Traveling with American Airlines? Excellent choice! Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time flyer, the check-in process can sometimes feel like a puzzle. But fear not! This comprehensive, step-by-step guide will demystify American Airlines check-in, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your journey.
Ready to embark on a seamless check-in experience? Let's get started!
Your Ultimate Guide to Checking In with American Airlines
Checking in for your American Airlines flight can be done in several convenient ways, designed to fit your travel style. We'll explore each method in detail, from the comfort of your couch to the bustling airport terminal.
Step 1: When Can You Check In? (The All-Important Timing!)
Before you even think about hitting that "check-in" button, it's crucial to understand the American Airlines check-in window. This is where most people get tripped up!
Online and Mobile App Check-in: This is your earliest and often most convenient option. You can check in for your American Airlines flight starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. This window typically closes:
45 minutes before departure for domestic flights within the U.S.
60 minutes before departure for international flights.
Airport Check-in (Kiosk or Counter): If you prefer to check in at the airport, keep these deadlines in mind:
45 minutes before departure for domestic flights (with or without checked bags).
60 minutes before departure for international flights (with or without checked bags).
Important Note: For some specific airports (e.g., JFK, St. Thomas), these minimum times might be longer. Always double-check the American Airlines website for specific airport requirements.
Why is timing so important? Checking in on time ensures you don't lose your seat, especially if the flight is overbooked. It also gives you ample time to clear security and reach your gate.
Step 2: Choosing Your Check-in Method
American Airlines offers a variety of ways to check in, catering to different preferences and travel scenarios.
Sub-heading: Online Check-in (The Quickest Option!)
This is by far the most recommended method, especially if you're not checking bags or if you've already paid for your bags online. It saves you valuable time at the airport.
Visit the American Airlines Website: Go to
aa.com Locate "Check In": On the homepage, you'll see a prominent "Check In" or "Manage Trips" section. Click on it.
Enter Your Details: You'll typically need to provide:
Your last name
Your 6-character confirmation code (also known as your Record Locator, found in your booking confirmation email).
Alternatively, if you're an AAdvantage® member and logged in, your upcoming trips should appear automatically.
Review Your Trip: The system will display your flight details. Carefully review your flight information, seat assignment, and any services.
Add Bags (If Needed): If you plan to check bags, this is your chance to add them and pay any applicable fees. Paying online or via the app is often cheaper than paying at the airport.
Confirm and Get Your Boarding Pass: Follow the prompts to confirm your check-in. You'll then have options to:
Email your boarding pass to yourself.
Save it to your mobile device (e.g., Apple Wallet, Google Pay).
Print it at home (though a mobile boarding pass is usually sufficient).
Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass as a backup in case you lose internet access!
Sub-heading: Mobile App Check-in (Travel in Your Pocket!)
The American Airlines mobile app is incredibly convenient for managing your entire trip, including check-in.
Download the American Airlines App: If you haven't already, download it from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
Log In or Find Your Trip:
If you have an AAdvantage® account, log in. Your upcoming trips will usually appear on the home screen.
If you're not an AAdvantage® member or prefer not to log in, you can select "Find Reservation/Check In" and enter your last name and confirmation code.
Tap "Check In": Once your trip is displayed, you'll see a clear "Check In" option.
Follow the Prompts: Similar to online check-in, you'll review your details, add bags if necessary, and confirm.
Access Your Mobile Boarding Pass: Your boarding pass will be stored directly within the app. You can then scan it at security and the boarding gate. The app also provides real-time updates on gate changes, boarding times, and more.
Sub-heading: Airport Check-in (For Traditionalists or Special Circumstances)
While online and mobile check-in are highly encouraged, airport check-in is always an option. This is required for certain situations, such as:
Traveling with a lap infant or child under 2 years old.
Bringing a pet.
Requiring special assistance (e.g., wheelchair services).
International itineraries requiring visa checks or specific documentation.
Sub-subheading: Self-Service Kiosks
Most major airports have American Airlines self-service kiosks.
Locate a Kiosk: Find an American Airlines self-service kiosk in the terminal.
Scan or Enter Your Details: You can usually scan your passport, credit card used for booking, or enter your confirmation code/AAdvantage® number.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: The kiosk will guide you through confirming your flight, selecting or changing seats, and adding checked bags.
Print Your Boarding Pass and Bag Tags: If you're checking bags, the kiosk will print your bag tags. Attach them securely to your luggage.
Proceed to Bag Drop (If Applicable): Take your tagged bags to the designated bag drop counter.
