.g., gate change)? If using the American Airlines app, your mobile boarding pass should update automatically. For physical passes, or if the mobile one doesn't update, you can get a new one printed at a kiosk or by an agent.
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How to use my mobile boarding pass at TSA security? Simply open the American Airlines app or your digital wallet to display the scannable QR code on your phone screen to the TSA agent. Ensure your screen brightness is up.
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How to get a new boarding pass if I arrived late for online check-in? You'll need to check in at the airport. Use a self-service kiosk or visit the American Airlines ticket counter. Remember to arrive well before the cut-off times for check-in.
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How to get a boarding pass for a connecting American Airlines flight? Often, your initial boarding pass will cover all segments of your journey. If not, or if there's a significant layover, you can typically retrieve the next boarding pass via the app, a kiosk, or a gate agent at your connecting airport.
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