Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever found yourself in that pre-flight scramble, wondering how to get your hands on that all-important boarding pass for your American Airlines flight? Whether you've accidentally deleted it, your printer decided to go on strike, or you simply prefer a physical copy, don't fret! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every single step of obtaining a new American Airlines boarding pass, ensuring a smooth journey from check-in to touchdown. Let's dive in!
Getting a New Boarding Pass for American Airlines: Your Ultimate Guide
Obtaining your boarding pass is a crucial step in your travel journey. American Airlines offers several convenient ways to retrieve it, catering to different preferences and situations. We'll explore each method in detail, ensuring you're prepared no matter what.
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| How To Get A New Boarding Pass American Airlines |
Step 1: Identify Your Current Situation and Preferred Method
Before we jump into the "how-to," let's quickly assess your situation. Are you a tech-savvy traveler who prefers everything on your phone? Or do you like the reassuring feel of a paper boarding pass? Perhaps you're already at the airport and need a quick solution. Understanding your preference will help you choose the most efficient path.
Have you already checked in online? If yes, great! This often makes retrieving your boarding pass even easier.
Do you have the American Airlines app installed? If not, consider downloading it – it's a powerful tool for managing your trip.
Are you near an American Airlines kiosk or check-in counter at the airport? These are reliable backup options.
Do you simply need to reprint a boarding pass you already had? This guide covers that too!
Once you have a clear idea, proceed to the relevant steps below!
Step 2: Retrieving Your Boarding Pass Online (aa.com)
This is often the easiest and most recommended method if you have internet access before heading to the airport.
Sub-heading: Online Check-in and Mobile Option
If you haven't checked in yet, this is your first stop. Even if you have, you can often retrieve your boarding pass here.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Visit the American Airlines Website: Open your web browser and go to
aa.com.Navigate to "Check In" or "My Trips": On the homepage, you'll typically see a "Check In" button or a "My Trips" section. Click on either.
Enter Your Details: You'll need your:
Confirmation Code (Record Locator): This is a 6-character code found on your booking confirmation email.
First Name
Last Name
Alternatively, you can log in to your AAdvantage account if you're a member and your flight is linked.
Complete the Check-in Process (if not already done): Follow the prompts to confirm your flight details, acknowledge any travel advisories, and select your seats if you haven't.
Choose Your Boarding Pass Delivery Method: After successful check-in, American Airlines will typically offer you several options:
"Email with Mobile Option": This is a fantastic choice for digital boarding passes. Select this, and an email will be sent to your registered email address with a link to your mobile boarding pass.
"Print Boarding Pass": If you have a printer connected, you can choose this option to generate a printable PDF. Remember to ensure your printer is working and has enough ink!
Other options might include sending it to your Apple Wallet (for iOS users) or Google Wallet (for Android users, though integration can sometimes vary).
Save or Print:
For Mobile Option: Open the email on your smartphone, click the link, and follow the instructions to save the boarding pass to your device's wallet or as an image. This is incredibly convenient as it's accessible even offline.
For Print Option: Click the print button, and your boarding pass will be generated. Print it out clearly.
Sub-heading: Troubleshooting Online Retrieval
"My confirmation code isn't working!" Double-check that you've entered the code correctly. Sometimes a '0' can look like an 'O' or vice-versa.
"The website is acting up!" Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or switch to a different web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
"I can't find my booking confirmation!" Check your email's spam or junk folder. If still no luck, you might need to contact American Airlines customer service (see Step 5).
Step 3: Utilizing the American Airlines Mobile App
The American Airlines app is a powerhouse for managing your travel, and retrieving your boarding pass is one of its primary functions.
Download and Install the App: If you haven't already, download the "American Airlines" app from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
Log In or Find Your Trip:
Log in: If you have an AAdvantage account, log in. Your upcoming trips should automatically appear.
Find your trip without logging in: You can also typically enter your confirmation code and last name to pull up your reservation.
Access Your Boarding Pass: Once your trip is displayed, look for a prominent button or section labeled "Boarding Pass" or "View Boarding Pass."
View and Save Your Mobile Boarding Pass: Your digital boarding pass will appear on your screen. It typically features a barcode that can be scanned at security checkpoints and the gate.
For iOS users: You'll often see an option to "Add to Apple Wallet." This is highly recommended as it makes your boarding pass easily accessible from your lock screen.
For Android users: While direct integration with Google Wallet has been inconsistent for some users, you can usually screenshot your boarding pass or follow prompts to save it as an image.
Real-time Updates: A key advantage of the app is that your mobile boarding pass will automatically update with any gate changes, flight delays, or new boarding times. This is incredibly helpful for staying informed.
Step 4: Getting Your Boarding Pass at the Airport
If digital methods aren't an option, or you prefer a physical copy, the airport provides reliable solutions.
Sub-heading: American Airlines Self-Service Kiosks
These kiosks are designed for quick and efficient self-service, including printing boarding passes.
Locate a Kiosk: Upon arrival at the airport, look for American Airlines self-service kiosks. They are usually near the check-in counters.
Identify Yourself: The kiosk will prompt you to identify your reservation. You can typically do this by:
Scanning your passport or driver's license.
Entering your confirmation code (record locator).
Swiping the credit card used for booking.
Entering your AAdvantage number.
