Have you ever found yourself in that familiar pre-flight panic? You've checked in, digital boarding pass firmly in your Apple Wallet, only to realize... you forgot to add a checked bag! Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. The good news is, American Airlines has made it surprisingly straightforward to add bags even after you've checked in, all from the convenience of your iPhone app.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth journey from forgotten bag to baggage claim.
A Comprehensive Guide: Adding Bags on the American Airlines App After Check-In (iPhone)
While American Airlines encourages you to pay for bags during the initial check-in process on their app or website for the best price, life happens. This guide is for those moments when you're already checked in and suddenly have a new piece of luggage that needs to come along for the ride.
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| How To Add Bags On American Airlines App After Check In Iphone |
Step 1: Don't Panic! And Launch the American Airlines App
Alright, deep breaths! The first and most crucial step is to not panic. Realizing you need to add a bag after check-in isn't the end of the world. American Airlines anticipates this.
Now, grab your iPhone and launch the American Airlines app. Make sure you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi is always preferred, but cellular data works too!).
Pro-Tip: Ensure your American Airlines app is updated to the latest version. App updates often include bug fixes and new features, which can make this process even smoother. You can check for updates in the App Store.
Step 2: Accessing Your Trip - The Gateway to Your Booking
Once the app is open, you need to navigate to your specific flight reservation. There are usually a couple of ways to do this:
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
Sub-heading: Option A: If You're Logged In
If you're an AAdvantage® member and were logged into your account when you checked in, your trip should be prominently displayed on the app's home screen under a "My Trips" or "Upcoming Trips" section.
Look for "My Trips" or "Upcoming Trips": On the main screen, you'll likely see a section dedicated to your current and upcoming flights.
Select Your Flight: Tap on the specific flight for which you want to add bags. This will take you to your trip details.
Sub-heading: Option B: If You're Not Logged In (Using Confirmation Code)
If you checked in as a guest or simply weren't logged into your AAdvantage® account, you'll need your confirmation code (also known as a record locator).
Find "Manage Trips" or "Find a Trip": On the app's home screen, look for an option like "Manage Trips," "Find a Trip," or "Check-in" at the bottom navigation bar or in a prominent section.
Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter your 6-character confirmation code (e.g., "XYZABC") and your last name.
Retrieve Your Trip: Tap "Find Trip" or a similar button to pull up your reservation.
Step 3: Navigating to the Baggage Section
Once you're viewing your trip details, you'll need to find the section related to baggage. The exact wording might vary slightly with app updates, but generally, look for:
"Bags," "Checked Bags," or "Add Bags": Scroll through your trip summary. You should see a clear option related to baggage. It might be directly under "Flight Details" or in a separate "Manage My Trip" section.
Tap to Proceed: Tap on the relevant baggage option to continue.
Step 4: Selecting and Paying for Your Bags
This is where you'll specify how many bags you want to add and complete the payment.
Review Baggage Policy and Fees: The app will typically display American Airlines' baggage policy for your specific itinerary, including the fees for your first, second, and subsequent checked bags. Pay close attention to these fees, as they can vary based on your destination, fare class, and AAdvantage® status.
Important Note: While paying online or in the app generally offers the best price, you can usually add up to 3 checked bags per person this way. If you need to check more, you'll likely have to do so at the airport.
Select the Number of Bags: You'll see an option to select the number of bags you wish to add. Use the "+" and "-" buttons or a direct input field to choose the correct quantity.
Confirm Bag Details (Weight/Size Awareness): While the app usually assumes standard bag sizes, be mindful of American Airlines' weight and dimension limits. Exceeding these limits can lead to additional overweight or oversize bag fees at the airport, which are often significantly higher than standard checked bag fees.
Standard checked bag allowance: Generally, 50 lbs (23 kgs) and 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height).
Business/First Class: Often allows for heavier bags (e.g., 70 lbs / 32 kgs).
Proceed to Payment: Once you've selected your bags, tap "Continue" or "Proceed to Payment."
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Step 5: Completing the Payment
The American Airlines app offers secure payment options.
Payment Method: You'll be prompted to choose your payment method. This usually includes:
Credit/Debit Card: Enter your card details (number, expiry date, CVV).
Saved Payment Methods: If you have payment information saved to your American Airlines profile, you can select it for a quicker checkout.
