Planning your trip with American Airlines? Getting your boarding pass is a crucial step, and thankfully, American Airlines offers several convenient ways to do it. Whether you're a tech-savvy traveler or prefer a physical copy, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each option, ensuring a smooth start to your journey.
Ready to get your American Airlines boarding pass? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Confirm Your Flight Details and Eligibility
Before you do anything else, double-check your flight information. This includes your flight number, departure time, and destination. Make sure you have your confirmation code (a 6-letter code) or your 13-digit e-ticket number handy. These will be your keys to accessing your boarding pass.
Important Considerations:
Check-in Window: American Airlines generally allows you to check in 24 hours before your scheduled departure up to a certain cutoff time. For domestic flights within the U.S., check-in typically closes 45 minutes before departure. For international flights, it's usually 60 minutes, though some airports have earlier deadlines (e.g., 75-90 minutes).
International Travel Documents: If you're flying internationally, ensure all your travel documents are in order. This includes your passport, any required visas, and health declarations. You might not be able to get your boarding pass online or via the app if your documentation needs to be verified in person.
Special Needs Passengers: If you're traveling with a pet, as an unaccompanied minor, or require special assistance, you might need to check in at the airport ticket counter.
Basic Economy Fares: While you can check in for Basic Economy fares, keep in mind that some changes or cancellations might be restricted after the initial 24-hour window.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Check-in Method
American Airlines offers a variety of ways to get your boarding pass, catering to different preferences and situations. Let's explore each one:
Method 1: Online Check-in (Web Check-in) – The Most Convenient Option
This is by far the most popular and recommended method for most travelers. It saves you time at the airport and gives you peace of mind.
How to Do It:
Visit the American Airlines Website: Go to
www.aa.com Navigate to "Check-in": Look for the "Check-in" or "Manage Trips / Check-in" section on the homepage.
Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter your:
Last name (as it appears on your reservation)
Confirmation code (6-letter code) OR your 13-digit e-ticket number.
If you're an AAdvantage® member, you can also log in to your account and access your trips.
Follow the Prompts: The system will guide you through confirming your details, selecting or changing your seat if desired, and potentially adding checked bags (and paying any associated fees).
Retrieve Your Boarding Pass: Once you've completed the check-in process, you'll have a few options for your boarding pass:
Print Boarding Pass: You can print a physical copy directly from your computer.
Email with Mobile Option: Choose this to have a link sent to your email. Open this email on your mobile device and follow the link to access your mobile boarding pass.
Save to Device/Wallet: Many smartphones allow you to save your mobile boarding pass directly to your device's digital wallet (like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) for easy access. This is incredibly convenient for airport security and boarding.
Method 2: American Airlines Mobile App – Your Travel Companion
The American Airlines app is an invaluable tool for managing your trip, and it's excellent for getting your mobile boarding pass.
How to Do It:
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the official American Airlines app from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
Log In or Find Your Trip:
If you have an AAdvantage® account, log in to automatically see your upcoming trips.
Otherwise, use the "Find Trip" option and enter your last name and confirmation code or e-ticket number.
Check In: Once your trip is displayed, you'll see an option to "Check In." Tap on it.
Follow the Steps: The app will guide you through confirming your details and any other necessary steps.
Access Your Mobile Boarding Pass: After successful check-in, your mobile boarding pass will be automatically stored within the app. You can also usually find an option to "Add to Apple Wallet" or "Add to Google Wallet" for even quicker access.
Pro-Tip: Enable push notifications for the app! It will provide real-time updates on gate changes, delays, and boarding times.
Method 3: Airport Self-Service Kiosk – Quick and Efficient at the Airport
If you prefer to handle things at the airport or need a physical boarding pass, the self-service kiosks are a great option.
How to Do It:
Locate a Kiosk: Find the American Airlines self-service kiosks in the airport terminal.
Start the Process: You'll typically be asked to:
Scan your passport (for international travel).
