Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you ready to embark on your American Airlines journey, but a little unsure about the check-in process? Don't worry, you've come to the right place! Checking in for your flight doesn't have to be a stressful ordeal. In fact, with American Airlines, there are several convenient options designed to make your departure as smooth as possible. Let's get you checked in and ready to fly!
The Ultimate Guide to Checking In with American Airlines
Checking in is the essential final step before you can proceed to security and your gate. American Airlines offers a variety of methods to suit your preferences and travel style. We'll cover each one in detail, so you can pick what works best for you.
Step 1: When Can You Check In? (And Why It Matters!)
First things first, timing is key when it comes to checking in. American Airlines generally opens check-in 24 hours before your scheduled flight departure. This window remains open until:
Domestic Flights (within the U.S.): Up to 45 minutes before departure.
International Flights: Up to 90 minutes before departure.
Why is this important? Checking in early, especially online or via the app, gives you a greater chance to select your preferred seat, avoid long lines at the airport, and receive your boarding pass well in advance. If you miss these deadlines, you might experience delays or, in rare cases, even forfeit your seat.
Step 2: Choosing Your Check-In Method
American Airlines provides several convenient ways to check in. Let's explore each one:
Sub-heading: Online Check-In: Your Fastest Path to the Gate!
This is by far the most recommended method for its convenience and speed. You can do it from the comfort of your home, office, or anywhere with an internet connection.
Access the American Airlines Website or Mobile App:
Website: Go to AA.com and look for the "Check-in" tab.
Mobile App: Download the American Airlines app from your device's app store (available for iOS and Android). The app is incredibly useful, offering a dynamic home screen that knows where you are in your travel journey, mobile boarding passes, flight updates, and more.
Retrieve Your Reservation:
You'll typically need your six-character confirmation code (Record Locator) and your last name.
Alternatively, you can use your AAdvantage® number if you're a loyalty program member, or your e-ticket number.
Confirm Your Details and Select Your Seat (Optional):
Review your flight details and passenger information to ensure everything is accurate.
If you haven't already, this is your chance to select or change your seat. American Airlines offers various seating options, from standard economy to preferred seats and premium cabins. Take a look at the seat map and pick what works best for you.
Declare Hazardous Materials:
You'll be prompted to confirm that you're not traveling with any hazardous or prohibited items in your carry-on or checked baggage. Read this carefully!
Receive Your Boarding Pass:
You have several options for your boarding pass:
Mobile Boarding Pass: This is incredibly convenient! Your boarding pass will be stored directly within the American Airlines app. You can also save it to your phone's wallet (Apple Wallet, Google Pay). Simply scan the QR code on your phone screen at security and the boarding gate.
Email Boarding Pass: Have it sent to your email address as a PDF, which you can then print at home.
Print at Home: Select this option to generate a printable version directly from the website.
Sub-heading: Mobile App Check-In: Convenience in Your Pocket!
The American Airlines mobile app is a powerhouse for travelers. Checking in through the app is virtually the same as online check-in, but with the added benefit of having all your travel information, including your boarding pass, easily accessible on your smartphone.
Simply open the app, navigate to "My Trips," and select your upcoming flight.
Follow the prompts to confirm your details and receive your mobile boarding pass.
The app also provides real-time flight updates, gate changes, and even baggage tracking, making your airport experience much smoother.
Sub-heading: Airport Kiosk Check-In: Self-Service at the Terminal
If you prefer to handle things at the airport, or if you have checked bags, the self-service kiosks are a fantastic option.
Locate a Kiosk: American Airlines kiosks are typically found near the check-in counters in the departure terminal.
Identify Yourself: You can use one of several methods:
Scan your paper or mobile boarding pass.
Enter your 6-character confirmation code.
Enter your AAdvantage® number.
Scan your passport (for international flights) or credit card (used for booking).
Follow On-Screen Prompts:
Confirm your flight details.
If you're checking bags, you'll be able to print Express Bag Tags at select airports. This saves you time at the bag drop! Add your bags online or in the app during check-in, then scan your boarding pass at the kiosk to automatically print your tags.
Print your boarding pass if you prefer a physical copy.
You can also make last-minute seat changes or purchase upgrades at the kiosk.
Sub-heading: Airport Counter Check-In: For Personal Assistance
For those who prefer a human touch, or if you have specific needs (e.g., traveling with a pet, special assistance, complex itinerary, or if you're unable to complete online check-in), the American Airlines check-in counters are available.
Approach the Counter: Look for the American Airlines logo and the appropriate queue (e.g., Economy, First Class, AAdvantage status).
