Ready to make your American Airlines travel even smoother? Adding baggage to your booking directly through the American Airlines iPhone app can save you time and hassle at the airport. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you're fully prepared for your journey.
Let's dive in!
Streamlining Your Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Baggage on the American Airlines iPhone App
Paying for your checked bags online or through the app often gets you the best available price and helps you avoid lines at the airport. You can typically pay for up to 3 checked bags per person when you check in through the app or website, starting 24 hours and up to 2 hours before your scheduled departure.
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| How To Add Baggage On American Airlines App Iphone |
Step 1: Download and Open the American Airlines App
First things first, do you have the American Airlines app installed on your iPhone? If not, head over to the App Store and search for "American Airlines." Download and install it.
Action: Locate the American Airlines app icon on your iPhone's home screen and tap it to open.
Engagement: Already have it open? Great! Let's move on. If not, take a moment to get it launched.
Step 2: Access Your Trip
Once the app is open, you need to find your booked flight. There are a couple of ways to do this.
Sub-heading: Option A: Using Your Upcoming Trips on the Home Screen
The American Airlines app often features your upcoming trips right on the home screen if you're logged in.
Action: Look for a section titled "My Trips" or similar. Your upcoming flight should be displayed there. Tap on your specific flight to view the details.
Tip: If you have multiple trips, make sure you select the correct one!
Sub-heading: Option B: Retrieving Your Reservation Manually
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
If your trip isn't immediately visible, or if you're not logged in, you can manually retrieve it.
Action: Tap the "Trips" or "My Flights" tab, usually found at the bottom of the screen.
Action: Select "Find a trip" or "Add trip." You'll then need to enter your confirmation code (a 6-character alphanumeric code) and your last name.
Remember: This is crucial for the app to pull up your specific itinerary.
Step 3: Initiate the Check-In Process
Adding baggage is typically done during the check-in process, as American Airlines offers the option to pay for bags when you check in online or via the app.
Action: Once your trip details are open, look for a prominent button that says "Check In". Tap this button to begin the check-in flow.
Important Note: You can usually check in starting 24 hours before your flight's departure.
Step 4: Review Your Itinerary and Passengers
The app will display a summary of your flight and the passengers on the reservation.
Action: Carefully review the flight details to ensure everything is correct. If you're traveling with multiple people on the same reservation, all passengers usually need to be checked in together to select and pay for bags.
Pro Tip: Double-check the departure time and destination! It's easy to overlook these details when you're focused on baggage.
Step 5: Select Baggage Options
This is where you'll indicate how many checked bags you plan to bring.
Action: As you proceed through the check-in steps, you will likely encounter a section related to baggage. It might be labeled "Bags," "Add Bags," or "Checked Baggage."
Action: Tap on this section. The app will then show you the applicable fees for your route and fare class.
Be Aware: Baggage fees vary significantly based on your destination, fare type (e.g., Basic Economy, Main Cabin), and AAdvantage status. The app will display the exact cost for your specific journey.
Step 6: Choose the Number of Bags
Action: You'll see options to select the number of bags you want to check for each passenger. Tap the plus (+) or minus (-) icons to adjust the quantity.
Consider: Think about whether you'll need any oversize or overweight bags, as these incur additional charges. These typically need to be handled and paid for at the airport, but it's good to be aware of the general limits.
Maximum Bags: American Airlines generally allows up to 10 checked bags per person on domestic, transatlantic, and transpacific routes, and up to 5 bags for Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, and South America. However, paying for more than 3 bags online/in-app usually isn't an option; additional bags beyond that may need to be paid for at the airport.
Step 7: Review and Confirm Fees
Before finalizing, the app will show a summary of your baggage selections and the total cost.
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
Action: Review this summary carefully. Make sure the number of bags and the total fee match your expectations.
Financial Tip: Remember that baggage fees are per person, each way, and are non-refundable.
Step 8: Proceed to Payment
Once you're satisfied with your baggage selections, it's time to pay.
