Hello, future traveler! Are you ready to embark on your American Airlines journey, but wondering how to get that all-important boarding pass in your hand (or on your phone)? Don't worry, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your trip. Let's get started!
Your Essential Guide: How to Print Your American Airlines Boarding Pass
Getting your boarding pass for an American Airlines flight is a crucial step before you even think about airport security or that delicious pre-flight coffee. While many travelers now opt for mobile boarding passes, having a physical copy can still be a good idea as a backup, or if your departure airport doesn't accept digital versions. This guide will cover all your options, from the comfort of your home to the convenience of the airport.
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| How To Print Boarding Pass American Airlines |
Step 1: When Can You Get Your Boarding Pass? (The All-Important Check-In Window)
Before you can even think about printing, you need to check in for your flight! American Airlines typically opens online check-in 24 hours before your scheduled departure time and it closes 45 minutes prior for domestic flights and 90 minutes for international flights.
Why is this important? Because you cannot get your boarding pass until you've successfully checked in. This is when American Airlines confirms your presence on the flight and issues your boarding pass.
Pro Tip: Don't wait until the last minute! Checking in early allows you to select your seat (if you haven't already), add any checked bags, and get your boarding pass ready without a rush.
Step 2: Choosing Your Preferred Method of Obtaining Your Boarding Pass
American Airlines offers several convenient ways to get your boarding pass. Consider which method best suits your travel style and circumstances.
Method A: Online Check-in and Print at Home (The Most Convenient)
This is by far the most recommended method if you have access to a printer. It saves you time at the airport and gives you peace of mind.
Access the American Airlines Website:
Go to
www.aa.com Look for the "Check in" or "Your trips" section. This is usually prominently displayed on the homepage.
Enter Your Flight Details:
You'll typically need one of the following to retrieve your reservation:
Your 6-character confirmation code (also known as a Record Locator). This is found in your booking confirmation email.
Your 13-digit e-ticket number.
Your AAdvantage® number if you're logged into your account.
You'll also need the last name associated with the booking.
Follow the Check-in Prompts:
Once your trip appears, you'll be guided through the check-in process. This might involve:
Confirming your personal details.
Acknowledging any travel requirements or advisories.
Selecting your seat (if not already done).
Adding and paying for any checked bags (you can get "Express Bag Tags" at the airport after checking in online).
Select the "Print Boarding Pass" Option:
After successfully completing check-in, you'll be presented with options for your boarding pass. Look for a button or link that says "Print Boarding Pass" or "Print/Email Boarding Pass."
Important: Make sure your printer is connected and has enough ink and paper!
Print Your Boarding Pass:
Click the print button. A new window or tab might open with your boarding pass.
Ensure the entire barcode is clear and legible. This barcode is what will be scanned at security and at the gate. If it's smudged or incomplete, you might encounter issues.
Print multiple copies if you're feeling extra cautious, or if you're traveling with companions and want separate physical copies for everyone.
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
Method B: Using the American Airlines Mobile App (Paperless & Seamless)
For those who prefer a paperless experience, the American Airlines app is a fantastic choice.
Download the American Airlines App:
If you haven't already, download the free American Airlines app from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
Log In or Find Your Trip:
Open the app and either log in to your AAdvantage® account or use the "Find Trip" option with your confirmation code and last name.
Check In for Your Flight:
Once your trip is displayed, follow the prompts to check in, similar to the website process.
Access Your Mobile Boarding Pass:
After checking in, your mobile boarding pass will be automatically stored within the app.
Look for a "Boarding Pass" button or section within your trip details.
Key Feature: Your mobile boarding pass within the app is dynamic! If your gate changes, or there's a delay, the app will update the information automatically.
Tip: For easier access at security and the gate, save your boarding pass to your device's digital wallet (e.g., Apple Wallet, Google Wallet) if available. This allows you to quickly access it even without an internet connection.
Prepare for Airport Usage:
When you're at the airport, simply open the app or your digital wallet to display the barcode to security agents and at the boarding gate.
Keep your phone charged! A dead phone means no boarding pass.
Method C: At the Airport (When You Can't Print at Home)
If you don't have access to a printer or prefer to handle things at the airport, American Airlines provides several options.
Sub-heading: Option 1: Self-Service Kiosks
These kiosks are designed for a quick and independent check-in and boarding pass retrieval.
Locate a Kiosk:
Upon arrival at the airport, look for the American Airlines self-service kiosks in the check-in area. They are typically easy to spot.
Initiate Check-in:
You'll be prompted to enter your information to find your reservation. You can usually use:
Your 6-character confirmation code.
Your AAdvantage® number.
Scan your passport (for international flights).
Swipe your credit card used for the booking.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
Confirm your details, select your seat if needed, and declare/pay for any checked bags.