Enter your confirmation code or e-ticket number.
Swipe a credit card or frequent flyer card associated with your reservation (no charge will be made, it's for identification).
Verify Your Information: Confirm your flight details and personal information on the screen.
Print Boarding Pass (and Bag Tags): The kiosk will print your boarding pass. If you're checking bags, it will also print your baggage tags, which you then attach to your luggage before dropping them at the bag drop area.
Method 4: Airport Ticket Counter – For Special Circumstances or Assistance
While less common for a simple boarding pass, the ticket counter is always an option, especially if you have:
Complex itinerary changes.
Special assistance needs (e.g., wheelchair assistance, unaccompanied minors).
Issues with your travel documents that require verification.
A pet traveling with you.
Are unable to use other check-in methods.
How to Do It:
Proceed to the American Airlines Ticket Counter: Find the dedicated American Airlines check-in counters in the terminal.
Present Your ID and Details: Provide a valid government-issued photo ID (passport for international travel) and your confirmation code or e-ticket number to the agent.
Receive Your Boarding Pass: The agent will process your check-in, assist with any baggage, and provide you with a printed boarding pass.
Step 3: What to Do Once You Have Your Boarding Pass
Review Your Boarding Pass: Regardless of how you get it, always review your boarding pass. Check your name, flight number, gate number, and boarding time.
Security Checkpoint: At the airport, you'll present your boarding pass (mobile or printed) and a valid photo ID to the TSA (or equivalent security authority) agent. Make sure the barcode on your mobile boarding pass is clearly visible and your screen brightness is up.
Gate Information: Once through security, head towards your gate. Keep an eye on airport screens for any last-minute gate changes.
Boarding: Listen for boarding announcements at your gate. American Airlines typically boards by groups, which will be indicated on your boarding pass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to American Airlines boarding passes:
How to check in for an American Airlines flight online? You can check in online via aa.com starting 24 hours before your flight by entering your last name and confirmation code or e-ticket number in the "Check-in" section.
How to get a mobile boarding pass for American Airlines? Check in using the American Airlines app, and your boarding pass will be stored directly in the app. Alternatively, check in on aa.com and choose "Email with Mobile Option" to receive a link to your mobile boarding pass.
How to print an American Airlines boarding pass at home? After completing online check-in on aa.com, select the "Print Boarding Pass" option and print it using your home printer.
How to use a self-service kiosk to get an American Airlines boarding pass? At the airport, locate an American Airlines kiosk, then scan your passport, enter your confirmation code, or swipe a credit card associated with your reservation to retrieve and print your boarding pass.
How to add an American Airlines boarding pass to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet? After checking in via the American Airlines app or mobile website, look for an "Add to Apple Wallet" or "Save to Google Pay/Wallet" button on your mobile boarding pass.
How to re-print an American Airlines boarding pass? If you lose a printed boarding pass, you can typically re-access your check-in online via aa.com or the American Airlines app and print it again, or use an airport self-service kiosk.
How to check-in for an international American Airlines flight? For international flights, you can check in online or via the app, but be prepared that you may still need to present your passport and any required visas at the airport ticket counter for verification before your boarding pass is fully activated.
How to know the check-in deadline for an American Airlines flight? For domestic flights, the check-in deadline is usually 45 minutes before departure. For international flights, it's typically 60 minutes, but some airports have earlier deadlines (e.g., 75 or 90 minutes). Always check the specific requirements for your departure airport on aa.com.
How to check if an airport accepts mobile boarding passes for American Airlines? You can usually find this information on the American Airlines website under "Mobile and app" or by checking the specific airport's details on aa.com. Most major airports in the U.S. and many international airports accept them.
How to get a boarding pass if I changed my American Airlines flight on the same day? If you made a same-day confirmed flight change, your new boarding pass will be available through the American Airlines app, on aa.com for printing, or at an airport kiosk/ticket counter, usually within the 24-hour window of your new flight's departure.