Sub-subheading: Check-in Counters
For personalized assistance, or if you have specific requirements, head to the American Airlines check-in counter.
Join the Queue: Wait in line for an American Airlines agent.
Present Your Documents: Have your valid government-issued photo ID (passport for international travel) and your confirmation code ready.
Agent Assistance: The agent will process your check-in, assist with seat assignments, accept checked baggage, and print your boarding pass. They can also help with any special requests or issues.
Sub-subheading: Curbside Check-in (At Select Airports)
At some major U.S. airports, American Airlines offers curbside check-in. This is a super convenient option if you're driving to the airport and checking bags.
Look for American Airlines Curbside Signs: Drive to the designated curbside check-in area for American Airlines.
Present ID and Flight Details: A skycap will ask for your photo ID and flight information (name and flight number, or confirmation code).
Pay Bag Fees (if applicable): You'll typically pay for checked bags with a credit or debit card. There might be a small convenience fee for this service.
Receive Boarding Pass and Bag Tags: The skycap will print your boarding pass and bag tags.
Head to Security: Once your bags are checked, you can proceed directly to airport security.
Step 3: What to Do After Check-in
Congratulations, you've checked in! But your journey isn't quite over yet.
Baggage Drop: If you checked in online or via the app and have bags, proceed to the designated American Airlines bag drop counter.
Security Check: Head to the TSA security checkpoint. Have your boarding pass (mobile or printed) and valid ID ready.
Gate Information: Your boarding pass will show your gate number. Keep an eye on airport screens or the American Airlines app for any last-minute gate changes.
Boarding Time: Be at your gate before the stated boarding time. American Airlines typically closes boarding 15 minutes before domestic departures and 30 minutes before international departures. Don't be late!
Step 4: Essential Documents for Your Trip
Regardless of how you check in, always have your essential documents handy:
Government-Issued Photo ID: For domestic flights, this could be a driver's license, state ID, or passport.
Passport: Mandatory for all international travel, along with any required visas or entry documents for your destination.
Confirmation Code/Record Locator: This 6-character code is your key to accessing your reservation.
Boarding Pass: Whether it's on your phone or printed, this is what gets you through security and onto the plane.
FAQs: Your Quick Answers to American Airlines Check-in Questions
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you navigate your American Airlines check-in with ease:
How to check in for an American Airlines flight if I don't have a confirmation code?
You can often check in using your AAdvantage® number if you're a member, or by providing your last name and the flight number. If all else fails, the airport check-in counter can assist by looking up your reservation using your ID.
How to pay for checked bags when checking in with American Airlines?
You can pay for checked bags online via aa.com or the American Airlines app during the check-in process, at an airport self-service kiosk, or at the American Airlines check-in counter. Paying online is usually the cheapest option.
How to get a mobile boarding pass after checking in online?
After checking in on aa.com, you'll be given the option to email your boarding pass to your mobile device or save it directly to your phone's wallet (e.g., Apple Wallet, Google Pay).
How to change my seat during American Airlines check-in?
During the online or app check-in process, you'll typically have an option to review and change your seat selection. At an airport kiosk or check-in counter, an agent can also assist you with seat changes if available.
How to check in for an American Airlines international flight?
For international flights, you can check in online or via the app starting 24 hours before departure. However, be aware that some international destinations or visa requirements may necessitate a final document check at the airport counter, even if you've checked in digitally. The check-in deadline for international flights is usually 60 minutes before departure.
How to check in with American Airlines if I'm traveling with a pet?
If you're traveling with a pet, you generally must check in at the American Airlines airport counter. This is to ensure all pet travel requirements and documentation are properly verified.
How to get a boarding pass if my phone battery dies after mobile check-in?
Don't panic! You can always print a boarding pass at an American Airlines self-service kiosk at the airport by entering your confirmation code, or you can get one from an agent at the check-in counter.
How to check in early for an American Airlines flight?
American Airlines online and mobile app check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. There is no option to check in earlier than this. For airport check-in, counters typically open a few hours before the first flight of the day.
How to check in if my American Airlines flight is codeshared with another airline?
If your first flight is operated by American Airlines (even if it's a codeshare ticket), you should be able to check in via American Airlines' website, app, or at their counters. If the first flight is operated by a partner airline, you'll generally need to check in with the operating airline.
How to rebook or standby for an earlier flight during check-in?
During online or app check-in, you might see an option for same-day changes or standby if available. Alternatively, you can request to be added to the standby list at the airport with an American Airlines agent. Eligibility and fees may apply.
