Are you ready to streamline your travel experience and breeze through the airport? Checking in for your American Airlines flight via their mobile app is one of the easiest ways to do just that! No more frantically searching for a printer or waiting in long lines at the airport kiosk. With a few taps on your smartphone, you can confirm your flight, select or change your seat, and get your mobile boarding pass. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
Your Ultimate Guide to Checking In with the American Airlines App
Checking in with the American Airlines app is a convenient and efficient way to manage your flight details and get ready for departure. You can generally check in starting 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time and up to 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights, and 60 minutes for international flights. Let's dive into the details!
Step 1: Get the American Airlines App and Prepare
The very first step to a seamless mobile check-in experience is to have the American Airlines app installed on your device.
Download the App: If you haven't already, head to your device's app store (Apple App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android) and search for "American Airlines." Download and install the official app. It's free and your essential travel companion.
Log In or Continue as Guest:
For AAdvantage Members: If you're an AAdvantage member, log in using your AAdvantage number, email address, or username and password. This will give you access to all your past and upcoming trips and any loyalty benefits.
For Guests: If you're not an AAdvantage member or prefer not to log in, you can still check in by selecting the "Continue as guest" option. You'll need your confirmation code (a 6-character alphanumeric code, also known as a record locator) and your last name. Keep this handy!
Enable Notifications (Recommended): To stay updated on gate changes, delays, or other important flight information, it's highly recommended to enable push notifications for the American Airlines app. This will send real-time alerts directly to your phone.
Step 2: Locate Your Trip and Initiate Check-in
Once you're in the app, finding your trip and starting the check-in process is straightforward.
On the Home Screen: After logging in, your upcoming trips should be prominently displayed on the app's home screen. Look for the flight you want to check in for.
"Find Reservation/Check In" (for Guests): If you're continuing as a guest, tap on the "Find Reservation/Check In" option. You'll then be prompted to enter your 6-character confirmation code and your last name.
Tap "Check In": Once you've located your flight, you'll see a clear "Check In" button or a prompt to begin the check-in process within your trip details. Tap this to proceed.
Step 3: Confirm Your Details and Travel Information
The app will now guide you through a series of screens to confirm your travel details.
Review Passenger Information: Carefully review your name, flight number, departure and arrival airports, and flight times. Ensure everything is accurate.
Declare Hazardous Materials: You'll be asked to confirm that you are not carrying any hazardous or prohibited items in your checked or carry-on baggage. This is a mandatory step for all travelers. Read the list carefully and confirm.
Special Assistance (if applicable): If you requested any special assistance (e.g., wheelchair service) when booking, confirm these details. If you need to request something new, you might be redirected to a different section or advised to contact customer service.
Travel Requirements (International Flights): For international travel, the app may prompt you to confirm you have the necessary travel documents (passport, visa, etc.) for your destination. It's essential to have these documents physically with you at the airport.
Step 4: Seat Selection (If Needed)
This is your chance to pick or change your seat, if you haven't already or if you want to make a last-minute adjustment.
"Change Seats" Option: If your seat is already assigned, you'll see your current seat number. You can tap on a "Change Seats" or "Select Seat" option to view the seat map.
Browse the Seat Map: The app will display a visual representation of the aircraft's seating layout. Green seats are typically available for selection. You might see different colors indicating premium seats (which may incur an additional fee) or seats that are already occupied.
Make Your Selection: Tap on your desired seat. The app will confirm your selection. If there's a fee, you'll be prompted to pay at this stage.
Step 5: Bag Information and Fees (If Applicable)
If you plan to check bags, the app allows you to add them and even pay any associated fees.
Add Checked Bags: Look for an option to "Add Bags" or "Manage Bags." You'll typically be asked to indicate the number of bags you intend to check.
Review Bag Fees: The app will display any applicable bag fees based on your fare type and destination. Be aware that Basic Economy fares often have restrictions on checked bags or incur higher fees.
Pay for Bags: If fees apply, you can often pay directly within the app using a credit card. This can save you time at the airport.
