Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you staring at your American Airlines flight confirmation and wondering, how on earth do I get that boarding pass in my hand, or on my phone, so I can finally jet off? You've come to the right place! Printing your American Airlines boarding pass might seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of travel, but it's a crucial step that can save you a lot of time and stress at the airport. Let's get you ready for your flight with a detailed, step-by-step guide on all the ways to secure your boarding pass.
Your Ultimate Guide to Printing an American Airlines Boarding Pass
Getting your boarding pass for an American Airlines flight is easier than you think, with multiple convenient options available. Whether you're a tech-savvy traveler or prefer a good old-fashioned paper pass, American Airlines has you covered. Let's break down each method so you can choose the one that best suits your travel style!
Step 1: Choosing Your Boarding Pass Method – Where Do You Want It?
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's decide where you want your boarding pass. Do you prefer the convenience of your smartphone, or the tactile reassurance of a printed document? Knowing this will guide you to the right steps.
A. Digital Dynamo: Mobile Boarding Pass
Perfect for: Travelers who love efficiency, hate paper, and always have their smartphone handy. This is often the quickest way to get through security and boarding.
B. Paper Pro: Home-Printed Boarding Pass
Ideal for: Those who prefer a physical copy, want to be extra prepared, or are traveling with multiple people and want printed passes for everyone.
C. Airport Ace: Kiosk or Counter Printed Boarding Pass
Best for: Last-minute travelers, those without access to a printer, or individuals who prefer to handle everything at the airport.
Once you've decided, proceed to the relevant step below!
Step 2: Going Digital: Obtaining Your Mobile Boarding Pass
This is the most popular and often the most seamless way to get your boarding pass. You'll need the American Airlines mobile app for this.
Sub-heading: 2.1. Downloading and Setting Up the American Airlines App
Download the App: If you haven't already, head to your device's app store (App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android) and search for "American Airlines." Download and install the official app.
Log In or Find Your Trip:
If you have an AAdvantage® account: Log in with your credentials. Your upcoming trips should automatically appear on the home screen under the "Your trips" section.
If you don't have an AAdvantage® account: You can still access your trip. On the app's home screen, look for an option like "Find a Trip" or "Check In." You'll typically need your six-character confirmation code (also known as a record locator) and your last name.
Sub-heading: 2.2. Checking In Online via the App and Getting Your Mobile Pass
Check-in Window: American Airlines typically allows you to check in for your flight 24 hours before your scheduled departure time and up to 45 minutes before domestic flights, or 90 minutes for international flights. Don't wait too long!
Initiate Check-in: Once you've located your trip in the app, you'll see a prominent "Check In" button or a "Ready to Fly" banner. Tap this to begin the process.
Verify Information: The app will guide you through a series of prompts to confirm your travel details, acknowledge any travel requirements (like health declarations for international flights), and ensure your information is correct.
Select Mobile Boarding Pass: After successfully checking in, the app will give you options for your boarding pass. Crucially, select the "Mobile Boarding Pass" option.
Save Your Pass: Your mobile boarding pass will then be displayed within the app. You'll usually have the option to save it to your device's digital wallet (Apple Wallet for iOS, Google Wallet for Android). This is highly recommended as it allows you to access your boarding pass even without an internet connection.
Review and Use: Your mobile boarding pass will typically show your flight details, seat number, and a scannable QR code or barcode. At security checkpoints and boarding gates, simply pull up your mobile pass on your phone and present the barcode to be scanned. Ensure your screen brightness is up for easy scanning!
Step 3: The Classic Approach: Printing Your Boarding Pass at Home
Prefer a tangible piece of paper? Printing at home is a convenient option if you have access to a printer.
Sub-heading: 3.1. Online Check-in via the American Airlines Website
Head to the Website: Open your web browser and go to the official American Airlines website:
www.aa.com Navigate to Check-in: Look for a "Check In" or "Your Trips" section on the homepage.
Enter Trip Details: You'll need to enter your six-character confirmation code and your last name. If you have an AAdvantage® account, you can also log in and find your trip under "Your trips."
Begin Check-in Process: Similar to the app, you'll be prompted to confirm your details, acknowledge travel requirements, and verify everything is correct.
Select Print Boarding Pass: After completing the check-in steps, you'll be presented with options for your boarding pass. Choose "Print Boarding Pass."
Print It Out: A new window or tab will usually open with a PDF version of your boarding pass. Make sure your printer is connected, turned on, and has sufficient ink and paper. Click the print icon within the PDF viewer or your browser's print menu.
Print Multiple Copies (Optional): It's always a good idea to print two copies as a backup, just in case one gets lost or damaged. You can also email a copy to yourself for digital access on your phone if your airport supports mobile boarding passes.