Retrieve Your Boarding Pass: Once your reservation is found, the kiosk will display your flight details. Look for an option to "Print Boarding Pass." While automatic printing for online check-ins has been reduced by American Airlines to encourage digital use, the option to print is still available through a secondary menu.
Collect Your Printed Pass: The kiosk will print your boarding pass(es) immediately. Make sure to take all pages if there are multiple!
Sub-heading: American Airlines Check-in Counter
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
For personalized assistance or if you encounter issues with kiosks, the full-service check-in counter is your best bet.
Proceed to the Counter: Head to the American Airlines check-in counter for your flight.
Provide Identification and Details: Present a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, etc.) and provide your confirmation code or flight details to the agent.
Request a New Boarding Pass: Simply inform the agent that you need a new boarding pass printed. They will verify your identity and print it for you.
Consider Extra Time: While efficient, there might be queues at the check-in counter, especially during peak travel times. Factor in extra time for this method.
Step 5: Contacting American Airlines Customer Service
In rare cases, or if you're experiencing unusual difficulties, reaching out to American Airlines directly can resolve your issue.
Call American Airlines: You can call American Airlines customer service. The general number is typically 1-800-433-7300 (within the U.S.). For international numbers, check the American Airlines website under "Contact Us."
Explain Your Situation: Clearly explain why you need a new boarding pass. Provide your reservation details (confirmation code, name, flight number).
Follow Their Guidance: They may be able to email you a new mobile boarding pass or advise you on the best way to obtain one at the airport.
Important Considerations:
Timing is Key: Always aim to get your boarding pass well in advance of your flight's departure. Online check-in is typically available 24 hours before your flight and closes 45 minutes to an hour before departure (depending on domestic vs. international). Airport kiosks and check-in counters also have cut-off times.
Mobile Boarding Pass Acceptance: While most airports accept mobile boarding passes, it's always a good idea to double-check if your specific departure or connecting airport accepts them. You can usually find this information on the American Airlines website under "Airport details" for your airport. If not, be prepared to print one.
Identification: No matter how you get your boarding pass, always have a valid government-issued photo ID with you when traveling. This is essential for security checks and boarding.
Changes to Your Itinerary: If there are any changes to your flight (gate, time, seat), your mobile boarding pass on the app will usually update automatically. If you have a printed boarding pass, you might need to obtain a new one at the gate or a kiosk to reflect these changes.
Screenshot Your Mobile Pass: Even if you save it to your digital wallet, taking a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass is a good backup in case of app glitches or connectivity issues.
10 Related FAQs
How to get a new boarding pass if I lost my original one?
You can easily get a new boarding pass if you lost your original. Simply use the American Airlines mobile app, visit aa.com to re-access your reservation and print or email it, or go to an American Airlines self-service kiosk or check-in counter at the airport.
How to print an American Airlines boarding pass at home?
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
To print an American Airlines boarding pass at home, check in online at aa.com within 24 hours of your flight. After completing the check-in process, select the "Print Boarding Pass" option and ensure your printer is connected and functional.
How to get an American Airlines mobile boarding pass?
To get an American Airlines mobile boarding pass, check in via the American Airlines app or aa.com. If using the website, choose "Email with Mobile Option" and open the link on your phone. If using the app, your boarding pass will be stored directly within the app, and you can typically add it to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
How to get a boarding pass if I checked in online but don't have a printer?
If you checked in online but don't have a printer, you can still get your boarding pass. Use the American Airlines mobile app, or go to an American Airlines self-service kiosk at the airport and use your confirmation code or ID to print it. Alternatively, an agent at the check-in counter can print one for you.
How to retrieve an American Airlines boarding pass after my flight?
American Airlines typically does not allow you to "retrieve" a boarding pass after your flight for travel purposes, as its purpose is for pre-flight procedures. However, if you need it for record-keeping, you might be able to find a record of your past trips in your AAdvantage account history on aa.com or through your booking confirmation email. For specific needs, contacting customer service might be necessary.
How to get a boarding pass if my flight was changed or delayed?
If your flight was changed or delayed, your mobile boarding pass on the American Airlines app should automatically update. If you have a physical boarding pass, you might need to get a new one printed at a self-service kiosk or by an agent at the check-in counter or gate to reflect the most current information.
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
How to get a new boarding pass if I don't have my confirmation code?
If you don't have your confirmation code, you can often still get a new boarding pass. At an airport kiosk or check-in counter, you can usually use your government-issued photo ID or the credit card used for the booking. If you're an AAdvantage member, logging into your account on the app or aa.com will display your upcoming trips.
How to get a boarding pass for someone else on my reservation?
If you are traveling together and are on the same reservation, you can typically check in and get boarding passes for everyone in your party at the same time through aa.com, the American Airlines app, or at an airport kiosk. Ensure you have all passengers' required information ready.
How to get a boarding pass at the airport kiosk if I checked in with the app?
Even if you checked in with the app, you can still get a physical boarding pass from an American Airlines self-service kiosk at the airport. Simply select the option to print your boarding pass and use your confirmation code, ID, or AAdvantage number to retrieve your reservation.
How to get a boarding pass if I need special assistance?
If you require special assistance, it's often best to check in at the American Airlines check-in counter at the airport. An agent can provide personalized support, print your boarding pass, and help arrange any necessary assistance for boarding or during your flight. You can also note special assistance needs during online check-in.
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