Review Your Order: Before finalizing, carefully review the total cost and the number of bags being added.
Authorize Payment: Tap "Pay" or "Confirm Payment" to complete the transaction. You might need to authenticate the payment with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode, depending on your iPhone's security settings.
Step 6: Confirmation and What's Next at the Airport
Once your payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation.
Digital Confirmation: The app will display a confirmation message that your bags have been added. You might also receive an email confirmation.
Updated Boarding Pass (Optional): While not always necessary, some users find it helpful to re-download or refresh their mobile boarding pass in the Apple Wallet, although the added bags are usually linked to your reservation, not directly printed on the boarding pass itself.
At the Airport:
Self-Service Kiosk: When you arrive at the airport, head to an American Airlines self-service kiosk. You can usually scan your mobile boarding pass or enter your confirmation code to print your bag tags. Follow the on-screen instructions to tag your bags.
Bag Drop Counter: After printing and attaching your bag tags, proceed to the bag drop counter (sometimes labeled "Bag Drop" or "Online Check-in Bag Drop"). This is typically a much faster line than the full-service check-in counter. An agent will verify your tags and take your bags.
Full-Service Check-in Counter: If you encounter any issues with the kiosk or prefer assistance, you can still go to a full-service American Airlines check-in counter. Inform the agent that you've already checked in and paid for bags via the app and are there to drop them off.
Congratulations! You've successfully added bags to your American Airlines flight after check-in using your iPhone. Now you can relax and enjoy your trip!
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
How to check American Airlines baggage fees before adding a bag?
You can check American Airlines baggage fees by visiting the "Bags" or "Checked Baggage Policy" section on their official website (aa.com) or within the American Airlines app under "Travel Info" or "Bags." The fees vary based on your route, fare type, and AAdvantage® status.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
How to tell if I already have free checked bags with American Airlines?
Your eligibility for free checked bags depends on your fare class (e.g., First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy often include free bags), AAdvantage® elite status (Gold, Platinum, Executive Platinum, etc.), or if you hold an eligible American Airlines co-branded credit card. This information is usually displayed on your itinerary or can be checked on the "Bags" section of your trip details in the app.
How to add bags on the American Airlines website instead of the app?
To add bags on the American Airlines website (aa.com) after check-in, go to "Manage Trips" or "Check-in," enter your confirmation code and last name, and then navigate to the baggage section within your reservation details. The process is very similar to the app.
How to change the number of bags I want to check after paying?
Generally, once payment for bags is confirmed, you cannot directly change the number of bags and get a partial refund through the app. If you need to reduce the number of bags, you might need to contact American Airlines customer service. If you need to add more bags, you can typically repeat the process of adding additional bags through the app or pay for them at the airport.
How to get a refund for checked bag fees if my flight is canceled?
If your American Airlines flight is canceled and you do not take an alternative flight where the bags are checked, you are usually eligible for a refund of your checked bag fees. You may need to formally request this refund through American Airlines' customer service or their refund request portal on aa.com.
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
How to find my American Airlines confirmation code (record locator)?
Your 6-character confirmation code (record locator) is typically found in your booking confirmation email from American Airlines. It's also usually visible on your mobile boarding pass or within your AAdvantage® account if you were logged in when booking.
How to track my checked bags with American Airlines?
The American Airlines app has a "Track Your Bag" feature. Once your bags are checked and scanned, you can often see their real-time status and location directly within the app under your trip details.
How to add special items (e.g., sports equipment, pet) after check-in?
For special items like sports equipment or pets, it's often best to contact American Airlines directly or process these at the airport. While standard checked bags can usually be added via the app, special items often have specific handling requirements and different fee structures that may not be fully supported by the app for post-check-in additions.
How to get a receipt for my checked bag fees paid on the app?
After successfully paying for your bags on the app, American Airlines typically sends an email confirmation which includes a breakdown of all charges, including baggage fees. You can also often view past receipts within your AAdvantage® account on aa.com.
How to resolve an error when trying to add bags on the American Airlines app?
If you encounter an error, first try restarting the app and ensuring you have a strong internet connection. If the issue persists, try accessing your reservation and adding bags via the American Airlines website (aa.com) on a computer or your phone's browser. If all else fails, contact American Airlines customer service for assistance.
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