Ever been at the airport, eyes scanning for that elusive boarding pass, only to realize you haven't printed it yet? Or perhaps you're planning ahead and want to be fully prepared for your American Airlines flight. No worries, you're in the right place! Printing your American Airlines boarding pass is a straightforward process, and this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth journey from check-in to take-off.
Let's dive in and get you that boarding pass!
Step 1: Choosing Your Check-In Method – The Foundation of Your Boarding Pass Journey
Before you can even think about printing, you need to check in for your flight. American Airlines offers several convenient ways to do this, and your choice will directly influence how you get your boarding pass. Consider what works best for you and your travel style!
Sub-heading: Online Check-In (Recommended for Convenience)
This is by far the most popular and often the easiest method. You can check in for your flight starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure and up to 45 minutes before domestic flights (90 minutes for international flights).
What you'll need: Your six-character confirmation code (also known as a record locator), your AAdvantage® number, or your e-ticket number. Your last name as it appears on your reservation is also essential.
Why it's great: You can do it from the comfort of your home, office, or anywhere with an internet connection. It saves time at the airport and often allows you to select or change your seat, and even pay for checked bags in advance.
Sub-heading: American Airlines Mobile App Check-In
The American Airlines app is a powerful tool for travelers. It offers all the benefits of online check-in, with the added advantage of having your boarding pass directly on your smartphone.
What you'll need: The American Airlines app downloaded on your iOS or Android device, and your login credentials (AAdvantage® number or confirmation code).
Why it's great: It's incredibly convenient. Your mobile boarding pass is readily available, often with real-time updates on gates and flight status. You can even save it to your phone's digital wallet (like Apple Wallet or Google Pay) for quick access.
Sub-heading: Airport Kiosk Check-In
If you prefer a physical boarding pass or need to check bags, the self-service kiosks at the airport are a great option.
What you'll need: Your confirmation code, AAdvantage® number, or a credit card/passport to identify your reservation.
Why it's great: Quick and efficient for printing boarding passes and baggage tags. You can also make minor changes to your reservation, like selecting a seat.
Sub-heading: Airport Ticket Counter Check-In
For those who prefer a personal touch or have special circumstances (e.g., traveling with a pet, unaccompanied minor, or complex international travel with specific document verification), the full-service ticket counter is available.
What you'll need: Your valid government-issued ID, passport (for international travel), and ideally your confirmation code.
Why it's great: Direct assistance from American Airlines staff for any specific needs or issues.
Step 2: Checking In – Getting Your Digital Confirmation
Now that you've chosen your preferred method, let's get you checked in!
Sub-heading: Checking In Online (aa.com)
Open your web browser and navigate to aa.com.
Look for the "Check In" option, usually prominently displayed on the homepage.
Enter your last name and your confirmation code, AAdvantage® number, or e-ticket number.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the check-in process. This might include confirming your contact information, acknowledging any travel advisories, and reviewing your seat assignment.
Once successfully checked in, you'll reach a confirmation page. Here, you'll typically see options to receive your boarding pass.
Sub-heading: Checking In via the American Airlines Mobile App
Launch the American Airlines app on your smartphone.
If you have an upcoming trip, it will often appear directly on the home screen. Otherwise, tap on "My Trips" or "Check In."
Enter your last name and confirmation code (if not already logged in or if the trip isn't displayed).
Proceed through the check-in steps as prompted by the app.
Upon completion, your mobile boarding pass will be generated and stored within the app. You'll usually see a prominent "Boarding Pass" button or section.
Sub-heading: Checking In at an Airport Kiosk
Locate an American Airlines self-service kiosk at the airport.
Touch the screen to begin. You'll typically be asked to identify yourself using one of the following:
Your confirmation code
Scanning your credit card (the one used for booking, though not necessarily for payment)
Scanning your passport
Entering your AAdvantage® number
Follow the prompts to confirm your flight details and complete the check-in.
The kiosk will then present you with options for your boarding pass.
Step 3: Printing Your Boarding Pass – The Moment of Truth!
Once you're checked in, it's time to get that physical boarding pass in your hand, if that's your preference.
Sub-heading: Printing from Your Computer (After Online Check-In)
After successfully checking in on aa.com, you will often be given an option to print your boarding pass directly. Look for a button or link labeled "Print Boarding Pass."
Clicking this will usually open a new window or tab with a printable version of your boarding pass.
Ensure your printer is connected and has enough paper and ink.
Click the print icon (often a printer symbol) or go to File > Print in your browser.
Carefully review the print preview to ensure the entire boarding pass, especially the barcode or QR code, is visible and not cut off. Adjust scaling or margins if necessary.
Click Print.
Important Note: If you close the window or navigate away before printing, you can often go back to aa.com, click "Check In" again, re-enter your details, and select the option to view/print your boarding pass. American Airlines also usually sends an email with a link to your mobile boarding pass, which may also offer a print option.
Sub-heading: Printing at an Airport Kiosk (After Kiosk or Mobile Check-In)
If you checked in directly at the kiosk, after confirming your details, the screen will typically prompt you with "Print Boarding Pass?" Select "Yes."