Action: Tap "Continue" or "Pay Now." You'll be prompted to enter your payment information (credit card details).
Security: The American Airlines app uses secure payment processing, so your information is protected.
Step 9: Complete Check-In
After successful payment for your bags, you'll complete the rest of the check-in process.
Action: Follow any remaining prompts to confirm your check-in.
Action: You'll typically receive your mobile boarding pass directly in the app. This is crucial for getting through security and boarding your flight.
Step 10: At the Airport: Bag Drop
Now that your bags are paid for, the airport process is much quicker!
Sub-heading: Option A: Express Bag Tags (if available)
At select airports, American Airlines offers "Express Bag Tags."
Action: After checking in and paying for bags in the app, you can scan your mobile boarding pass at an airport kiosk to automatically print your bag tags.
Action: Attach the tags to your bags and proceed to the designated "Bag Drop" area. This is often faster than going to the full-service counter.
Sub-heading: Option B: Standard Bag Drop
If Express Bag Tags aren't available or you prefer, simply head to an American Airlines check-in counter or a self-service kiosk.
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
Action: Show your mobile boarding pass to an agent or scan it at the kiosk. They will assist you with printing your bag tags and taking your checked luggage.
Patience: Even with online payment, there might be a short wait at the bag drop, especially during peak travel times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about adding baggage on American Airlines, with quick answers:
How to check American Airlines baggage fees before adding bags?
You can find general baggage fees on the American Airlines website under their "Bags" or "Optional Services" section, which details fees by route and fare class. When you go to add bags in the app during check-in, it will also display the exact fees for your specific itinerary.
How to know if my American Airlines ticket includes free checked bags?
Your ticket type (e.g., First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, certain AAdvantage elite statuses, or specific American Airlines co-branded credit cards) often includes free checked bags. This information is typically visible on your booking confirmation or when you retrieve your trip in the app.
How to change the number of bags after I've paid on the American Airlines app?
Once you've paid for bags and completed check-in via the app, you usually cannot modify the number of bags through the app. You'll need to add any additional bags and pay the applicable fees at the airport check-in counter.
How to get a refund for baggage fees if I don't check a bag after paying?
Baggage fees are generally non-refundable once paid, even if you don't end up checking the bag. If you believe you were incorrectly charged, you can contact American Airlines customer service for assistance or file a refund claim within 45 days.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
How to add special items or sports equipment as baggage on the American Airlines app?
Special items and sports equipment often have specific rules and fees. While you might be able to indicate them during the online check-in process, it's usually best to inform an American Airlines agent at the airport when you drop off your bag, as they might require special handling. Review American Airlines' specific policies for these items on their website beforehand.
How to check my bag's weight and size limits for American Airlines?
For Economy, checked bags typically must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (length + width + height). For First/Business Class, it's generally 70 lbs (32 kg). Oversize/overweight fees apply if your bag exceeds these limits. Details are available on the American Airlines website.
How to use Express Bag Tags at the airport after adding bags on the American Airlines app?
If available at your airport, after checking in and paying for bags on the app, locate an American Airlines self-service kiosk. Scan your mobile boarding pass, and the kiosk will print your pre-paid bag tags for you to attach, then proceed to the Bag Drop area.
How to confirm that my baggage payment went through on the American Airlines app?
After payment, the app should show a confirmation of your checked bag payment and often update your itinerary to reflect the added bags. You should also receive an email confirmation.
How to add baggage to an international American Airlines flight via the app?
The process is generally the same as for domestic flights. During online/app check-in (24 hours to 2 hours before departure), you'll be prompted to add bags. Be aware that international baggage allowances and fees can differ significantly from domestic ones, so always check the specific policy for your route.
How to find my American Airlines confirmation code to access my trip in the app?
Your 6-character alphanumeric confirmation code (also called a Record Locator or PNR) is typically found in your booking confirmation email from American Airlines or your travel agency. It will be prominently displayed near your flight details.
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