Planning a trip with American Airlines and wondering how to handle your checked bags efficiently? You've come to the right place! Checking your bags online with American Airlines isn't just about convenience; it can also save you time and even money at the airport. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to make your pre-flight experience as smooth as possible.
Ready to make your travel day a breeze?
Imagine walking into the airport, bypassing the long check-in lines, and heading straight to the bag drop. Sounds good, right? That's the power of checking your bags online with American Airlines. This guide will walk you through every detail, ensuring you're fully prepared before you even leave your doorstep.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility and Understand the Basics
Before you click "check-in," it's crucial to understand the parameters for online bag checking with American Airlines. This initial step will prevent any surprises down the line.
Sub-heading: Who Can Check Bags Online?
Generally, most passengers on American Airlines marketed and operated flights can check bags online. This includes domestic, transatlantic, and transpacific routes.
Time is key! You can pay for bags online starting 24 hours and up to 2 hours before your scheduled departure. Don't wait until the last minute!
Exceptions exist: If you're waitlisted for a flight, on standby, or have had a flight disruption and haven't confirmed your new flights, you might not be able to pay for bags online. Special items (like cabin pets) often require payment at the airport.
Multiple Passengers: If you're traveling with multiple passengers on the same reservation, you'll generally need to select bags and check in together. While online payment is an option, for larger groups or complex itineraries, sometimes the airport kiosk is the final step for printing tags.
Sub-heading: Know Your Baggage Allowance and Fees
American Airlines has specific policies regarding bag dimensions, weight, and fees, which can vary based on your fare type, destination, and AAdvantage® status.
Standard Checked Bag Dimensions: Generally, bags should not exceed 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height).
Standard Checked Bag Weight: For most economy class tickets, bags should not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg). For First or Business Class, this often increases to 70 lbs (32 kg).
Fees for the Win: Paying online or via the app usually secures you the best available price for your checked bags. For example, for domestic flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, the first checked bag might cost $35 if paid online, compared to $40 at the airport.
Additional Bags: You can typically pay for up to three checked bags per person online or in the app. If you need to check more than three bags, or if your bags are oversized or overweight, you'll need to handle those at the airport, and additional charges will apply.
Status Benefits: If you have AAdvantage® elite status (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum) or oneworld® status (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald), you may be entitled to free checked bags. Ensure your AAdvantage® number is in your reservation!
Step 2: Access Your Reservation Online
This is where the online journey begins. You'll need to locate your trip to initiate the check-in process.
Sub-heading: Using the American Airlines Website
Navigate to AA.com: Open your web browser and go to the official American Airlines website:
www.aa.com Find "Check In": On the homepage, look for the "Check In" or "Manage Trips" section. It's usually prominently displayed.
Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter one of the following:
Confirmation Code (Record Locator): This is a 6-character code (letters) found in your booking confirmation email.
E-Ticket Number: A 13-digit number.
AAdvantage® Number and Last Name: If you're an AAdvantage® member, you can use your loyalty program number.
Last Name: Simply enter the last name associated with the reservation. Ensure it matches exactly how it was entered during booking.
Sub-heading: Using the American Airlines Mobile App
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the "American Airlines" app from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS).
Log In or Access as Guest: You can log in with your AAdvantage® credentials or choose to access your trip as a guest using your confirmation code and last name.
Find Your Trip: Once logged in or after entering your trip details, your upcoming flights should appear on the main screen.
Step 3: Initiate the Online Check-In Process
With your reservation successfully accessed, it's time to start the check-in. This is where you'll indicate your intention to check bags.
Sub-heading: Following the On-Screen Prompts
Select Your Flight: If you have multiple upcoming trips, select the specific flight for which you want to check bags.
Confirm Passenger Details: The system will display your name and possibly other passengers on the reservation. Verify that all details are correct.
Review Travel Information: You might be asked to acknowledge current travel advisories, health declarations, or specific destination requirements. Read these carefully.
Sub-heading: The All-Important Bag Question
During the check-in flow, you will be explicitly asked about checked bags. Look for prompts like:
"How many bags will you be checking?"
"Add/Pay for Bags"
"Manage Bags"
Select the number of bags you intend to check for each passenger. Be accurate, as this is what the system will use to calculate your fees.
Step 4: Pay for Your Checked Bags
This is the payment phase, where you secure the online discount and officially add your bags to your reservation.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Bag Fees
Fee Summary: After selecting your bags, the system will display a summary of the applicable fees. Double-check this against your understanding of American Airlines' baggage policy.
Discounts Applied: Notice if any discounts for paying online are reflected in the total.
Sub-heading: Completing the Payment
Payment Method: You'll be prompted to enter your credit or debit card details.
