Preparing for your American Airlines flight? Ditch the paper and the hassle of fumbling through emails! Saving your American Airlines boarding pass to Google Wallet is a game-changer for a smoother, more efficient airport experience. Imagine having all your essential travel documents in one secure, easily accessible place on your phone.
So, are you ready to simplify your journey? Let's get started!
How to Save Your American Airlines Boarding Pass to Google Wallet: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are a few ways to get your American Airlines boarding pass into Google Wallet, depending on how you received it. We'll cover the most common and effective methods.
Step 1: Ensure You Have What You Need
Before we dive into the technicalities, let's make sure you have the essentials:
Your Android Smartphone: This guide is specifically for Android users.
The American Airlines App: Download and install it from the Google Play Store if you haven't already. It's your primary gateway.
The Google Wallet App: Make sure it's installed and updated on your device.
Your American Airlines Flight Booking: You'll need access to your booking details, usually through the American Airlines app or a confirmation email.
An Internet Connection: You'll need this to initially add the boarding pass. Once added, you can access it offline.
Step 2: Check-In for Your American Airlines Flight
This is a crucial preliminary step. You need to have checked in for your flight to generate a mobile boarding pass.
Sub-heading 2.1: Checking In via the American Airlines App
Open the American Airlines App: Launch the app on your Android phone.
Navigate to "My Trips": Look for a section usually labeled "My Trips" or "Upcoming Trips."
Select Your Flight: Find and tap on your upcoming American Airlines flight.
Initiate Check-In: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the check-in process. This usually involves confirming your details, baggage, and agreeing to any terms.
Receive Your Mobile Boarding Pass: Once check-in is complete, the app will display your mobile boarding pass, typically with a scannable QR code or barcode.
Sub-heading 2.2: Checking In via the American Airlines Website (and then accessing on mobile)
Go to AA.com: Open your web browser on a computer or your phone and go to aa.com.
Log In or Find Your Trip: Log in to your AAdvantage account or use your last name and record locator to find your trip.
Complete Check-In: Follow the instructions to check in for your flight online.
Choose "Email with Mobile Option": During the check-in process, you might be given an option to "Email with Mobile Option" for your boarding pass. Select this.
Open the Email on Your Phone: Access that email on your Android smartphone. There will be a link to view or retrieve your mobile boarding pass.
Step 3: Adding Your Boarding Pass to Google Wallet
Now for the main event! There are a couple of ways this can happen.
Sub-heading 3.1: The "Add to Google Wallet" Button (The Easiest Method)
This is the most seamless way, and often appears directly within the American Airlines app or on the mobile boarding pass page from the email link.
Locate the "Add to Google Wallet" Button: After checking in and viewing your mobile boarding pass in the American Airlines app, or after clicking the link in your email to view it, look for a prominent button that says "Add to Google Wallet" or "Add to GPay" (Google Pay was the previous name for Google Wallet, so you might still see this phrasing). It's usually found near the barcode/QR code or at the bottom of the screen.
Tap the Button: Simply tap on this button.
Confirm in Google Wallet: Your phone will then typically open the Google Wallet app or a confirmation screen within it. You may need to review the details of the boarding pass and tap "Add" or "Confirm."
Security Verification (if prompted): For security, you might be asked to verify your identity using your fingerprint, face unlock, or PIN.
Success! Your American Airlines boarding pass should now be saved in your Google Wallet!
Sub-heading 3.2: Adding from a Screenshot (When the Button Isn't There)
Sometimes, for various reasons, the direct "Add to Google Wallet" button might not appear, or you might prefer this method. This is a reliable workaround.
Take a Screenshot of Your Boarding Pass: While viewing your mobile boarding pass (ensuring the entire barcode/QR code is clearly visible), take a screenshot. The method for taking a screenshot varies by Android phone, but it's usually by pressing the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously.
Open the Google Wallet App: Launch the Google Wallet app on your phone.
Tap "Add to Wallet": At the bottom of the screen, tap the "Add to Wallet" button (it usually looks like a plus sign inside a circle or simply says "Add to Wallet").
Select "Everything Else" or "Photo": From the options that appear, choose "Everything Else" or "Photo" (the exact wording might vary slightly depending on your Google Wallet version).
Choose Your Boarding Pass Screenshot: You'll be prompted to take a new photo or select one from your gallery. Choose the screenshot of your American Airlines boarding pass you just took.
Adjust and Confirm: Google Wallet will analyze the screenshot and attempt to extract the barcode/QR code and other relevant information. Carefully review the extracted information. You might be able to manually edit or add details like your flight number, departure airport, and destination if they aren't automatically populated.
Tap "Add" or "Save": Once satisfied, tap "Add" or "Save" to finalize the process.
Security Verification (if prompted): Again, you might be asked to verify your identity.
Your Boarding Pass is Added! It will now appear in your Google Wallet.
Step 4: Accessing and Using Your Boarding Pass at the Airport
Now that your boarding pass is safely stored, here's how to use it when you're at the airport:
Unlock Your Phone: Make sure your phone is unlocked.