Sub-heading: 3.2. Essential Tips for Home Printing
Check Printer Connection: Ensure your printer is properly connected to your computer and has an active Wi-Fi or USB connection.
Ink and Paper: Don't run out of ink or paper midway! Check levels before you start printing.
Clear the Barcode: Make sure the barcode on your printed boarding pass is clear and legible. Any smudges or faded areas could cause issues at security or boarding.
Fold Carefully: If you need to fold your boarding pass, make sure you don't crease or damage the barcode area.
Step 4: Airport Options: Printing Your Boarding Pass at the Airport
No printer at home? No problem! You can still get a physical boarding pass at the airport using American Airlines' self-service kiosks or by speaking with an agent.
Sub-heading: 4.1. Using a Self-Service Kiosk
Locate a Kiosk: Upon arrival at the airport, look for American Airlines self-service kiosks in the check-in area. They are typically easy to spot.
Scan or Enter Information:
You can often scan your passport.
Alternatively, you can enter your six-character confirmation code, your AAdvantage® number, or simply your credit card used for booking (though not all kiosks support all methods).
Follow On-Screen Prompts: The kiosk will guide you through the check-in process, allowing you to confirm your flight details, choose seats (if available), and even pay for checked bags.
Print Boarding Pass: Once check-in is complete, the kiosk will automatically print your boarding pass (and bag tags if you're checking luggage).
Collect Your Pass: Don't forget to collect your printed boarding pass from the printer slot!
Sub-heading: 4.2. Getting Help at the Check-in Counter
Proceed to the Counter: If you prefer personal assistance, have special circumstances, or encounter issues with the kiosks, head to the American Airlines check-in counter.
Provide Identification: Present a valid government-issued photo ID (like your passport or driver's license) and your six-character confirmation code.
Agent Assistance: A customer service agent will assist you with the check-in process, answer any questions, and print your boarding pass for you. This is also the best option if you have special assistance needs or are traveling with unaccompanied minors.
Step 5: Double-Checking and Final Preparations
Regardless of how you obtain your boarding pass, a few final checks are always a good idea.
Verify Details: Take a moment to double-check all the information on your boarding pass: your name, flight number, destination, date, gate number, and boarding time.
ID Ready: Ensure you have your valid government-issued photo ID (passport for international travel, driver's license for domestic) readily available. The name on your ID must exactly match the name on your boarding pass.
Arrival Time: Plan to arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight's departure, especially if you need to check bags or print your boarding pass at the airport. American Airlines generally recommends at least 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.
You're all set! With your American Airlines boarding pass in hand (or on your phone), you're one step closer to your journey. Enjoy your flight!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about American Airlines Boarding Passes
Here are 10 common questions with quick answers to help you navigate your American Airlines boarding pass needs:
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 scheduled departure time, using your confirmation code or AAdvantage® account.
How to get a mobile boarding pass for American Airlines?
After checking in via the American Airlines app, you'll be given the option to view and save your mobile boarding pass directly to your device's digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet).
How to print an American Airlines boarding pass at home?
After checking in online at aa.com, you will see an option to "Print Boarding Pass." Click this, and a PDF version will open, which you can then print using your home printer.
How to print an American Airlines boarding pass at the airport?
You can print your boarding pass at the airport using an American Airlines self-service kiosk or by visiting the check-in counter and speaking with a customer service agent.
How to find my American Airlines confirmation code?
Your confirmation code (also called a record locator) is a six-character alphanumeric code that can be found in your American Airlines flight confirmation email.
How to add an American Airlines boarding pass to Apple Wallet?
After checking in on the American Airlines app, look for an "Add to Apple Wallet" button next to your mobile boarding pass. Tap it and follow the prompts to add it.
How to add an American Airlines boarding pass to Google Pay/Wallet?
Similar to Apple Wallet, after checking in via the American Airlines app, you should see an "Add to Google Wallet" option. Alternatively, some Android phones allow you to screenshot the boarding pass and add it from the screenshot notification.
How to re-print a lost American Airlines boarding pass?
If you've already checked in, you can often go back to the American Airlines website or app, re-access your reservation, and re-print or re-send your boarding pass. At the airport, you can use a kiosk or see an agent.
How to deal with issues printing my American Airlines boarding pass?
If you encounter technical issues at home (printer problems, website glitches), try clearing your browser's cache, using a different browser, or contacting American Airlines customer service. At the airport, proceed to a check-in counter for assistance.
How to check if my airport accepts mobile boarding passes?
You can usually find this information on the American Airlines website under "Mobile boarding pass" details, or by checking the specific airport's website or app. Most major airports generally accept them.
