Flying can be stressful, but getting through the airport doesn't have to be. American Airlines' self-service kiosks are designed to make your check-in process smooth and efficient. Ready to bypass those long lines and take control of your airport experience? Let's dive into how to master the American Airlines kiosk!
Your Essential Guide: Using the American Airlines Kiosk
The American Airlines self-service kiosks are a fantastic tool for travelers looking to save time at the airport. They allow you to check in for your flight, print boarding passes, add or pay for checked bags, and even make some last-minute changes to your reservation. This guide will walk you through each step.
Step 1: Locating the Kiosk and Getting Started
First things first, when you arrive at the airport, head to the American Airlines check-in area. You'll typically find a bank of self-service kiosks prominently displayed. They're usually bright, touchscreen machines.
Engage! Before you even touch the screen, take a moment to observe. Are there any visible instructions? Is the screen already displaying a welcome message? Sometimes, a simple touch anywhere on the screen will activate it if it's in standby mode.
Step 2: Identifying Yourself – How the Kiosk Finds Your Reservation
Once the kiosk is active, it will prompt you to identify yourself. You have several convenient options:
Sub-heading: Scan Your Boarding Pass
If you've already checked in online or through the American Airlines app and have a mobile or printed boarding pass, this is the quickest method. Simply hold the barcode of your boarding pass under the scanner, usually located near the bottom of the screen or to the side. The kiosk will read the information and pull up your reservation.
Sub-heading: Enter Your Confirmation Code
Your confirmation code (also known as a record locator) is a 6-character alphanumeric code found on your e-ticket or itinerary.
On the kiosk screen, select the option to "Enter Confirmation Code" or similar.
Carefully type in your 6-character code using the on-screen keyboard.
Double-check your entry! A single typo can prevent the system from finding your reservation.
Press "Enter" or "Confirm."
Sub-heading: Use Your AAdvantage® Number
If you're an AAdvantage® member, you can use your frequent flyer number to access your reservation.
Select the option for "AAdvantage® Number."
Enter your AAdvantage® number and your last name as prompted.
Confirm your details.
Sub-heading: Swipe Your Passport (for International Travel)
For international flights, the kiosk will often prompt you to scan your passport.
Locate the passport scanner, usually a flat surface or a slot.
Open your passport to the page with your photo and personal information.
Place your passport face down on the scanner or insert it into the slot as indicated. Ensure the machine registers the scan. The kiosk uses this to verify your identity and, in some cases, to upload necessary Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD).
Step 3: Verifying Your Flight Details and Passengers
Once your reservation is found, the kiosk will display your flight details, including your departure time, destination, and seat assignment.
Confirm Accuracy: Carefully review all the information presented. This is your last chance to spot any discrepancies before proceeding.
Travelers on the Same Reservation: If you're traveling with others on the same reservation, the kiosk will typically list all passengers. You'll be asked to confirm who is checking in.
Step 4: Managing Your Bags – The Self-Service Revolution
This is where the kiosks truly shine, especially if you're checking luggage.
Sub-heading: Declaring and Paying for Checked Bags
The kiosk will ask you if you have any bags to check. Select "Yes" if you do.
It will then prompt you to declare the number of bags you're checking.
Be honest about your bag count! The kiosk will calculate any applicable baggage fees based on your fare type and destination.
You'll be asked to confirm the total cost and make a payment using a credit or debit card. Follow the on-screen instructions for card insertion or tapping.
Sub-heading: Printing Bag Tags
Once payment is confirmed (if applicable), the kiosk will print your baggage tags.
The tags will emerge from a slot, often one at a time.
Do not pull them forcefully. Let the machine dispense them completely.
Important: Each tag will have an adhesive backing. Peel off the backing and securely wrap the tag around the handle of each of your checked bags. Ensure the barcode is visible and the tag is firmly attached. There's usually a diagram on the kiosk or nearby explaining how to properly affix the tag.
