Traveling made easier! Gone are the days of scrambling for paper tickets or frantically searching for a printer at the airport. The American Airlines app puts your boarding pass right in your pocket, making your journey smoother and more efficient. So, are you ready to simplify your travel experience? Let's dive in!
Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to accessing your boarding pass on the American Airlines app, with some helpful tips and troubleshooting along the way.
How to Access Your Boarding Pass on the American Airlines App
| How To Access Boarding Pass On American Airlines App |
Step 1: Get the American Airlines App (If You Haven't Already!)
First things first! If you don't already have the American Airlines app on your smartphone, this is where we begin. It's your central hub for managing your trip, from booking and checking in to getting real-time updates and, of course, your boarding pass.
Where to Find It:
For Apple users: Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
For Android users: Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Downloading and Installing:
In the search bar of your respective app store, type "American Airlines" and hit search.
Look for the official American Airlines app (it usually has their distinctive logo).
Tap "Download" or "Install." The app is free!
Allow the app to install completely. This may take a few moments depending on your internet connection.
Step 2: Logging In or Finding Your Trip
Once the app is installed, open it up. You have a couple of ways to access your flight information.
Option A: Log In to Your AAdvantage Account (Recommended for Frequent Flyers)
On the app's home screen, you'll usually see an option to "Log In" or "Sign In."
Enter your AAdvantage number or username and your password.
If you're a frequent traveler, logging in is the most convenient way. All your upcoming trips associated with your AAdvantage account will automatically appear on the home screen under "My Trips."
Option B: Find Your Trip as a Guest (If You Don't Have an AAdvantage Account or Didn't Log In)
If you prefer not to log in or don't have an AAdvantage account, look for an option like "Find Reservation," "Check In," or "Continue as Guest."
You'll typically be prompted to enter your 6-character confirmation code (also known as a Record Locator) and the last name of one of the passengers on the reservation.
Double-check for typos! Even a small mistake can prevent you from finding your trip.
QuickTip: Revisit posts more than once.
Step 3: Checking In for Your Flight
You generally need to check in for your flight before your mobile boarding pass becomes available. American Airlines usually opens online check-in 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
Initiating Check-In:
Once you've found your trip (either by logging in or as a guest), you'll see your upcoming flight details.
Look for a prominent "Check In" button or banner. The app often displays a "Ready to Fly" banner on the home screen when check-in is available.
Tap on it to start the check-in process.
Completing the Check-In Process:
The app will guide you through a series of screens. You might need to:
Confirm your personal details (name, date of birth, gender).
Acknowledge travel restrictions or requirements for your destination (especially for international flights).
Add or confirm checked bags and pay any associated fees.
Select or confirm your seat assignment (if you haven't already).
Read all prompts carefully and answer truthfully.
Once all steps are completed, you'll usually see a confirmation that you are "Checked In."
Step 4: Accessing Your Mobile Boarding Pass
This is the moment you've been waiting for! After successfully checking in, your mobile boarding pass will be readily available.
Within the American Airlines App:
After completing check-in, the app will often automatically display your boarding pass.
If not, navigate back to the "My Trips" section or the flight details for your specific journey.
Look for a "Boarding Pass" button or a section that clearly shows your pass. It will typically feature a scannable barcode (QR code) along with your flight information, gate, seat number, and boarding group.
Saving to Your Device's Digital Wallet (Highly Recommended!):
The American Airlines app usually provides an option to "Add to Apple Wallet" (for iOS devices) or "Add to Google Pay" (for Android devices).
Tap this option! Saving your boarding pass to your digital wallet is incredibly convenient. It allows you to access your boarding pass even without an internet connection and often appears on your lock screen when you're near the airport or your flight time.
Once added, your boarding pass is accessible with just a few taps, making security checks and boarding a breeze.
Via Email (Alternative Option):
During the check-in process, you might also have the option to "Email with Mobile Option." If you select this, you'll receive an email with a link to your mobile boarding pass.
Open this email on your mobile device and click the link. You can then save it to your device's photo gallery or digital wallet.
This is a good backup if you're experiencing app issues, but the direct app access or digital wallet is generally more seamless.
Step 5: Using Your Mobile Boarding Pass at the Airport
Now that you have your boarding pass, here's how to use it efficiently at the airport.
