Hello there, fellow traveler! Are you ready to streamline your American Airlines journey and skip those airport queues? You've come to the right place. Checking in for your American Airlines flight directly from your iPhone app is incredibly convenient, allowing you to get your boarding pass, choose or change your seat, and even track your bags – all from the palm of your hand.
Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to mastering the American Airlines app check-in process on your iPhone.
Step 1: Get the American Airlines App (If You Haven't Already!)
Before we begin, do you already have the American Airlines app installed on your iPhone? If yes, fantastic! You can skip to Step 2. If not, no worries at all – it's a quick and easy download.
1.1 Find the App Store: Locate the blue icon with a white 'A' in a circle on your iPhone's home screen. This is your App Store. Tap on it.
1.2 Search for "American Airlines": Once in the App Store, tap the "Search" tab at the bottom right. In the search bar at the top, type "American Airlines" and hit search.
1.3 Download and Install: Look for the official American Airlines app (it usually has their logo, a stylized eagle). Tap the "GET" button next to it. You might need to authenticate with your Face ID, Touch ID, or Apple ID password.
1.4 Open the App: Once downloaded, the "GET" button will change to "OPEN". Tap it to launch the app, or find the new American Airlines app icon on your home screen and tap it there.
Step 2: Log In or Access Your Trip
Now that you have the app open, you need to tell it who you are and which flight you're checking in for.
2.1 Logging In (Recommended for AAdvantage Members):
If you're an AAdvantage® member, logging in is the most seamless way to access your trips. Tap on the "Log In" option (it might be prominent on the home screen or in a "My Trips" or "Account" section).
Enter your AAdvantage number or email address and your password. If you've forgotten your password, there's usually a "Forgot Password?" link to help you reset it.
Pro Tip: You can often opt to have the app "Remember Me" for easier future logins, but always be mindful of security, especially on shared devices.
2.2 Accessing Your Trip Without Logging In (Using Record Locator):
If you're not an AAdvantage member, or simply prefer not to log in, you can still access your trip. Look for an option like "View Reservation & Check In" or "Find Trip".
You'll need to enter your six-character record locator (also known as a confirmation code) and the last name of one of the passengers on the reservation. This information can be found on your booking confirmation email.
Tap "Find Trip" or a similar button to retrieve your itinerary.
Step 3: Initiate the Check-in Process
Once your trip is displayed, it's time to start the check-in!
3.1 Find Your Upcoming Flight: On the app's home screen or within the "My Trips" section, your upcoming flight(s) should be clearly visible.
3.2 Tap "Check In": Look for a prominent button or link that says "Check In" associated with your flight. This option typically becomes available 24 hours before your scheduled departure time and closes 45 minutes prior for domestic flights and 60-90 minutes for international flights (depending on the destination).
Step 4: Review and Confirm Details
American Airlines will guide you through a series of screens to confirm your travel details. Pay close attention to ensure accuracy.
4.1 Passenger Information: The app will display the names of all passengers on your reservation. Confirm that all travelers are listed correctly and that their details (like AAdvantage numbers) are accurate. If anyone in your party needs special assistance (e.g., unaccompanied minor, traveling with a pet), you might be prompted to complete check-in at the airport.
4.2 Seat Selection/Confirmation:
If you haven't already selected your seat, or if you wish to change it, this is your opportunity. The app will usually show a seat map of your aircraft.
Boldly choose your preferred seat. Be aware that some seats (like exit rows or premium economy) might have an additional fee.
If you're happy with your current seat, simply confirm it.
4.3 Bag Declaration:
You'll be asked to declare if you are checking any bags. Be honest and accurate here to avoid issues at the airport.
If you are checking bags, the app might allow you to pre-pay for baggage fees. This can save you time at the airport. Even if you pre-pay, you'll still need to drop your bags at a bag drop counter or self-service kiosk.
4.4 Dangerous Goods and Regulations: You'll likely encounter a screen asking you to confirm that you are not carrying any dangerous goods. Read through this carefully and tick the box to affirm.
