Flying with American Airlines and looking for a quick and efficient way to check in? Look no further than the self-service kiosks available at most airports! They're designed to make your pre-flight experience as smooth as possible, helping you bypass long lines at the check-in counter. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of using an American Airlines kiosk, from finding it to printing your boarding pass and tagging your bags.
Your Gateway to a Smoother Journey: Checking In at an American Airlines Kiosk
Have you ever found yourself rushing through the airport, heart pounding, worried about missing your flight? Or perhaps you've endured the frustration of a seemingly endless queue at the airline counter? If so, then the American Airlines self-service kiosk is about to become your new best friend. These intuitive machines are strategically placed in airports to empower you with a faster, more independent check-in experience. Ready to conquer airport check-in like a pro? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Locating Your Kiosk and Getting Started
The first hurdle, and often the easiest one, is finding an American Airlines self-service kiosk.
Where to Find Them:
Near the Check-in Counters: Most commonly, you'll find a bank of these kiosks conveniently located near the main American Airlines check-in counters.
Baggage Drop Areas: Some airports also have them situated closer to the dedicated baggage drop-off zones.
Follow the Signs: Keep an eye out for clear signage pointing to "Self-Service Kiosks" or "American Airlines Check-in."
Initial Interaction:
Once you've spotted an available kiosk, approach it. The screen will typically display a welcoming message and prompt you to begin.
Step 2: Identifying Yourself – Multiple Options for Access
The kiosk needs to identify your reservation to proceed. American Airlines offers several ways to do this, giving you flexibility.
Option 2.1: Scan Your Boarding Pass (If You Checked In Online/App)
If you've already checked in online or via the American Airlines app and have a mobile or printed boarding pass, this is the quickest method.
How to do it: Locate the barcode on your mobile boarding pass (on your phone or tablet) or your printed boarding pass. Hold it under the scanner on the kiosk. The scanner will typically have a red light or a dedicated area for scanning.
Option 2.2: Enter Your Confirmation Code/Record Locator
This is a 6-character alphanumeric code that you received when you booked your flight. It's usually found in your confirmation email or on your e-ticket.
How to do it: Select the "Enter Confirmation Code" option on the screen. Using the on-screen keyboard, carefully input your 6-character code. Double-check for any typos!
Option 2.3: Enter Your E-Ticket Number
Your e-ticket number is a 13-digit number that also appears on your confirmation email.
How to do it: Choose the "Enter E-Ticket Number" option and input the full 13-digit number using the on-screen keyboard.
Option 2.4: Swipe Your AAdvantage® Card or Credit Card
If you're an AAdvantage® member, you can often swipe your AAdvantage® card.
Alternatively, you can swipe the credit card you used to purchase the ticket. This helps the system locate your reservation.
How to do it: Locate the card reader on the kiosk and swipe your card as directed.
Option 2.5: Scan Your Passport or Driver's License
For international flights, or if you prefer, you can often scan your government-issued ID.
How to do it: Place your passport's photo page or your driver's license on the designated scanning area. Ensure the entire document is flat against the scanner.
Step 3: Confirming Your Details and Flight Information
Once your reservation is found, the kiosk will display your flight details.
Review Your Itinerary:
Carefully review the displayed information: your name, flight number, destination, and departure time.
If you have multiple flights booked, the kiosk might prompt you to select the specific flight for which you wish to check in.
Travel Advisories and Questions:
The kiosk may present important travel advisories or ask you to confirm certain information related to your trip (e.g., if you are traveling with hazardous materials, or if you have any changes to your itinerary).
Read these prompts carefully and answer truthfully.
Step 4: Managing Your Baggage
This is a crucial step if you have bags to check.
Declaring Checked Bags:
The kiosk will ask you how many bags you intend to check. Input the correct number.
Remember that baggage fees may apply, and the kiosk will typically calculate and display these fees.
Paying for Bags (If Applicable):
If there are baggage fees, the kiosk will prompt you to pay using a credit or debit card.
Insert your card into the reader or tap for contactless payment as instructed. Follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
Printing Bag Tags:
Once payment is processed (or if your bags are free), the kiosk will print your bag tags.
Tear these off carefully. Each tag will have your flight information and a barcode.
Attaching Bag Tags:
This is important: Securely attach one tag to each checked bag. Most tags have an adhesive strip and a loop design. Loop the tag through a handle on your bag and stick the adhesive part down firmly. Ensure the barcode is clearly visible and not creased or covered.
