How to Seamlessly Save Your American Airlines Boarding Pass to Your Digital Wallet: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you tired of fumbling through emails or printed papers at the airport, desperately searching for your boarding pass? Imagine breezing through security and boarding with just a tap of your phone! Saving your American Airlines boarding pass to your digital wallet (Apple Wallet for iOS or Google Wallet for Android) is a game-changer for modern travelers. It's not just convenient; it's efficient, eco-friendly, and ensures your essential travel document is always at your fingertips.
Ready to simplify your travel experience? Let's dive into this step-by-step guide to get your American Airlines boarding pass safely and securely into your digital wallet!
Step 1: Ensure You're Ready to Go! (Pre-requisites)
Before you can add your boarding pass, there are a few things you'll need to have in place. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist for digital convenience!
1A: Confirm Your Flight and Check-In Status:
First and foremost, make sure you have a confirmed American Airlines flight booking. You'll need your confirmation code or AAdvantage number.
You'll typically only be able to add your boarding pass to your digital wallet after you have checked in for your flight. American Airlines usually allows online check-in within 24 hours of your scheduled departure.
1B: Download the American Airlines Mobile App:
This is often the easiest and most reliable way to get your boarding pass into your digital wallet.
For iPhone users: Download the "American Airlines" app from the Apple App Store.
For Android users: Download the "American Airlines" app from the Google Play Store.
Once downloaded, log in to the app using your AAdvantage number, email, or booking reference number. This will give you access to your trip details.
1C: Have Your Digital Wallet App Ready:
For iPhone users: The Apple Wallet app is pre-installed on your device. Ensure it's updated to the latest version of iOS.
For Android users: The Google Wallet app (formerly Google Pay for passes) should be installed. If not, download it from the Google Play Store and ensure it's set up.
Step 2: Checking In and Accessing Your Boarding Pass
This is where you'll retrieve the digital version of your boarding pass. There are a couple of primary methods:
2A: Using the American Airlines Mobile App (Recommended Method):
Open the American Airlines App: Launch the app on your smartphone.
Navigate to "My Trips": On the app's home screen, you'll typically see a section like "My Trips" or "Upcoming Trips." Tap on it.
Select Your Flight: Find your specific American Airlines flight from the list of your upcoming trips and tap on it.
Complete Check-In (If Not Already Done): If you haven't checked in yet, the app will prompt you to do so. Follow the on-screen instructions, confirm your details, and select your seat if needed.
Locate the "Add to Wallet" Option: Once checked in, your mobile boarding pass will be displayed. Look for a prominent button that says "Add to Apple Wallet" (for iPhones) or "Add to Google Wallet" (for Androids). This button is usually located right below the QR code or barcode of your boarding pass. It's designed to be easily visible!
Tap to Add: Simply tap this button.
2B: Through an American Airlines Email Confirmation (Alternative Method):
Sometimes, after checking in online (either via the app or
aa.com), American Airlines will send you an email with a link to your mobile boarding pass.
Open the Email: Find the check-in confirmation email from American Airlines.
Follow the Link: Within the email, there will often be a link or a button to "View Mobile Boarding Pass" or "Email with Mobile Option." Tap this.
Locate and Tap "Add to Wallet": This will usually open a web page displaying your boarding pass. Similar to the app, you should find the "Add to Apple Wallet" or "Add to Google Wallet" button on this page. Tap it.
Step 3: Saving to Your Digital Wallet
Once you've tapped the "Add to Wallet" button, the process shifts to your phone's native wallet application.
3A: For Apple Wallet (iPhone Users):
Preview Your Boarding Pass: After tapping "Add to Apple Wallet," your iPhone will open a preview of your boarding pass within the Wallet app. You'll see details like your flight number, gate, seat, and a QR code.
Confirm Addition: At the top right corner of the screen, you'll usually see an "Add" button. Tap this to finalize adding the boarding pass.
Voila! Your American Airlines boarding pass is now successfully stored in your Apple Wallet. It will appear alongside any credit cards, loyalty cards, or other passes you have stored.
3B: For Google Wallet (Android Users):
Open in Google Wallet: After tapping "Add to Google Wallet," your phone will automatically open the Google Wallet app or prompt you to open it.
Review and Save: You'll see a preview of your boarding pass. Look for a "Save" or "Add" button at the bottom or top of the screen. Tap it.
Success! Your American Airlines boarding pass is now saved in your Google Wallet. You can access it even without an internet connection.
Step 4: Accessing and Using Your Boarding Pass at the Airport
Now that your boarding pass is saved, using it is incredibly simple.