Step 5: Printing Your Boarding Pass (and Other Options)
Even if you have a mobile boarding pass, you might still want a physical copy, and the kiosk can provide one.
American Airlines has made a push to encourage digital boarding passes, so the kiosk might not automatically print a physical boarding pass if you've already checked in online.
However, you will still have the option to print your boarding pass through a secondary menu. Look for options like "Print Boarding Pass" or "Get Paper Boarding Pass."
Consider if you truly need a paper copy. Digital boarding passes are convenient and environmentally friendly.
Step 6: Finalizing Your Check-In and Proceeding to Bag Drop/Security
Once you've confirmed your details, managed your bags, and printed any necessary documents, the kiosk will typically display a "Check-in Complete" message.
Bag Drop: If you checked bags and printed tags, the kiosk will often direct you to the "Bag Drop" area. This is a designated counter where American Airlines staff will take your tagged luggage. You will still need to show your ID to an agent at the bag drop and have your bags weighed, even if you tagged them yourself.
Proceed to Security: If you have only carry-on luggage, you are now ready to proceed directly to the security checkpoint with your boarding pass and a valid ID.
Tips for a Smooth Kiosk Experience
Arrive Early: Even with kiosks, give yourself ample time, especially if you're checking bags or traveling internationally.
Have Your Information Ready: Your confirmation code, AAdvantage® number, or passport should be easily accessible.
Check Travel Requirements: Before you even leave for the airport, review any specific travel requirements for your destination (e.g., visa requirements, health declarations), particularly for international travel.
Don't Rush: While efficient, take your time reading the prompts on the screen to avoid mistakes.
Seek Assistance: If you encounter any issues or have questions, don't hesitate to ask an American Airlines agent or airport staff for help. They are there to assist you!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to use the American Airlines kiosk for international travel?
For international travel, you'll typically follow the same steps as domestic travel, but the kiosk will likely require you to scan your passport to verify your identity and ensure all necessary international travel data (like APIS) is captured.
How to print bag tags at the American Airlines kiosk?
After checking in and declaring your checked bags on the kiosk, the machine will prompt you to pay any fees, and then automatically print your bag tags from a slot. Simply attach them securely to your luggage handles.
How to pay for checked bags at the American Airlines kiosk?
The kiosk will guide you through the payment process. Once you declare the number of bags you're checking, it will display the total fee, and you can pay using a credit or debit card by inserting or tapping your card.
How to change seats using the American Airlines kiosk?
During the check-in process, after identifying your reservation, the kiosk often provides an option to "Change Seat" or "Select Seat." You can then view available seats and make your selection.
How to get a physical boarding pass from the American Airlines kiosk if I already checked in online?
While American Airlines encourages digital boarding passes, if you've already checked in online, you can usually still print a physical boarding pass by selecting a "Print Boarding Pass" or similar option from a secondary menu on the kiosk after accessing your reservation.
How to troubleshoot if the American Airlines kiosk isn't working?
If a kiosk isn't responding or you encounter an error, first try restarting the process or moving to a different kiosk. If the issue persists, immediately seek assistance from an American Airlines agent at the check-in counter.
How to add an infant to my reservation at the American Airlines kiosk?
For U.S. domestic reservations, the kiosk may allow you to add an infant traveling on your lap. For more complex infant travel scenarios or international travel, it's often best to confirm at the check-in counter.
How to check in for a connecting flight using the American Airlines kiosk?
If your connecting flights are on the same American Airlines reservation, checking in for your first flight at the kiosk will typically check you in for all subsequent flights on that itinerary.
How to use the American Airlines kiosk if I don't have my confirmation code?
If you don't have your confirmation code, you can usually still check in using your AAdvantage® number or by scanning your passport (for international travel), as prompted by the kiosk.
How to confirm a same-day flight change at the American Airlines kiosk?
If you've initiated a same-day flight change, the kiosk may allow you to confirm it, provided the change is within American Airlines' policies and there is availability on the new flight. Look for options related to "Same-Day Change" on the main menu after accessing your reservation.