Present Your Documents: Have your valid government-issued photo ID (passport for international travel, driver's license for domestic) and your confirmation code or e-ticket ready.
Baggage Drop: This is where you'll drop off any checked baggage. Be prepared to pay any applicable baggage fees.
Sub-heading: Curbside Check-In: For Quick Bag Drop (Limited Availability)
At some airports, American Airlines offers curbside check-in. This is a convenient option if you're driving to the airport and want to drop off your bags and get your boarding pass without going inside the terminal.
Look for the American Airlines curbside check-in area.
You'll need your confirmed booking, e-ticket, and a credit card to pay any baggage fees.
This option is generally for passengers with checked bags only.
Step 3: What to Have Ready for Check-In
Regardless of the method you choose, always have the following handy:
Your Confirmation Code / Record Locator: This is a 6-character alphanumeric code provided when you booked your flight.
Your Last Name (as it appears on your reservation): Ensure it matches your ID exactly.
A Valid Government-Issued Photo ID:
Domestic Travel: Driver's license or other REAL ID-compliant identification (effective May 7, 2025).
International Travel: Your valid passport and any necessary visas for your destination.
Any Required Travel Documents: This includes visas, health declarations, or other country-specific entry requirements. It's your responsibility to ensure you have all necessary documents for your destination.
Step 4: After Check-In: What's Next?
Once you've successfully checked in, you're almost there!
Baggage Drop (if applicable): If you've checked in online or via the app and have bags, head to the American Airlines bag drop counter. If you used an airport kiosk and printed bag tags, simply tag your bags and take them to the bag drop area.
Security Checkpoint: Proceed to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) security checkpoint. Have your boarding pass (mobile or physical) and valid ID ready. Be prepared to remove electronics, liquids, and follow all security procedures.
Head to Your Gate: Check your boarding pass and airport monitors for your gate number and boarding time. Arrive at your gate well before boarding begins. American Airlines typically closes boarding 15 minutes before domestic departures and 30 minutes before international departures. Don't be late!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about checking in with American Airlines:
How to check if I can check-in online for my American Airlines flight? You can check in online for most American Airlines flights. However, online check-in might not be available if your first flight isn't operated by American Airlines, American Eagle, British Airways, or Iberia, if you're traveling with a pet, or if your destination requires a visa that hasn't been verified.
How to add baggage during American Airlines online check-in? During the online check-in process on AA.com or the American Airlines app, you'll be prompted to declare and add any checked bags. You can select the number of bags and pay any applicable fees with a credit card.
How to get a mobile boarding pass for my American Airlines flight? After completing online check-in via AA.com or the American Airlines app, you'll be given the option to receive a mobile boarding pass. If using the app, it will be stored directly there. If checking in on the website, you can choose to have it emailed with a mobile option, which you can then save to your device's wallet.
How to change my seat after checking in with American Airlines? You can often change your seat after checking in, either through the "Manage Your Trip" section on AA.com, within the American Airlines app, or at an airport self-service kiosk, provided there are other seats available.
How to check in for an American Airlines international flight? For international flights, you can check in online or via the app from 24 hours up to 90 minutes before departure. You'll need your passport and any required visas. Airport check-in counters and kiosks are also available, but ensure you arrive at least 60 minutes before departure (or 75-90 minutes for specific airports like Delhi or Dublin).
How to use an American Airlines self-service kiosk? At an American Airlines self-service kiosk, you can retrieve your reservation by scanning your boarding pass, entering your confirmation code, AAdvantage number, or passport. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your details, print boarding passes, and print bag tags for checked luggage.
How to know if my airport accepts mobile boarding passes for American Airlines? Most airports served by American Airlines accept mobile boarding passes. You can usually find this information on the American Airlines website under "Airport information" or by checking your specific airport's website.
How to check in with a pet on American Airlines? If you are traveling with a pet, you generally cannot complete online check-in. You will need to check in at an American Airlines airport counter to ensure all pet travel requirements and documentation are met and fees are paid.
How to deal with check-in issues on American Airlines? If you encounter any issues during online check-in (e.g., "unable to check in" message), first double-check your confirmation code and last name. If the problem persists, try using the American Airlines mobile app, an airport kiosk, or proceed to an American Airlines check-in counter for assistance. You can also contact American Airlines customer service.
How to get a printed boarding pass after online check-in with American Airlines? Even if you check in online, you can still obtain a physical boarding pass. You can either choose the "Print at Home" option during online check-in, or use an American Airlines self-service kiosk at the airport to print your boarding pass by entering your confirmation code or scanning your mobile boarding pass.