Open Google Wallet: You can open the Google Wallet app directly, or often, you can access your passes quickly from your lock screen or by simply double-tapping your phone's power button (this might require prior setup in Google Wallet settings).
Locate Your Boarding Pass: Scroll through your cards and passes in Google Wallet until you find your American Airlines boarding pass. It's usually organized chronologically, with upcoming passes appearing near the top.
Tap to Open: Tap on the boarding pass to open it and display the full QR code or barcode.
Scan Your Pass: Present your phone to the TSA agent at security or the gate agent when boarding. Ensure the entire barcode or QR code is clearly visible for scanning. The screen's brightness will often automatically adjust for optimal scanning.
Pro Tip: Even if you lose internet connection, your saved boarding pass in Google Wallet will still be accessible, making it incredibly convenient for travel!
Benefits of Saving Your Boarding Pass to Google Wallet
Convenience: All your boarding passes (and other passes like loyalty cards, event tickets) in one central, easy-to-access location. No more searching through emails or app folders.
Offline Access: Once saved, your boarding pass is available even without an internet connection, perfect for airports with spotty Wi-Fi.
Quick Access: Often accessible directly from your lock screen or with a quick tap, speeding up the security and boarding process.
Real-time Updates (if supported by airline): Some airlines can push real-time updates like gate changes or flight delays directly to your boarding pass in Google Wallet, keeping you informed.
Reduced Paper Waste: Go green by opting for a digital boarding pass!
Security: Your boarding pass is secured within your Google Wallet, often requiring device unlock for access.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While generally smooth, you might encounter a hiccup or two.
"Add to Google Wallet" Button Missing: If the button isn't there, resort to the screenshot method (Step 3.2).
Boarding Pass Not Appearing After Adding:
Check your internet connection. Ensure it's stable when adding the pass.
Restart the Google Wallet app or your phone. A quick refresh can often resolve display issues.
Ensure Google Wallet is updated. Check the Google Play Store for any pending updates.
Barcode/QR Code Won't Scan:
Increase your screen brightness. Sometimes, low brightness makes scanning difficult.
Clean your phone screen. Smudges can interfere with the scanner.
Ensure the entire barcode/QR code is visible. Don't zoom in too much, or parts might be cut off.
Try the American Airlines app: If Google Wallet isn't working for scanning, the original airline app should always have a scannable version.
Flight Changes Not Updating: While Google Wallet can receive updates, not all airlines fully implement this. Always cross-reference with the American Airlines app or airport screens for critical changes like gate numbers or delays.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my Android phone supports Google Wallet?
Most Android phones running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or newer support Google Wallet. You can simply search for "Google Wallet" in the Google Play Store and if it's available for download and installation, your phone is compatible.
How to ensure my American Airlines boarding pass updates in Google Wallet?
While Google Wallet can receive updates, it's not universally supported by all airlines for real-time changes like gate or time adjustments. Always cross-reference your flight details with the official American Airlines app or airport information screens for the most accurate and up-to-the-minute information.
How to remove an American Airlines boarding pass from Google Wallet?
Open the Google Wallet app, scroll to find the boarding pass you wish to remove, tap on it, then tap the three-dot menu (More options) in the top right corner, and select "Remove pass."
How to share an American Airlines boarding pass from Google Wallet?
Open the boarding pass in Google Wallet, and if a "Share" icon (often a three-dot connection) is present, tap it to share the pass via messaging apps, email, or other methods. Note that not all passes are shareable.
How to find my boarding pass quickly in Google Wallet?
Google Wallet usually organizes passes by date, with upcoming ones appearing first. You can also often access recent passes directly from your phone's lock screen by tapping the Google Wallet icon or double-tapping your power button (if enabled in settings).
How to use Google Wallet boarding pass if my phone battery dies?
Unfortunately, if your phone battery dies, you won't be able to access your digital boarding pass. It's highly recommended to carry a portable power bank or have a physical backup (printed pass) for emergencies.
How to get a physical boarding pass if I only have a digital one in Google Wallet?
You can always get a physical boarding pass by visiting an American Airlines self-service kiosk or the check-in counter at the airport using your record locator and identification.
How to troubleshoot if "Add to Google Wallet" button is missing in American Airlines app?
If the direct button is missing, the most reliable workaround is to take a clear screenshot of your mobile boarding pass (ensuring the barcode/QR code is fully visible) and then add it manually through the Google Wallet app by selecting "Add to Wallet" > "Everything Else" or "Photo."
How to ensure the barcode on my digital boarding pass scans properly?
Make sure your screen brightness is turned up, there are no cracks or smudges on your phone's screen, and the entire barcode or QR code is clearly visible and not cut off when presenting it to the scanner.
How to add multiple American Airlines boarding passes to Google Wallet (for family members)?
You can typically add each individual boarding pass to your Google Wallet using the same methods described above (direct "Add to Google Wallet" button or screenshot method). Each pass will appear as a separate item in your wallet.