At Security Checkpoints:
When you reach the TSA security checkpoint, have your mobile boarding pass ready on your screen.
Ensure your screen brightness is turned up to ensure the scanner can easily read the barcode.
Present your device to the TSA agent for scanning. You'll also need a valid government-issued ID.
At the Boarding Gate:
When it's time to board, approach the gate agent.
Have your mobile boarding pass displayed on your device with the barcode clearly visible.
The agent will scan your pass, and you'll be on your way to your seat!
Important Considerations:
Keep your phone charged! A dead battery means no boarding pass. Consider carrying a portable power bank.
Ensure the entire barcode is visible on the screen when scanning.
Some smaller airports or international destinations may not fully support mobile boarding passes. It's always a good idea to check American Airlines' website for specific airport details if you're unsure, or have a backup plan (like printing at a kiosk).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
While the American Airlines app is generally reliable, sometimes hiccups occur. Here's what to do if you encounter problems:
App Not Loading/Crashing:
Close and reopen the app. Sometimes a fresh start is all it needs.
Check your internet connection. Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or cellular data signal.
Restart your phone. A full device restart can clear temporary glitches.
Update the app. Go to your app store and check for any available updates. Outdated versions can cause compatibility issues.
Boarding Pass Not Appearing After Check-In:
Refresh the "My Trips" section. Pull down on the screen or look for a refresh icon.
Ensure all passengers on your reservation have been checked in. If you're traveling with others, everyone must complete check-in.
Clear the app's cache (Android) or reinstall (iOS/Android as a last resort). For Android, go to your phone's Settings > Apps > American Airlines > Storage > Clear Cache. For iOS, you might need to delete and reinstall the app (you won't lose your data if logged in).
Barcode Not Scanning:
Increase your screen brightness to the maximum.
Clean your screen. Smudges or dirt can interfere with the scanner.
Try a different angle. Sometimes the scanner just needs a slightly different alignment.
If all else fails, approach an American Airlines agent or self-service kiosk. They can print a physical boarding pass for you.
No Internet Access at the Airport:
This is why saving to your digital wallet is crucial! Once saved, it typically doesn't require an active internet connection to display.
If you didn't save it and have no internet, find an airport Wi-Fi hotspot or an American Airlines kiosk/ticket counter.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to: Download the American Airlines app?
Quick Answer: Search "American Airlines" in your phone's App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and tap "Install."
How to: Check in on the American Airlines app?
Quick Answer: Open the app, go to "My Trips" or "Check In," enter your confirmation code and last name (or log in), and follow the prompts to confirm details and complete check-in.
Reminder: Revisit older posts — they stay useful.
How to: Find my confirmation code for the American Airlines app?
Quick Answer: Your 6-character confirmation code (Record Locator) is typically found in your flight confirmation email from American Airlines.
How to: Add my American Airlines boarding pass to Apple Wallet?
Quick Answer: After checking in on the app, look for the "Add to Apple Wallet" button on your boarding pass screen and tap it.
How to: Add my American Airlines boarding pass to Google Pay?
Quick Answer: After checking in on the app, look for the "Add to Google Pay" button (or similar) on your boarding pass screen and tap it.
How to: Access my boarding pass without internet on the American Airlines app?
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
Quick Answer: If you've previously saved your boarding pass to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay), you can access it there without an internet connection.
How to: Troubleshoot if my American Airlines app is not showing my boarding pass?
Quick Answer: Ensure you've checked in, refresh the "My Trips" section, check your internet connection, or restart the app/your phone. As a last resort, reinstall the app.
How to: Get a physical boarding pass if the app isn't working?
Quick Answer: You can print a physical boarding pass at an American Airlines self-service kiosk or approach an airline agent at the ticket counter or gate.
How to: Change my seat after getting my mobile boarding pass on the American Airlines app?
Quick Answer: While you can't usually change your seat directly from the displayed mobile boarding pass, you might be able to go back to "My Trips" within the app and look for a "Change Seats" option. If not, ask a gate agent.
How to: Get flight notifications from the American Airlines app?
Quick Answer: Ensure flight notifications are enabled within the American Airlines app settings or your AAdvantage account preferences, and your device settings allow app notifications.