Hello, future traveler! Are you ready to embark on your next adventure with American Airlines? The check-in process might seem a little daunting at first, but trust me, with this comprehensive guide, you'll be navigating it like a seasoned pro in no time. Let's get you checked in and ready for takeoff!
Your Essential Guide to Checking In with American Airlines
Checking in for your flight is a crucial step that confirms your presence on board and gets your boarding pass. American Airlines offers several convenient options to do this, catering to different travel styles and needs. We'll walk you through each one, ensuring a smooth start to your journey.
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| How To Check In At American Airlines |
Step 1: Choose Your Check-In Method – Where Do You Want to Start Your Journey?
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's decide how you want to check in. American Airlines provides a few primary methods, each with its own advantages. Consider your comfort level with technology, whether you're checking bags, and how much time you have.
Online Check-in (Web or App): This is by far the most popular and recommended method for its convenience and time-saving benefits. You can do it from the comfort of your home or on the go.
Airport Self-Service Kiosk: Ideal if you prefer to handle things yourself at the airport, especially if you have bags to check.
Ticket Counter Check-in: For those who prefer direct assistance from an airline agent, or if you have special circumstances (like traveling with a pet or needing special assistance).
Curbside Check-in (where available): A super convenient option for checking bags quickly if you're arriving by car directly at the terminal.
Ready to choose? Let's proceed to the detailed steps for each method!
Step 2: Online Check-in (Web or American Airlines App) – Your Fastest Path to the Gate!
This is the preferred method for most travelers as it allows you to bypass potentially long lines at the airport. You can check in starting 24 hours and up to 45 minutes before scheduled departure for domestic flights, and 90 minutes for international flights.
Sub-heading 2.1: Checking in via the American Airlines Website
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
Open Your Browser: Go to the official American Airlines website (
www.aa.com Navigate to Check-in: Look for the "Check-in" or "Manage Trips" option prominently displayed on the homepage.
Enter Your Details: You'll need one of the following to retrieve your reservation:
Confirmation Code (Record Locator): This is a 6-character code found in your booking confirmation email.
E-ticket Number: A 13-digit number.
AAdvantage® Number: If you're a frequent flyer and linked your reservation to your account.
You will also typically need to enter your first and last name as they appear on your reservation.
Verify Your Flight Details: Once your reservation is found, confirm that the flight details displayed match your travel plans.
Review Passenger Information: You'll be asked to confirm your personal details and those of any other travelers on your reservation. Make sure everything is accurate.
Select or Change Your Seat (Optional): If you haven't already, or if you wish to change your seat, this is your chance. You might have options for standard economy, preferred seats, or premium cabins, sometimes with a fee or miles requirement.
Declare Any Special Requirements (If Applicable): This is where you'd confirm any special assistance requests you made during booking, or indicate if you're traveling with certain items like musical instruments or sports equipment. Note: If you're traveling with a pet as a checked pet or an unaccompanied minor, you will likely need to complete check-in at the airport.
Review Baggage and Pay Fees (If Applicable): If you plan to check bags, you can declare them and often pay any associated fees online. This can sometimes save you time and money compared to paying at the airport.
Receive Your Boarding Pass: Once all steps are completed, you'll have options to receive your boarding pass:
Mobile Boarding Pass: Sent to your mobile device, accessible via the American Airlines app or saved to your phone's wallet (e.g., Apple Wallet, Google Wallet). This is highly recommended for ease of use at security and boarding.
Email Boarding Pass: A PDF version sent to your email address, which you can print at home.
Print at Home: Directly print the boarding pass from the website.
Sub-heading 2.2: Checking in via the American Airlines Mobile App
The American Airlines app is an incredibly powerful tool for managing your travel.
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the "American Airlines" app from your device's app store (iOS or Android).
Log In (Optional but Recommended): Log in with your AAdvantage® account. This often makes finding your trips easier. You can also proceed as a guest.
Find Your Trip: On the app's home screen, select "My Trips" or "Check-in." You can search for your flight using your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or AAdvantage® number.
Initiate Check-in: Once your trip is located, tap the "Check-in" button.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: The app will guide you through confirming passenger details, selecting or changing seats, and declaring any checked bags.
Mobile Boarding Pass: Upon successful check-in, your mobile boarding pass will automatically be stored within the app under "My Trips." You can also often add it to your phone's native wallet app. This is your digital key to the airport!
Step 3: Airport Self-Service Kiosk Check-in – Quick & Convenient at the Terminal
If you couldn't check in online or prefer to do it at the airport, self-service kiosks are a fantastic option. They are available at most airports American Airlines serves.
Locate a Kiosk: Head to the American Airlines check-in area at the airport and look for the self-service kiosks. They are usually clearly marked.
Identify Yourself: You can typically identify your reservation by:
Scanning your passport.
Inserting a credit card used for booking (no charge will be made).
Entering your confirmation code (record locator).
Entering your e-ticket number.
Entering your AAdvantage® number.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: The kiosk will guide you through the check-in process. This includes:
Verifying your flight details.
Confirming passenger information.
Declaring and paying for checked bags. The kiosk will print baggage tags for you.
Selecting or changing your seat (if available).
Print Your Boarding Pass and Bag Tags: The kiosk will print your boarding pass. If you're checking bags, it will also print adhesive bag tags for each piece.
Drop Off Checked Bags: Attach the printed bag tags securely to your luggage and proceed to the designated bag drop area or "Bag Drop" counter. This is usually clearly marked near the kiosks.