Express Bag Tags: At some airports, American Airlines offers "Express Bag Tags." If you've added and paid for your bags in the app, you can scan your mobile boarding pass at a self-service kiosk at the airport to print your bag tags quickly. Then, proceed to the bag drop area.
Step 6: Get Your Mobile Boarding Pass
This is the moment you've been waiting for! Your mobile boarding pass is your ticket to clear security and board your flight.
Generate Boarding Pass: After completing all the necessary steps, the app will generate your mobile boarding pass. This typically appears as a QR code or barcode.
Save to Wallet (Highly Recommended): For quick and easy access, American Airlines allows you to save your mobile boarding pass to your phone's digital wallet (e.g., Apple Wallet for iOS, Google Wallet for Android). This means you can access it even without an internet connection and often right from your lock screen.
Email Option: You may also have the option to have your boarding pass emailed to you.
Print Option: If you prefer a physical copy, you can still print your boarding pass at home or at an airport kiosk using your confirmation code.
Step 7: Head to the Airport and Use Your Mobile Boarding Pass
With your mobile boarding pass in hand (or rather, on your phone!), you're ready for the airport.
Security Checkpoint: At the TSA security checkpoint, present your mobile boarding pass on your phone screen. Make sure the entire barcode is visible and your screen brightness is turned up for easy scanning. You'll also need a valid government-issued photo ID (like your driver's license or passport).
Bag Drop (If Applicable): If you checked bags, proceed to the American Airlines bag drop counter after clearing security (or after printing Express Bag Tags at a kiosk).
At the Gate: Your mobile boarding pass will display your gate number. Keep an eye on the app for any last-minute gate changes. When it's time to board, present your mobile boarding pass to the gate agent for scanning.
American Airlines App: Beyond Check-in
The American Airlines app is a powerful tool with many features beyond just check-in. You can:
Track Flight Status: Get real-time updates on departures, arrivals, and delays.
View Airport Maps: Navigate unfamiliar airports with interactive terminal maps.
Manage Your AAdvantage Account: Track your miles, loyalty points, and status.
Book Flights, Hotels, and Cars: Plan your entire trip within the app.
Enjoy Inflight Entertainment: Access free movies, TV shows, and music on Wi-Fi-equipped flights.
Receive Flight Notifications: Get alerts for gate changes, boarding times, and more.
Chat with Customer Support: Get 24/7 virtual help or connect with a team member.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about checking in with the American Airlines app:
How to check in if I don't have an AAdvantage account? You can check in as a guest using your 6-character confirmation code (record locator) and your last name.
How to check in for an international American Airlines flight using the app? The process is largely the same as domestic flights. Be prepared to confirm your travel documents (passport, visa) within the app, and ensure you have them physically at the airport.
How to get my mobile boarding pass if I don't have internet at the airport? Once you've generated your mobile boarding pass, save it to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet). This will allow you to access it offline. The app also typically caches the boarding pass for 48 hours after viewing.
How to change my seat after checking in on the app? In most cases, you can still change your seat after checking in by going back into your trip details within the app and looking for the "Change Seats" option. However, if your flight is very close to departure, this option might become unavailable, or you may need to speak to a gate agent.
How to add checked bags and pay fees on the app? During the check-in process, the app will prompt you to add checked bags and will display any associated fees. You can typically pay these fees directly within the app using a credit card.
How to check in with a pet on the American Airlines app? If you're traveling with a pet, you generally cannot check in online or via the app. You will need to check in at the airport ticket counter to ensure all pet travel requirements are met.
How to know when I can check in for my American Airlines flight? You can check in starting 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. The cutoff is usually 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights.
How to get help if I encounter issues checking in on the app? The American Airlines app has a "Contact Us" section where you can find options to chat with customer support or call them directly for assistance.
How to view my AAdvantage miles and status on the app? If you log in as an AAdvantage member, your personalized home screen will display your upcoming trips, AAdvantage status, miles, and Loyalty Points.
How to use Express Bag Tags if I check in on the app? If your airport offers Express Bag Tags, after adding and paying for your bags in the app, you can scan your mobile boarding pass at an airport kiosk to print your bag tags, then proceed to the bag drop.
