Planning a trip with American Airlines? Getting your boarding pass is a crucial step! While it might seem straightforward, American Airlines offers several convenient ways to access your boarding pass, ensuring you're ready for your flight whether you prefer digital or physical copies. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each method, step-by-step, to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.
Ready to get your journey started? Let's dive in!
Step 1: When Can You Get Your American Airlines Boarding Pass?
First things first, it's essential to understand the check-in window for American Airlines flights. This determines when you can actually retrieve your boarding pass.
Domestic Flights (within the U.S., Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands): You can check in and get your boarding pass starting 24 hours and up to 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
International Flights: For international travel, the check-in window opens 24 hours and typically closes 90 minutes before your flight. Some international airports may have longer required check-in times, so it's always a good idea to double-check for your specific departure city.
Important Note: Certain situations might prevent online check-in, such as traveling with a pet, requiring a visa for your destination, or if your first flight is not operated by American Airlines, American Eagle, British Airways, or Iberia. In these cases, you'll need to check in at the airport.
Step 2: Choosing Your Boarding Pass Method – Digital vs. Physical
American Airlines offers flexibility in how you receive your boarding pass. Consider what works best for your travel style!
Sub-heading: Option A: The Digital Age – Mobile Boarding Pass
This is by far the most convenient and eco-friendly way to get your boarding pass. It means your phone becomes your ticket!
Benefits:
No paper needed: Reduces waste.
Always with you: As long as your phone is charged!
Real-time updates: Gate changes and flight information can update directly on your mobile pass.
Speedy security and boarding: Just scan your phone.
Sub-heading: Option B: The Classic – Printed Boarding Pass
Sometimes, having a physical copy can provide peace of mind, especially if you're concerned about battery life or connectivity.
Benefits:
Tangible backup: Handy if your phone dies or you lose signal.
No battery worries: A paper pass never runs out of charge.
Easy to share: Can be helpful if traveling with multiple people who prefer separate passes.
Step 3: How to Download Your American Airlines Boarding Pass – Step-by-Step
Let's break down the process for each method.
Sub-heading: Method 1: Using the American Airlines Mobile App (Recommended!)
The American Airlines app is designed to be your ultimate travel companion, and getting your boarding pass is incredibly seamless here.
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the "American Airlines" app from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
Open the App & Log In/Find Trip:
If you have an AAdvantage® account, log in for easy access to all your upcoming trips.
Alternatively, you can choose "Find Reservation/Check In" on the home screen and enter your last name and the 6-character confirmation code (record locator) or your ticket number.
Check In for Your Flight: Once your trip details appear, look for the "Check In" button. Tap it and follow the prompts. You'll likely need to confirm details like hazardous materials and your contact information.
Receive Your Mobile Boarding Pass: After successful check-in, your mobile boarding pass will be generated directly within the app. It usually appears on your home screen or under the "Trips" tab.
Save to Wallet (iOS users) / Add to Google Wallet (Android users):
For iPhone users: You'll see an option to "Add to Apple Wallet." Tap this, and your boarding pass will be saved there for quick access, even without an internet connection.
For Android users: While direct integration with Google Wallet has been reported as sometimes inconsistent by users, your boarding pass should remain accessible within the American Airlines app itself. You can also take a screenshot for an extra layer of backup.
Screenshot Your Boarding Pass (Highly Recommended!): Regardless of your phone type, always take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass once it's displayed. This is a fantastic backup in case of app glitches, no Wi-Fi, or low battery. Just ensure the entire barcode is visible in the screenshot.
Sub-heading: Method 2: Via AA.com (American Airlines Website)
You can also check in and get your boarding pass directly from the American Airlines website, aa.com.
Visit AA.com: Open your web browser and go to
www.aa.com Navigate to "Check In": On the homepage, you'll see a "Check In" option. Click on it.
Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter your last name and the 6-character confirmation code (record locator) or your ticket number. If you're an AAdvantage® member, you can also log in to access your trips.
Proceed with Check-In: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the check-in process, confirming passenger details and any necessary declarations.