Proceeding to Bag Drop:
After tagging your bags, the kiosk will direct you to the designated "Bag Drop" area. This is where an airline agent will officially take your checked luggage.
Do NOT just leave your bags at the kiosk. You must hand them over to an American Airlines representative at the bag drop.
Step 5: Selecting Your Seat (If Desired and Available)
If you haven't already selected a seat or wish to change it, the kiosk offers this option.
Viewing Seat Map:
The screen will display a seat map of your flight.
Available seats will be highlighted, and occupied seats will be greyed out.
Choosing Your Seat:
Tap on your desired seat. Be aware that some seats (like exit rows or preferred seats) may incur an additional fee. The kiosk will clearly indicate any charges before you confirm.
If you're happy with your current seat, simply confirm it and proceed.
Step 6: Printing Your Boarding Pass
The final step in the check-in process at the kiosk is obtaining your boarding pass.
Boarding Pass Options:
While American Airlines increasingly encourages digital boarding passes (especially if you checked in online first), the kiosk still offers the option to print a physical copy.
As of March 31, 2025, kiosks will no longer automatically print boarding passes for those who checked in online. You'll need to select the option to print if you desire a physical copy.
It's always a good idea to have a backup, whether it's a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone, in case of technology glitches.
Collecting Your Boarding Pass:
Once printed, the boarding pass will emerge from a slot on the kiosk. Take your boarding pass and ensure you have all pages (if more than one).
Step 7: You're All Set!
Congratulations! You've successfully checked in at an American Airlines self-service kiosk.
What to Do Next:
Proceed to Security: With your boarding pass in hand and bags checked (if applicable), head towards the airport security checkpoint.
Gate Information: Your boarding pass will display your gate number. Keep an eye on airport screens for any last-minute gate changes.
Relax and Enjoy: You've successfully navigated the check-in process. Now you can focus on enjoying your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about American Airlines Kiosk Check-in
How to use the American Airlines kiosk for international flights?
For international flights, you can generally use the American Airlines kiosk. You will likely need to scan your passport for identification, and the kiosk will guide you through any additional requirements for your destination, such as visa verification.
How to pay for checked bags at the American Airlines kiosk?
After declaring your checked bags, the kiosk will calculate any applicable fees. You can then pay using a credit or debit card by inserting it into the card reader or tapping for contactless payment when prompted on the screen.
How to print a boarding pass at the American Airlines kiosk if I checked in online?
As of March 31, 2025, kiosks will no longer automatically print boarding passes if you've already checked in online or via the app. After identifying yourself at the kiosk, look for an option on the screen, often in a "mini-menu," to "Print Boarding Pass" and select it.
How to change my seat at the American Airlines kiosk?
After your reservation is displayed, the kiosk will typically offer an option to "Change Seat" or "Select Seat." Tap on this option, and a seat map will appear, allowing you to choose an available seat. Be aware that some seat changes may incur a fee.
How to get help if the American Airlines kiosk is not working?
If you encounter any issues with the kiosk, such as it freezing or not responding, look for an American Airlines agent nearby. There are usually staff members available in the check-in area to assist passengers.
How to check in an unaccompanied minor at an American Airlines kiosk?
It is not recommended to check in unaccompanied minors at a self-service kiosk. American Airlines requires special assistance for unaccompanied minors, and you should proceed directly to the American Airlines check-in counter to complete the process with an agent.
How to check in with a pet at an American Airlines kiosk?
Similar to unaccompanied minors, traveling with a pet often requires specific documentation and verification. It's best to check in with your pet at the American Airlines check-in counter where an agent can assist you with all the necessary procedures.
How to get Express Bag Tags at the American Airlines kiosk?
If you've checked in online or via the app and added your bags, you can often get "Express Bag Tags." Scan your mobile or printed boarding pass at the kiosk, and it will automatically print your bag tags, allowing for a quicker drop-off.
How to add an infant traveling on my lap at an American Airlines kiosk?
For domestic reservations, the kiosk may allow you to add an infant traveling on your lap. However, for international travel or if you encounter any difficulties, it's best to consult an American Airlines agent at the check-in counter.
How to request a receipt for bag fees paid at the American Airlines kiosk?
After paying for your bags, the kiosk usually offers an option to print a receipt. If you miss this or need it later, you can often request a receipt through the American Airlines website or by contacting customer service.