4A: Quick Access for Security and Boarding:
For iPhone with Face ID: Double-click the side button.
For iPhone with Touch ID: Double-click the Home button.
For Android: Open the Google Wallet app. You might also have a quick access shortcut on your lock screen or within your quick settings menu, depending on your phone model.
Scroll through your passes if you have multiple items in your wallet until you find your American Airlines boarding pass.
4B: Presenting at Checkpoints:
When you reach the TSA security checkpoint or the boarding gate, simply present your phone with the QR code or barcode clearly displayed on the screen.
Ensure your screen brightness is turned up so the scanner can easily read the code.
The attendant will scan your device, and you're good to go!
Step 5: Managing Your Boarding Pass in Your Wallet
Your digital wallet offers more than just storage.
5A: Real-Time Updates:
One of the major benefits of saving your boarding pass to your wallet is that it can receive real-time updates. If your gate changes, your flight is delayed, or your seat assignment is altered, your digital boarding pass will often update automatically to reflect this new information. This saves you from constantly checking the app or airport monitors.
5B: Viewing Details:
Tap on your boarding pass in the wallet app to view all the relevant details: flight number, departure and arrival times, gate number, seat assignment, confirmation code, and any other important notes.
5C: Removing After Your Trip:
Once your flight is over, you can easily remove the boarding pass from your digital wallet to keep it clutter-free.
For Apple Wallet: Tap on the pass, then tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap "Remove Pass."
For Google Wallet: Open the pass, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Remove pass."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about saving your American Airlines boarding pass to your digital wallet:
How to find the "Add to Wallet" button if it's not immediately visible?
After checking in via the American Airlines app or website, carefully scroll down the page where your boarding pass is displayed. The "Add to Wallet" button (either "Add to Apple Wallet" or "Add to Google Wallet") is usually a prominent, dedicated button, not just a small link. If you're on a browser, ensure it's not being blocked by pop-ups or extensions.
How to save a boarding pass to my wallet if I don't have the American Airlines app?
While the app is the easiest, you can often check in on
aa.comvia your mobile browser. After checking in, American Airlines typically provides an option to email you the mobile boarding pass. Open that email on your phone, and the link within should lead you to a page where you can find the "Add to Wallet" button.
How to troubleshoot if my boarding pass isn't showing up in my wallet after I tried to add it?
First, ensure you completed the check-in process fully. Then, try closing and reopening both the American Airlines app and your digital wallet app. Check for any pending updates for either app. If problems persist, try restarting your phone. As a last resort, delete and reinstall the American Airlines app and try again.
How to access my boarding pass if my phone battery dies at the airport?
It's crucial to keep your phone charged when traveling. Always carry a portable power bank. If your phone dies, you'll need to go to an American Airlines check-in kiosk or counter at the airport to get a printed boarding pass.
How to share my boarding pass with a travel companion from my digital wallet?
Apple Wallet: You can tap on the pass, then tap the share icon (a square with an arrow pointing up). You can then send it via Messages or Mail.
Google Wallet: Some passes can be shared, but it depends on the issuer. Look for a share icon within the pass details. If not available directly, you may need to forward the original email containing the boarding pass link.
How to retrieve my boarding pass after I've already flown?
Generally, digital boarding passes are intended for immediate use for your flight. Once the flight has departed, they are usually automatically removed or archived by the wallet app. If you need a record of a past boarding pass, check your email for the original confirmation or check your trip history within the American Airlines app or on
aa.com.
How to ensure my digital boarding pass is accepted at all airports?
Most major airports worldwide accept mobile boarding passes. However, it's always a good idea to confirm with American Airlines or the specific airport if you have concerns, especially for smaller or international airports, though this is rarely an issue nowadays.
How to add a boarding pass to my Apple Watch or Wear OS watch?
Once an American Airlines boarding pass is added to your iPhone's Apple Wallet, it automatically syncs to your paired Apple Watch. Similarly, for Android users, if your Google Wallet is synced with your Wear OS watch, your boarding pass should appear there too for quick access.
How to remove an old American Airlines boarding pass from my wallet?
Apple Wallet: Open the Wallet app, tap the boarding pass you want to remove, tap the three-dot icon (More button) in the top right corner, then scroll down and select "Remove Pass."
Google Wallet: Open the Google Wallet app, tap the boarding pass, tap the three-dot menu icon, and then select "Remove pass."
How to get assistance if I'm having persistent issues adding my American Airlines boarding pass?
If you've followed all the steps and are still facing issues, contact American Airlines customer service directly. Their technical support can often guide you through the process or provide an alternative solution. You can find their contact information on the American Airlines website or within their mobile app.