If you checked in online or via the app and still want a physical copy, go to an American Airlines kiosk.
Scan your mobile boarding pass on the kiosk scanner or enter your confirmation code/AAdvantage® number.
The kiosk will recognize your checked-in status and offer the option to "Print Boarding Pass."
Select this option, and your boarding pass will be dispensed from the machine.
Note: American Airlines has recently disabled automatic printing of boarding passes at kiosks for those who have already checked in online or via the app. You will need to explicitly select the option to print your boarding pass from a secondary menu on the kiosk. This is part of their effort to encourage digital boarding passes and reduce paper waste.
Sub-heading: Obtaining a Boarding Pass at the Airport Ticket Counter
Proceed to the American Airlines check-in counter at the airport.
Inform the agent that you need a boarding pass. Provide your valid ID (and passport for international flights) along with your confirmation code.
The agent will retrieve your reservation, complete any necessary document verification, and print your boarding pass for you.
Step 4: Double-Checking Your Boarding Pass
Once you have your physical boarding pass, take a moment to verify the crucial details:
Your Name: Ensure it matches your government-issued ID exactly.
Flight Number: Confirm it's the correct flight.
Departure Date and Time: Make sure these are accurate.
Departure and Arrival Airports: Verify the correct city codes.
Gate Number: While gate numbers can change, it's good to have the initial assignment.
Seat Assignment: Confirm your seat number.
Barcode/QR Code: Crucially, ensure the barcode or QR code is clear, legible, and not smudged or cut off. This is what the TSA and gate agents will scan.
Step 5: Storing Your Boarding Pass Safely
Now that you have your boarding pass in hand, keep it in a safe and easily accessible place. A passport wallet, a dedicated travel folder, or even a pocket (just be mindful of it falling out!) are good options. If you printed multiple copies, keep one as a backup.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Boarding Pass Experience
Check-in Early: While you can check in up to 24 hours before your flight, doing it sooner rather than later gives you peace of mind and more time to resolve any issues.
Consider a Mobile Boarding Pass as Backup: Even if you prefer a printed pass, having the mobile boarding pass on your phone is an excellent backup in case your paper copy is lost or damaged.
Screenshot Your Mobile Boarding Pass: If you're using the mobile app, take a screenshot of your boarding pass. This way, even if you lose internet connection at the airport, you'll still have a scannable image.
Keep Your Phone Charged: If relying on a mobile boarding pass, ensure your phone is fully charged before heading to the airport. A dead battery is not what you want at security!
International Travel: For international flights, you may sometimes be required to present your passport at the check-in counter for verification, even if you've checked in online. In such cases, they will often issue your boarding pass at the counter after verification. Don't be surprised if your home-printed pass isn't enough.
Check Airport Requirements: While most airports accept mobile boarding passes, it's always a good idea to quickly check if your departure or connecting airports have any specific restrictions. You can usually find this information on the American Airlines website under "Airport details" for your specific airport.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about American Airlines boarding passes, with quick answers to help you out!
How to check in online for an American Airlines flight?
You can check in online via aa.com or the American Airlines mobile app starting 24 hours before your flight. Enter your last name and confirmation code, then follow the prompts.
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. You can also choose the "Email with Mobile Option" during online check-in on aa.com and follow the link in the email to save it to your device.
How to print a boarding pass if I don't have a printer at home?
You can print your boarding pass at an American Airlines self-service kiosk at the airport, or by visiting the American Airlines check-in counter.
How to reprint an American Airlines boarding pass if I lost it?
If you checked in online, go back to aa.com and re-enter your check-in details to access and reprint your boarding pass. At the airport, you can use a self-service kiosk or go to the check-in counter.
How to find my American Airlines confirmation code?
Your confirmation code (also called a record locator) is a 6-character code found in your booking confirmation email from American Airlines.
How to use a mobile boarding pass at airport security?
Simply display the barcode or QR code on your mobile boarding pass (from the American Airlines app or your phone's wallet) on your smartphone screen to the TSA agent for scanning. Ensure your screen brightness is up.
How to get a boarding pass for an infant traveling on my lap with American Airlines?
For infants traveling on a lap, you'll typically need to get a printed boarding pass at the airport kiosk or ticket counter, as specific documentation may need to be verified.
How to troubleshoot if my mobile boarding pass isn't loading?
Try restarting the American Airlines app or your phone. Ensure you have an internet connection, or if you've already viewed it, it should be cached in the app. If issues persist, take a screenshot of it beforehand or print a physical copy at the airport.
How to know if my airport accepts mobile boarding passes for American Airlines?
Most major airports accept mobile boarding passes. You can check the American Airlines website under "Travel Information" -> "Mobile and App" or "Airport details" for specific airport policies.
How to check in for an international American Airlines flight?
You can check in online or via the app for international flights 2 to 24 hours before departure. However, for international travel, you may still need to present your passport at the airport check-in counter for verification before receiving your final boarding pass.