Confirm Purchase: Review the total amount and confirm your purchase. You'll receive a confirmation that your bag fees have been paid.
Receipt: Keep a record of your payment, either by printing the confirmation page or taking a screenshot. An email receipt should also be sent to your registered email address.
Step 5: Obtain Your Boarding Pass and Bag Tags (Express Bag Tags)
Once your bags are paid for, the final steps involve getting your boarding pass and preparing for the bag drop at the airport.
Sub-heading: Receiving Your Boarding Pass
After completing the bag payment and the rest of the online check-in, you'll be able to receive your boarding pass. Options typically include:
Mobile Boarding Pass: Sent to your email or accessible directly within the American Airlines app. This is the most convenient option for most travelers.
Print at Home: You can print your boarding pass on your own printer.
Airport Kiosk: Even if you check in online, you can always print your boarding pass and bag tags at an American Airlines self-service kiosk at the airport.
Sub-heading: Understanding Express Bag Tags (if applicable)
American Airlines offers "Express Bag Tags" at select airports. This service allows you to print your bag tags at a kiosk after completing online check-in and payment.
How it Works:
At the airport, locate an American Airlines self-service kiosk.
Scan your mobile or printed boarding pass.
The kiosk will automatically print your pre-paid bag tags.
Attach the tags to your bags securely.
Proceed to the "Bag Drop" counter.
Sub-heading: What if Express Bag Tags Aren't Available?
If Express Bag Tags aren't available at your departure airport, or you prefer assistance, simply proceed to the American Airlines Bag Drop counter (or the full-service check-in counter) with your bags and mobile/printed boarding pass. An agent will verify your online check-in and print your bag tags.
Step 6: Head to the Airport and Drop Off Your Bags
The final physical step!
Sub-heading: At the Airport
Bag Drop: Look for the clearly marked "Bag Drop" or "Self-Service Bag Drop" area. These lines are typically much shorter than the full-service check-in lines.
Present Your Documents: Have your mobile or printed boarding pass and a valid government-issued photo ID ready.
Weigh and Verify: An agent will weigh your bags to ensure they meet the weight and size requirements you paid for. If they are now overweight or oversized, you may incur additional charges.
Receive Your Bag Receipt: The agent will give you a bag tag receipt. Keep this receipt safe! It has your bag tag numbers, which are essential for tracking your luggage and for any claims in case of delayed or lost bags.
Final Tip: Track Your Bags!
American Airlines offers a handy bag tracking feature. You can track your bags from the moment you check them in until you pick them up at your destination using your record locator or bag tag number. This provides great peace of mind!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to checking bags online with American Airlines, with quick answers:
How to know if I can check bags online with American Airlines?
You can typically check bags online for American Airlines marketed and operated flights within 24 hours to 2 hours of departure, unless you have a complex itinerary, are on standby, or have a specific special item.
How to find my American Airlines confirmation code?
Your confirmation code (also called a record locator) is a 6-letter code found in your original American Airlines booking confirmation email and on your e-ticket.
How to pay for more than three bags online for American Airlines?
You can only pay for up to three bags online. For more than three bags per person, or for oversized/overweight items, you'll need to add and pay for them at the airport check-in counter.
How to check bags for multiple people on the same American Airlines reservation online?
During the online check-in process, the system will usually allow you to select the number of bags for each passenger on your reservation. You'll then pay for all selected bags in one transaction.
How to track my checked bags after checking them in online with American Airlines?
You can track your bags using the American Airlines app or on aa.com by entering your record locator or the bag tag numbers found on your bag receipt.
How to avoid American Airlines checked bag fees?
You can potentially avoid fees by having AAdvantage® elite status, holding certain American Airlines co-branded credit cards, or flying in a premium cabin like First or Business Class, which often include free checked bags.
How to get my bag tags after checking in and paying online with American Airlines?
At the airport, you can print "Express Bag Tags" at a self-service kiosk by scanning your boarding pass, or proceed to the Bag Drop counter where an agent will print them for you.
How to know the weight and size limits for American Airlines checked bags?
For most economy tickets, bags should be under 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm). Premium cabins often allow up to 70 lbs (32 kg). Always refer to the specific baggage policy on aa.com for your route.
How to change the number of bags after checking in online with American Airlines?
If you need to add more bags after completing online check-in, you might be able to modify your reservation online or through the app, but often it's easiest to add and pay for additional bags at the airport check-in or bag drop counter.
How to get help if I have issues checking bags online with American Airlines?
If you encounter any issues, you can utilize the 24/7 virtual help chat tool in the American Airlines app, call their customer service number, or seek assistance from an agent at the airport.
