Flying with American Airlines soon and wondering how to get that all-important boarding pass in your hands (or on your phone)? You've come to the right place! Getting your boarding pass is the final hurdle before you can breeze through security and head to your gate. And guess what? There are several convenient ways to do it, so let's dive right in and find the method that works best for you!
Your Essential Guide: How to Get Your American Airlines Boarding Pass
Getting your boarding pass is a crucial step in your travel journey. American Airlines offers a range of options, from modern digital solutions to traditional paper passes, ensuring there's a method for every traveler's preference and situation. Let's break down each one.
Step 1: When Can You Get Your Boarding Pass? (The All-Important Check-In Window)
Before you even think about getting your boarding pass, you need to check in for your flight. American Airlines allows you to check in within a specific window:
Domestic Flights (within the U.S.): You can check in 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, and up to 45 minutes before departure.
International Flights (to/from the U.S.): You can check in 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, and up to 90 minutes before departure.
Pro Tip: It's always a good idea to check in as soon as the window opens (24 hours before your flight). This gives you the best chance to select your preferred seat (if you haven't already), and it can significantly reduce stress on travel day.
Step 2: Choosing Your Boarding Pass Method – Digital or Physical?
American Airlines understands that not everyone travels the same way. That's why they offer both digital and physical options for your boarding pass. Consider which one suits your travel style best.
Sub-heading: The Digital Route: Convenience at Your Fingertips
American Airlines Mobile App (Highly Recommended!)
This is arguably the easiest and most efficient way to get your boarding pass. The American Airlines app is a powerful tool for managing your entire trip.
How to do it:
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the "American Airlines" app from the Apple App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices).
Log In or Find Your Trip: Open the app. You can either log in with your AAdvantage® account or find your trip by entering your last name and the 6-character confirmation code (also known as a record locator).
Check In: Once you've located your trip, follow the prompts to check in. You'll confirm your details, acknowledge any travel advisories, and potentially select your seat if you haven't already.
Access Your Mobile Boarding Pass: After successful check-in, your mobile boarding pass will be readily available within the app, typically in the "My Trips" section. It will display a scannable QR code.
Save to Wallet (iOS users): If you have an iPhone, you can often save your boarding pass directly to your Apple Wallet for even quicker access at security and the gate.
Why it's great: Real-time updates (gate changes, delays), easy access to flight info, paperless, and often faster through security.
Things to remember: Keep your phone charged! And ensure your screen brightness is turned up at security checkpoints and gates for easy scanning.
Email with Mobile Option (aa.com via Mobile Browser)
If you prefer not to download the app, or have limited storage on your phone, you can still get a digital boarding pass via email.
How to do it:
Check In Online: Go to aa.com on your mobile browser within the check-in window. Enter your last name and confirmation code to find your trip and proceed with online check-in.
Choose "Email with Mobile Option": During the check-in process, you'll be given the option to have your boarding pass emailed to you with a mobile-friendly link.
Follow the Link: Open the email on your smartphone and click the provided link. This will display your mobile boarding pass.
Save to Device (if possible): Some browsers allow you to "add to home screen" or save the page for offline access, which can be helpful if you anticipate poor connectivity at the airport.
Why it's great: No app download needed, still paperless.
Things to remember: You'll need internet access to retrieve the email initially.
Sub-heading: The Physical Route: For Those Who Prefer Paper
Print at Home (aa.com via Desktop/Laptop)
This is a classic and reliable method, especially if you like having a physical copy for your records or if you're not comfortable relying solely on your phone.
How to do it:
Visit aa.com: Go to the American Airlines website on your desktop or laptop computer within the check-in window.
Go to "Check In" or "My Trips": Enter your last name and confirmation code to locate your reservation.
Complete Check-In: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the check-in process.
Print Your Boarding Pass: After successfully checking in, you'll see an option to "Print Boarding Pass." Click this and send it to your printer.
Why it's great: A tangible copy, no battery worries, familiar for many travelers.
Things to remember: Ensure your printer is working and has enough ink/toner. Don't forget to pack it!
Airport Self-Service Kiosk
If you're already at the airport, or if you couldn't check in online, the self-service kiosks are a quick way to get your boarding pass.
How to do it:
Locate a Kiosk: Find an American Airlines self-service kiosk in the airport terminal.
Identify Yourself: You can usually identify yourself by scanning your passport, entering your confirmation code, swiping your credit card (used for purchase), or entering your AAdvantage® number.
Follow Prompts: The kiosk will guide you through the check-in process. You can confirm details, select seats, and sometimes even pay for checked bags.