Choose Boarding Pass Delivery: Once checked in, you'll be given options for your boarding pass:
"Email with Mobile Option": Select this to have a link sent to your email address. Open this email on your mobile device and follow the link to view your mobile boarding pass. From there, you can often save it to your phone's wallet (if applicable) or simply use the link to display it at the airport.
"Print Boarding Pass": If you have access to a printer, choose this option. Your boarding pass will open in a new window or as a PDF. Ensure your printer is connected and has ink, then print it out.
"Send to Email": You can also choose to have the boarding pass emailed to you for later printing or mobile access.
Sub-heading: Method 3: At the Airport (Kiosk or Ticket Counter)
If digital options aren't for you, or if you encounter any issues, the airport has you covered.
Self-Service Kiosk:
Look for the American Airlines self-service kiosks at the airport.
You can typically access your reservation using your confirmation code, your e-ticket number, or by scanning your passport or credit card (if linked to your reservation).
Follow the on-screen prompts to check in and select the option to "Print Boarding Pass."
These kiosks are also useful for checking bags and making minor changes to your seat.
American Airlines Ticket Counter:
Head to the American Airlines ticket counter.
Present your government-issued photo ID (and passport for international flights) to an agent.
They will assist you with the check-in process and print your boarding pass for you. This is the best option if you have special requirements (e.g., traveling with an infant, special assistance) or if you've encountered any issues with online or app check-in.
Step 4: Before You Head to the Airport
Once you have your boarding pass, a few final checks can save you time and stress.
Verify Information: Double-check that your name, flight number, departure time, and gate number are correct on your boarding pass.
Charge Your Phone: If using a mobile boarding pass, make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave for the airport. A portable charger is also a great idea.
Screenshot is Gold: We can't stress this enough – a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass is your best friend for digital backups!
Physical Backup: If relying on your mobile pass, consider printing a physical copy at home or at an airport kiosk as a backup, just in case. It takes minutes and can save a lot of hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQs to help you navigate American Airlines boarding passes:
How to check in for my American Airlines flight? You can check in online via the American Airlines website (aa.com), through the American Airlines mobile app, at an airport self-service kiosk, or at the American Airlines ticket counter. Online and app check-in are available 24 hours before your flight.
How to save my American Airlines boarding pass to Apple Wallet? After checking in on the American Airlines app, your mobile boarding pass will display. Look for the "Add to Apple Wallet" button and tap it to save your pass for easy access.
How to retrieve my American Airlines boarding pass if I accidentally closed the app? If you've saved it to your phone's wallet (Apple Wallet/Google Wallet), it will be there. Otherwise, simply reopen the American Airlines app, log in, or find your trip again; your boarding pass should be accessible under "Your Trips" or on the home screen if your flight is imminent.
How to print my American Airlines boarding pass at home? Check in online at aa.com. After completing the check-in process, select the option to "Print Boarding Pass." This will typically open a printable version in your browser or as a PDF.
How to get a boarding pass if I don't have a smartphone? You can print your boarding pass at home via aa.com, or at the airport using a self-service kiosk or by visiting the American Airlines ticket counter.
How to resolve issues with my mobile boarding pass not scanning? Ensure your screen brightness is turned up, and the entire barcode is visible and clear. If it still doesn't scan, you can often get a physical boarding pass printed at the gate, a kiosk, or the ticket counter.
How to get a boarding pass for a connecting American Airlines flight? If you check in for your entire journey, your boarding passes for all segments, including connecting flights, will usually be issued at the same time. They will appear sequentially in the app or on your printed pass.
How to get a boarding pass if I'm traveling with an infant? If traveling with an infant (under 2) in your lap, online or app check-in might not be available, and you may need to check in at the American Airlines ticket counter at the airport to receive your boarding pass.
How to get a boarding pass if I'm on standby for an American Airlines flight? If you are on standby, you won't receive a final boarding pass until you are cleared for the flight at the gate. The gate agent will issue you a boarding pass once a seat becomes available.
How to get a new boarding pass if my seat changes after I've checked in? If your seat changes after initial check-in, your mobile boarding pass in the app or wallet should automatically update. If you have a printed pass, you may need to visit a kiosk or the gate agent for a new one. Always screenshot your initial pass as a backup.