4.5 Review and Complete: Before finalizing, you'll get a summary of your selections. Take a moment to double-check everything. Once satisfied, tap the "Complete Check In" or similar button.
Step 5: Access and Save Your Mobile Boarding Pass
Congratulations! You've successfully checked in. Now, for the most important part: your mobile boarding pass.
5.1 View Your Boarding Pass: Immediately after completing check-in, your mobile boarding pass should appear in the app. It will typically display as a scannable QR code along with your flight details, seat number, and boarding group.
5.2 Save to Apple Wallet: This is a crucial step for convenience! Look for an option that says "Add to Apple Wallet" (or "Add to Wallet"). Tapping this will transfer your boarding pass to your iPhone's native Apple Wallet app.
Why is this important? Saving to Apple Wallet means your boarding pass is easily accessible even without an internet connection, and it will often appear on your lock screen as you approach the airport or your boarding time.
5.3 Other Options: You might also have options to email your boarding pass to yourself or print it. While the mobile pass is highly recommended, having a backup email or printed copy can be useful in case of phone issues.
Step 6: What to Do at the Airport with Your Mobile Boarding Pass
With your boarding pass securely on your iPhone, your airport experience will be much smoother.
6.1 Security Checkpoint: When you reach the TSA security checkpoint, simply open your Apple Wallet (or the American Airlines app) and present your mobile boarding pass on your iPhone screen. The TSA officer will scan the QR code. Ensure your screen brightness is turned up for easy scanning.
6.2 Bag Drop (If Applicable): If you checked bags during the online check-in process, head to the designated American Airlines bag drop area or a self-service kiosk. You'll present your mobile boarding pass there to print your bag tags.
6.3 Boarding Gate: At the boarding gate, once your boarding group is called, you'll again present your mobile boarding pass to the gate agent for scanning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about checking in on the American Airlines app, with quick answers:
How to Check in for an International Flight on the American Airlines App? You can check in for international flights on the American Airlines app typically 24 hours before departure, but you might be directed to complete some additional steps or verify documents at the airport, especially for certain destinations requiring visas or specific health declarations.
How to Add My Boarding Pass to Apple Wallet from the American Airlines App? After successfully checking in on the American Airlines app, look for a prominent button that says "Add to Apple Wallet" (or "Add to Wallet") on your boarding pass screen. Tap this, and follow the prompts to add it.
How to Change My Seat After Checking in on the American Airlines App? Yes, often you can still change your seat after checking in. Go back to your trip details in the app, look for a "Change Seat" or "Seat Selection" option, and proceed to choose a new seat if available.
How to Check Bags After Using the American Airlines App Check-in? If you checked in on the app and declared bags, simply proceed to an American Airlines bag drop counter or a self-service kiosk at the airport. Present your mobile boarding pass to print your bag tags and drop your luggage.
How to Find My Record Locator in the American Airlines App? Your six-character record locator (confirmation code) is usually displayed prominently on your trip details screen within the American Airlines app, typically near your flight number and dates. It's also on your original booking confirmation email.
How to Know When Mobile Check-in Opens for My American Airlines Flight? Mobile check-in for American Airlines flights typically opens 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
How to Troubleshoot if My Boarding Pass Isn't Showing on the American Airlines App? First, ensure you have a stable internet connection. Try force-closing and reopening the app. If still an issue, log out and log back in, or try accessing your trip using your record locator. As a last resort, head to an airport kiosk or counter.
How to Use My Mobile Boarding Pass at Airport Security and the Gate? Simply open your Apple Wallet or the American Airlines app to display the QR code of your boarding pass on your iPhone screen. Present it to the TSA officer or gate agent for scanning. Ensure your screen is bright.
How to Check Flight Status on the American Airlines App? The American Airlines app provides real-time flight status updates. On the home screen, your upcoming flight will usually show its status. You can also search for flights by flight number or route in the "Flight Status" section.
How to Get a Printed Boarding Pass if I Checked in on the American Airlines App? Even if you checked in on the app, you can still get a printed boarding pass at the airport. Use a self-service kiosk by scanning your mobile boarding pass or entering your record locator, or visit an American Airlines check-in counter.