Print Boarding Pass: Once checked in, the kiosk will print your boarding pass and any baggage tags.
Why it's great: Fast and convenient when at the airport, especially if you have checked bags.
Things to remember: Kiosks can be busy during peak travel times. While American Airlines has disabled automatic printing of boarding passes for those who already checked in online, you can still opt to print one from the kiosk via a secondary menu.
American Airlines Ticket Counter
For those who prefer human interaction, have special circumstances (e.g., traveling with a pet, unaccompanied minor), or encounter issues with other methods, the ticket counter is always an option.
How to do it:
Head to the Counter: Go to the American Airlines ticket counter at the airport.
Provide ID and Details: Present your government-issued photo ID (passport for international travel) and provide your flight details (confirmation code, flight number, destination, or name).
Agent Assistance: An American Airlines agent will assist you with checking in, checking bags, and issuing your printed boarding pass.
Why it's great: Personalized assistance, ideal for complex situations.
Things to remember: Lines can be long, so allow plenty of extra time, especially during peak travel periods. Minimum check-in times at the counter vary (e.g., 45 minutes for domestic, 60 minutes for international, with some airports requiring more time).
Curbside Check-in (at participating airports)
If you're traveling domestically and have bags to check, curbside check-in can be a real time-saver.
How to do it:
Look for Curbside Check-in: As you arrive at the airport, look for the American Airlines curbside check-in area.
Present ID and Details: Provide your photo ID and flight information.
Get Boarding Pass and Check Bags: An agent will issue your boarding pass and handle your checked luggage.
Why it's great: Very convenient for travelers with checked bags, especially if you're being dropped off directly at the terminal.
Things to remember: There's usually a small convenience fee per bag for this service, plus any applicable checked bag fees. It's generally for domestic flights only.
Step 3: What to Do Once You Have Your Boarding Pass
Review it carefully! Double-check your flight number, gate number, and boarding time.
Security Checkpoint: Present your boarding pass (digital or physical) and a valid government-issued ID to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) agent.
At the Gate: Your boarding pass will be scanned again by the gate agent before you board the aircraft.
No matter which method you choose, the goal is to have your boarding pass ready and accessible when you need it. By understanding your options and planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your American Airlines journey!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check In Online for American Airlines?
You can check in online via aa.com or the American Airlines app starting 24 hours before your flight and up to 45 minutes (domestic) or 90 minutes (international) before departure. You'll need your last name and confirmation code.
How to Get a Mobile Boarding Pass from American Airlines?
Download the American Airlines app, log in or find your trip, and complete the check-in process. Your mobile boarding pass with a scannable QR code will then appear in the app. You can often save it to your phone's digital wallet.
How to Print an American Airlines Boarding Pass at Home?
After checking in online at aa.com on a desktop or laptop computer, look for the "Print Boarding Pass" option and send it to your printer.
How to Get an American Airlines Boarding Pass at the Airport Kiosk?
At an American Airlines self-service kiosk, you can identify yourself using your confirmation code, passport, or credit card, then follow the prompts to check in and print your boarding pass.
How to Get an American Airlines Boarding Pass if I Don't Have a Smartphone?
You can print your boarding pass at home via aa.com, use an airport self-service kiosk, or obtain it from an agent at the American Airlines ticket counter.
How to Get My Boarding Pass if My Phone Battery Dies?
If your phone battery dies, you can always go to an American Airlines self-service kiosk or the ticket counter at the airport to get a physical printout of your boarding pass.
How to Get My Boarding Pass for a Connecting Flight on American Airlines?
If you've checked in for your entire itinerary, your boarding pass for connecting flights will usually be issued at the same time as your first flight's boarding pass, either digitally or physically.
How to Retrieve a Lost American Airlines Boarding Pass?
If you lose a physical boarding pass, you can reprint it at an airport kiosk or the ticket counter. If you were using a mobile boarding pass, simply open the American Airlines app again, and it should still be there, or you can retrieve it via email.
How to Know if My Airport Accepts Mobile Boarding Passes for American Airlines?
Most major airports and many smaller ones accept mobile boarding passes. American Airlines' website and app will typically inform you if your specific airport is not compatible, or you can check their FAQs.
How to Get a Boarding Pass if I Have Checked Bags with American Airlines?
You can still check in online or via the app, get your mobile boarding pass, and then proceed to a self-service kiosk or the baggage drop counter at the airport to check your bags. Alternatively, you can complete the entire process at an airport kiosk or the ticket counter.