Print Your Boarding Pass:
The kiosk will offer the option to print your boarding pass. While American Airlines has recently disabled automatic printing of boarding passes at kiosks if you've already checked in online, you can still manually select the option to print your boarding pass from a secondary menu.
Collect your printed boarding pass from the printer slot.
Sub-heading: Option 2: Check-in Counter with an Agent
For more complex situations, or if you simply prefer human interaction, the check-in counter is always an option.
Proceed to the American Airlines Check-in Counter:
Go to the designated American Airlines check-in area and join the appropriate line (e.g., economy, AAdvantage® status, first class).
Provide Your Details:
Present your government-issued photo ID (passport for international travel) and provide your confirmation code or flight details to the agent.
Receive Your Boarding Pass:
The agent will verify your information, check you in, and print your boarding pass for you.
This is also the place to check any luggage that couldn't be done via kiosk or online.
Sub-heading: Option 3: Curbside Check-in (Limited Availability)
Tip: Compare what you read here with other sources.
At some larger airports, American Airlines offers curbside check-in, primarily for checking bags. You can also get your boarding pass here if you've already checked in online.
Locate Curbside Check-in:
Look for the American Airlines curbside check-in area outside the terminal building.
Provide Information and Receive Pass:
Present your electronic ticket or confirmation code, and the agent can print your boarding pass and assist with bag check-in.
Step 3: Double-Checking Your Boarding Pass
No matter how you obtain it, always take a moment to verify the details on your boarding pass:
Your Name: Ensure it matches your government-issued ID exactly.
Flight Number: Confirm it's the correct flight.
Departure Date and Time: Double-check these crucial details.
Gate Number: While gate assignments can change, it's good to note the initial gate.
Seat Number: Make sure your assigned seat is correct.
Barcode Clarity: For printed passes, ensure the barcode is sharp and readable.
Step 4: What to Do with Your Boarding Pass at the Airport
Once you have your boarding pass, you're well on your way!
Security Checkpoint: Present your boarding pass (physical or mobile) and your government-issued photo ID to the TSA agent. They will scan the barcode.
Gate Area: Keep your boarding pass handy. You'll need it again when boarding begins. The gate agent will scan it before you proceed onto the aircraft.
10 Related FAQ Questions: How to Print American Airlines Boarding Pass
Here are some common questions about printing your American Airlines boarding pass, with quick and helpful answers:
How to print my American Airlines boarding pass if I don't have a printer at home?
You can still check in online via aa.com or the American Airlines app, and then print your boarding pass at an airport self-service kiosk or at the American Airlines check-in counter.
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
How to get a mobile boarding pass for American Airlines?
Download the free American Airlines app, check in for your flight within the app, and your mobile boarding pass will be stored there. You can also opt to "Email with Mobile Option" during online check-in on aa.com and follow the link in the email to save it to your device.
How to print an American Airlines boarding pass if I checked in on my phone?
Even if you checked in on your phone and have a mobile boarding pass, you can still print a physical copy at an American Airlines self-service kiosk at the airport by scanning your mobile boarding pass or entering your confirmation code.
How to find my American Airlines confirmation code to print my boarding pass?
Your 6-character confirmation code (also called a record locator) is located in your flight confirmation email from American Airlines. If you're an AAdvantage® member, you can also find it under "Your trips" after logging into your account on aa.com or the app.
How to print a boarding pass for an American Airlines international flight?
The process is generally the same as for domestic flights. You can check in online via aa.com or the app starting 24 hours before departure, or at an airport kiosk or check-in counter. Be aware of potentially earlier check-in deadlines for international flights (usually 90 minutes before departure).
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
How to print multiple American Airlines boarding passes on the same reservation?
If everyone is on the same reservation, after checking in online, you should have the option to print all boarding passes associated with that booking. At airport kiosks, you can usually select and print multiple boarding passes from a single reservation.
How to get a boarding pass if my American Airlines flight is delayed or canceled?
If your flight is delayed or canceled, and you've been rebooked, your existing boarding pass will likely update automatically in the app. If you have a physical pass, you may need to get a new one printed at an airport kiosk or check-in counter to reflect the new flight details.
How to use a mobile boarding pass at the airport for American Airlines?
Simply open the American Airlines app (or your device's digital wallet where you saved the pass) and display the barcode to the TSA agent at security and the gate agent at boarding. Ensure your screen brightness is up and the entire barcode is visible.
How to get a physical American Airlines boarding pass if I lost my printed one?
You can typically revisit the online check-in process on aa.com (up to 45/90 minutes before departure) to re-print your boarding pass, or you can print a new one at an airport self-service kiosk or request one at the check-in counter.
How to know if my airport accepts mobile boarding passes for American Airlines?
Most major airports globally accept mobile boarding passes. However, to be absolutely sure, you can check the "Airport details" section for your specific departure or connecting airports on the American Airlines website (aa.com).
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