Planning a trip with American Airlines? Getting your boarding pass is a crucial step to a smooth journey. Whether you prefer the convenience of your smartphone or a good old-fashioned paper pass, American Airlines offers several straightforward ways to get you flight-ready. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to ensure you have your boarding pass in hand well before you head to the airport!
How to Get Your American Airlines Boarding Pass: A Comprehensive Guide
Step 1: When Can You Get Your Boarding Pass? (And Why It Matters!)
Excited for your trip? The first thing to know is when you can actually get your hands on that boarding pass. American Airlines typically opens online and app check-in 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. This 24-hour window is your prime time to check in and secure your boarding pass digitally.
Why is this important? Checking in early allows you to:
Select or change your seat: Get that window or aisle seat you prefer before it's gone!
Confirm your details: Double-check everything and make any necessary last-minute updates.
Potentially avoid airport lines: With a mobile or printed pass, you can often bypass the check-in counter entirely if you don't have checked bags.
Important Deadlines: While you can check in 24 hours prior, remember these crucial cut-off times:
Domestic U.S. Flights: You must be checked in at least 45 minutes before departure.
International Flights: You must be checked in at least 90 minutes before departure. Some international airports may have even earlier requirements, so always check specific airport details if you're flying internationally.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Method of Obtaining Your Boarding Pass
American Airlines offers a few convenient options for getting your boarding pass. Consider which one suits your travel style best!
Sub-heading 2.1: The American Airlines Mobile App (Highly Recommended!)
This is arguably the easiest and most efficient way to get your boarding pass. The American Airlines app is a traveler's best friend.
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the "American Airlines" app from the Apple App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices).
Log In or Find Your Trip:
If you have an AAdvantage® account, log in to access your upcoming trips.
If you're not an AAdvantage® member, you can still find your trip by entering your six-character confirmation code (also known as a record locator) and your last name. This code is found in your booking confirmation email.
Initiate Check-In: Within the 24-hour window, you'll see a clear "Check In" or "Ready to Fly" banner for your upcoming flight. Tap on it to begin the process.
Complete Check-In Steps: Follow the on-screen prompts. This usually involves:
Confirming your personal details.
Acknowledging any travel advisories or health declarations (especially for international flights).
Reviewing or selecting your seat (if available and not already assigned).
Adding and paying for any checked bags (you'll get bag tags at the airport if you do this).
Access Your Mobile Boarding Pass: Once check-in is complete, your mobile boarding pass will be automatically stored within the app under "My Trips" or a similar section. It will display as a scannable QR code.
Save to Wallet (iOS Users): For Apple users, you'll often have the option to add your boarding pass directly to Apple Wallet for even quicker access at security and the gate. Android users may find similar functionality depending on their device and operating system version (though American Airlines' app doesn't always integrate with Google Wallet as seamlessly as some other airlines).
Pro Tip: Before heading to the airport, ensure your phone is fully charged! You don't want your battery dying right when you need to show your boarding pass. It's also a good idea to take a screenshot of your boarding pass as a backup, just in case you lose internet connectivity or the app acts up.
Sub-heading 2.2: Online Check-In via American Airlines Website
If you prefer using a computer or don't want to download the app, the American Airlines website (aa.com) is a great alternative.
Visit AA.com: Go to the official American Airlines website.
Navigate to Check-In: Look for a "Check-in" tab or link on the homepage.
Find Your Trip: Enter your confirmation code and last name, or log in with your AAdvantage® details.
Follow Prompts: Just like with the app, you'll be guided through the check-in process.
Choose Boarding Pass Delivery: After completing check-in, you'll typically have options to:
Email with Mobile Option: Select this to have a link to your mobile boarding pass sent to your email address. You can then open this email on your smartphone and save the pass to your device's wallet or as a screenshot.
Print Boarding Pass: You can print your boarding pass directly from your computer at home. Make sure your printer has ink and paper!
Get Boarding Pass at Airport: This option means you'll pick up your boarding pass at an airport kiosk or ticket counter.
Sub-heading 2.3: Airport Self-Service Kiosk
For those who prefer a physical copy or need to check bags, airport kiosks are a speedy option.
Locate a Kiosk: Upon arrival at the airport, look for American Airlines self-service kiosks in the check-in area.
Identify Yourself: You'll typically need to scan your passport, credit card (used for booking), or enter your confirmation code or AAdvantage® number.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: The kiosk will guide you through confirming your flight details, selecting seats, and indicating the number of bags you're checking.
Print Your Boarding Pass (and Bag Tags): The kiosk will print your boarding pass. If you're checking bags, it will also print bag tags that you'll need to attach to your luggage before taking them to the bag drop area.
Note: Kiosks are generally very user-friendly, but if you encounter any issues, American Airlines staff are usually nearby to assist.
Sub-heading 2.4: American Airlines Check-in Counter
If you prefer human interaction, have special circumstances (e.g., traveling with a pet, special assistance, complex itinerary), or simply missed the online/kiosk check-in window, the traditional check-in counter is your go-to.