Step 4: Ticket Counter Check-in – For Personalized Assistance or Special Situations
Sometimes, you need a human touch! The traditional ticket counter is always an option. This is required if you are:
An unaccompanied minor.
Traveling with a pet as a checked animal (carry-on pets can often be added online, but confirmation at the counter may be needed).
Traveling on a military fare.
Have complex itinerary changes.
Require special assistance that wasn't fully arranged online.
Are unable to complete online or kiosk check-in for any reason.
Approach the American Airlines Counter: Go to the American Airlines check-in counters at the airport terminal.
Have Your Documents Ready: Present your valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport for international travel, driver's license for domestic) and your confirmation code or e-ticket number.
Inform the Agent: Clearly state your destination and provide your documents. Inform them of any special requests or checked baggage.
Baggage Check and Fees: The agent will weigh and tag your bags, and you'll pay any applicable baggage fees.
Receive Your Boarding Pass: The agent will print your boarding pass and answer any questions you may have.
Step 5: Curbside Check-in (Where Available) – A Fast Lane for Your Luggage
At select airports, American Airlines offers curbside check-in. This is a fantastic option if you're arriving by car and want to quickly drop off your bags before heading into the terminal.
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Look for Curbside Check-in: As you arrive at the airport, look for the American Airlines curbside check-in area, usually near the departures entrance.
Present Your ID and Trip Details: A skycap will ask for your government-issued photo ID and confirmation code or e-ticket number.
Baggage Check and Fees: They will weigh your bags, apply the tags, and you can pay any baggage fees directly to them. It's customary to tip for this service.
Receive Your Boarding Pass (Optional): Some curbside check-in agents can issue your boarding pass, or you might be directed to pick it up at a kiosk or use your mobile boarding pass.
Head Straight to Security: Once your bags are checked, you can bypass the main check-in area and proceed directly to airport security.
Important Check-in Deadlines to Remember:
Missing these deadlines can result in you being denied boarding!
Domestic Flights (within the U.S.):
Check-in Deadline: 45 minutes before scheduled departure.
Bag Drop Deadline: 45 minutes before scheduled departure (though 30 minutes is often stated, aim for 45 to be safe).
International Flights (to/from the U.S. and some specific international locations):
Check-in Deadline: 90 minutes before scheduled departure.
Bag Drop Deadline: 60 minutes before scheduled departure (check specific airport requirements as some may be longer).
Always check American Airlines' official website for specific airport exceptions and updated times, as these can vary. For example, some international locations have a 75-minute check-in deadline.
Congratulations! You're Checked In!
Once you have your boarding pass in hand (or on your phone!), you've successfully completed the check-in process. Now you can proceed to security, find your gate, and get ready for your American Airlines flight! Remember to arrive at the airport with ample time, especially during peak travel seasons, to account for security lines and any unforeseen delays.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are some quick answers to common questions about American Airlines check-in:
How to check in for American Airlines if I have a layover?
If all flights are on one ticket (same record locator), your bags will usually be checked through to your final destination, and you'll typically receive all boarding passes during your initial check-in. If you have separate tickets, you'll likely need to collect and re-check your bags during your layover, potentially requiring you to clear customs and re-enter security.
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How to check in with a pet on American Airlines?
For carry-on pets, you can often add them during online check-in, but you may need to confirm details and provide a health certificate at the airport ticket counter. For checked pets (only allowed for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel on official orders), you must check in at the ticket counter at least 2-4 hours before your flight.
How to check in if I need special assistance?
It's highly recommended to arrange special assistance (like wheelchair service) at least 48 hours in advance by contacting American Airlines customer service. While you can often request it at online check-in, confirming directly with an agent ensures everything is set up for your arrival at the airport. You may still need to go to the ticket counter for certain types of assistance.
How to check in for an international American Airlines flight?
You can check in online or via the app starting 24 hours and up to 90 minutes before departure. However, for international flights, you must present your passport and any required visas at the airport (either at a kiosk or ticket counter) before you can receive your final boarding pass, even if you started the process online.
How to add checked bags after checking in online with American Airlines?
If you've already checked in online but need to add bags, you can typically do so at an airport self-service kiosk or the ticket counter. Be prepared to pay any applicable baggage fees.
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How to get a printed boarding pass after mobile check-in?
You can easily print a boarding pass at any American Airlines self-service kiosk at the airport by retrieving your reservation with your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or by scanning your ID.
How to change my seat after checking in with American Airlines?
You can often change your seat even after checking in, either through the American Airlines app, on their website under "My Trips," or by speaking with an agent at the airport, depending on availability and any fare differences.
How to check in for a group on American Airlines?
If you're on the same reservation, you can typically check in all passengers simultaneously online, via the app, or at an airport kiosk/counter. If passengers are on separate reservations but traveling together, you'll need to check them in individually but can usually link reservations at the counter if you want to be seated together (subject to availability).
How to check in if my flight has been changed or delayed by American Airlines?
If American Airlines has made changes to your flight, your check-in process might be slightly different. Often, your reservation will automatically update, and you can proceed with online check-in as usual. If there are significant changes or delays, you might receive notifications, and it's always best to double-check your flight status and consider contacting American Airlines customer service if you encounter any issues during check-in.
How to find out my American Airlines check-in deadline?
American Airlines' general check-in deadlines are 45 minutes for domestic flights and 90 minutes for international flights. However, always verify the specific deadlines for your departure airport and destination on the American Airlines website under "Check-in and arrival" or your booking confirmation, as some airports have earlier cut-off times.
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