Head to the Counter: Find the American Airlines check-in counters at your departure airport.
Present Your ID and Booking Info: Have your valid government-issued photo ID (passport for international travel) and your confirmation code or e-ticket number ready.
Receive Assistance: An American Airlines agent will assist you with checking in, checking bags, and issuing your paper boarding pass.
Be Mindful of Time: While convenient, check-in counters can sometimes have longer lines, especially during peak travel times. Factor this into your airport arrival time. Remember the minimum check-in times mentioned in Step 1!
Step 3: Using Your Boarding Pass at the Airport
Once you have your boarding pass, whether digital or physical, you're ready for the next steps at the airport.
Sub-heading 3.1: At the Security Checkpoint
Mobile Boarding Pass: When you reach the TSA security checkpoint, open your mobile boarding pass on your phone screen. Ensure the brightness is turned up so the QR code can be easily scanned. Have your valid photo ID ready for verification.
Printed Boarding Pass: Present your printed boarding pass along with your valid photo ID to the TSA agent.
Sub-heading 3.2: At the Boarding Gate
Mobile Boarding Pass: When your boarding group is called, have your mobile boarding pass ready on your phone. The gate agent will scan the QR code.
Printed Boarding Pass: Hand your printed boarding pass to the gate agent for scanning.
Troubleshooting Common Boarding Pass Issues
Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
"Can't retrieve my booking": Double-check your confirmation code and last name for typos. Ensure you're within the 24-hour check-in window.
App won't load boarding pass: Try restarting the app, checking your internet connection, or restarting your phone. If all else fails, take a screenshot of your boarding pass (if you managed to see it briefly) or proceed to a self-service kiosk or check-in counter.
Name mismatch or reservation change: If your name on the booking doesn't exactly match your ID, or if you've made recent changes, it might block online check-in. In these cases, you'll likely need to check in at the airport counter with an agent who can verify your details.
Passport or visa issues for international travel: For international flights, the system may require additional document verification that can only be done by an agent at the check-in counter. Don't worry, this is normal for many international trips.
No matter the issue, if you're stuck, the best course of action is to approach an American Airlines agent at the airport or call their customer service line for assistance.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about getting your American Airlines boarding pass:
How to check in online for an American Airlines flight?
You can check in online via the American Airlines website (aa.com) or their mobile app starting 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Enter your confirmation code and last name, or log in to your AAdvantage account, and follow the prompts to complete the check-in process.
How to get a mobile boarding pass for American Airlines?
After checking in online via the American Airlines app, your mobile boarding pass will automatically appear in the app. If you checked in via the website, choose the "Email with Mobile Option" to receive a link to your boarding pass that you can open on your smartphone.
How to print my American Airlines boarding pass at home?
During the online check-in process on aa.com, you will be given an option to print your boarding pass once you've completed all the necessary steps. Ensure your printer is connected and has ink/paper.
How to get my American Airlines boarding pass at the airport?
You can get a physical boarding pass at the airport by using an American Airlines self-service kiosk or by visiting the American Airlines check-in counter. You'll need your confirmation code, AAdvantage number, or a form of ID (like your passport or the credit card used for booking) to retrieve your reservation.
How to check in for an international American Airlines flight?
For international flights, you can check in online or via the app typically 24 hours beforehand, but you may still need to verify your passport and visa documents with an agent at the check-in counter upon arrival at the airport. Minimum check-in time for international flights is usually 90 minutes before departure.
How to add my American Airlines boarding pass to my phone's wallet?
If you're using an iPhone, the American Airlines app often provides an option to "Add to Apple Wallet" after you've checked in. For Android users, the functionality to add to Google Wallet isn't always directly supported by the American Airlines app, but you can usually take a screenshot of your boarding pass as a convenient alternative.
How to retrieve a lost or deleted American Airlines boarding pass?
If you've lost or accidentally deleted your boarding pass, you can simply access it again through the American Airlines app (it should still be in your "My Trips" section if you're checked in), re-access your online check-in via aa.com to print it again, or get a new one at an airport kiosk or check-in counter.
How to get a boarding pass if I don't have a smartphone or printer?
If you don't have a smartphone or printer, you can always get your boarding pass at the airport. Use a self-service kiosk, which will print it for you, or go to the American Airlines check-in counter and an agent will provide you with a physical boarding pass.
How to check in early for my American Airlines flight?
The earliest you can check in for an American Airlines flight, whether online or via the app, is 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. There are no options to check in earlier than this for standard flights.
How to get a boarding pass if my name on the ticket doesn't match my ID exactly?
If there's a minor discrepancy, you might still be able to check in online, but it's highly recommended to go to an American Airlines check-in counter at the airport. An agent can verify your identity and issue your boarding pass, potentially resolving any issues before you reach security. For significant name differences, you may need to contact American Airlines customer service before your travel date to correct the reservation.
