Traveling can be stressful, and one of the biggest pain points for many passengers is the boarding process. Imagine you've checked in for your American Airlines flight, you're looking forward to your trip, but then you realize: you forgot to add priority boarding! That sinking feeling of potentially being in one of the last groups, scrambling for overhead bin space, and feeling rushed can definitely dampen the start of your journey.
But don't worry! While it's always ideal to secure priority boarding at the time of booking, American Airlines often provides options to add this valuable perk even after you've checked in. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods, benefits, and important considerations for getting that coveted early boarding spot.
The Quest for Early Boarding: Why It Matters
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly discuss why priority boarding is such a game-changer for many travelers:
Guaranteed Overhead Bin Space: This is arguably the biggest perk. No more struggling to find a spot for your carry-on or, worse, having it gate-checked.
Relaxed Boarding Experience: Instead of feeling rushed and jostled, you can board at your leisure, settle into your seat, and get comfortable without the frantic energy of later boarding groups.
More Time to Settle In: Whether you want to organize your belongings, set up your entertainment, or simply relax before takeoff, early boarding provides that extra breathing room.
Faster Exit Upon Arrival: In some cases, boarding earlier can also mean sitting closer to the front of the plane, leading to a quicker deplaning process.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your bag is safely stowed and you're settled in can significantly reduce pre-flight anxiety.
Now, let's get you that priority boarding!
Step 1: Check Your Current Boarding Group and Eligibility – Are You Already Covered?
First things first, let's confirm your current boarding status. Have you already checked in? Great!
1.1 Locate Your Boarding Pass
Take a look at your mobile boarding pass (on the American Airlines app) or your printed boarding pass. You'll find your assigned boarding group clearly displayed. American Airlines typically has nine boarding groups (plus pre-boarding), with lower numbers indicating earlier boarding.
1.2 Understand American Airlines Boarding Groups
American Airlines assigns boarding groups based on a variety of factors. It's possible you already have priority boarding without realizing it!
Pre-Boarding: This is for ConciergeKey® members, First and Business Class passengers, families with children aged 2 and under, and those needing extra time or assistance.
Group 1: AAdvantage Executive Platinum® members and active-duty U.S. military.
Group 2: AAdvantage Platinum Pro® and oneworld® Emerald℠ members.
Group 3: AAdvantage Platinum® and oneworld® Sapphire℠ members.
Group 4: AAdvantage Gold®, oneworld® Ruby℠ members, AirPass℠ travelers, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive cardholders, and those who purchased Priority boarding.
Group 5 (Preferred Boarding): Main Cabin Extra passengers (excluding Basic Economy), AAdvantage® members who've earned 15,000 Loyalty Points, and eligible AAdvantage® credit cardholders.
Groups 6-8: General Main Cabin passengers.
Group 9: Basic Economy passengers.
Key Insight: If you hold an American Airlines co-branded credit card (like certain Citi® / AAdvantage® or AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercards), you might automatically receive preferred boarding (often Group 5) simply by using that card for your booking or having it linked to your AAdvantage account. Check your card's benefits!
If you're already in Group 1-4, congratulations! You likely don't need to do anything further. If you're in Group 5 and are happy with that, great! If you're in Group 6 or higher, or simply want an even earlier group, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Access Your Reservation After Check-In – The Digital Gateway
Even after checking in, your flight reservation remains accessible. This is your primary portal for making changes or adding extras.
2.1 Using the American Airlines Website
Go to AA.com: Open your web browser and navigate to the official American Airlines website.
Locate "Manage Trips / Check-in": On the homepage, you'll typically find a prominent section or link for "Manage Trips" or "Check-in." Click on it.
Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter your six-character confirmation code (Record Locator) and your last name. Alternatively, you can log in to your AAdvantage® account if you booked while logged in.
Find Your Trip: Once you've entered the details, click "Find your trip." This will bring up your reservation summary.
2.2 Using the American Airlines Mobile App
Open the App: Launch the American Airlines mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.
Access "My Trips": Look for a "My Trips" or "Trips" section, usually found on the main screen or in the navigation menu.
Select Your Flight: Your checked-in flight should be prominently displayed. Tap on it to view the details.
Look for "Add Extras" or "Trip Options": Within your trip details, you'll need to navigate to a section that allows for modifications or add-ons. This is often labeled "Add Extras," "Trip Options," "Change Flight," or something similar.
Step 3: Finding the Priority Boarding Option – The "Add Extras" Section
This is where you'll actively look for the option to purchase priority boarding.
3.1 Navigating the "Add Extras" Menu
Once you're in the "Add Extras" or "Trip Options" section of your reservation, carefully browse the available choices. American Airlines offers various add-ons, from baggage to Wi-Fi. You're looking for something explicitly mentioning:
"Priority Boarding"
"Preferred Boarding" (though this might refer to Group 5, which you might already have)
"Upgrade Boarding Group"
The exact phrasing might vary slightly, but it will be clear it's about early boarding.
3.2 Availability and Cost
Availability: Priority boarding is not always guaranteed to be available for purchase after check-in, especially on very full flights. It's offered on select routes and is subject to availability.
Cost: The price for priority boarding can vary. It typically ranges from $9 to $59 per flight segment, depending on the route, demand, and how close to departure you are purchasing it. Adding it earlier usually results in a lower price, so while you're doing this after check-in, it might be slightly more expensive than if you had bought it during the initial booking.
Non-Refundable: Generally, purchased priority boarding is non-refundable unless American Airlines cancels or significantly changes your flight.
Step 4: Completing the Purchase – Secure Your Spot
Once you've found the priority boarding option and confirmed its availability and cost, it's time to complete the transaction.
4.1 Select and Add to Cart
Click on the "Add" or "Select" button next to the priority boarding option. It will usually be added to a virtual "cart" or summary of your additional purchases.
4.2 Review and Pay
Review Your Order: Double-check that priority boarding is correctly selected and that the price is what you expect.
Payment Information: You will need to provide payment information (credit card details) to finalize the purchase.
Confirm Purchase: Click the "Confirm" or "Purchase" button to complete the transaction.
4.3 Receive Confirmation
After a successful purchase, you should receive:
An on-screen confirmation message.
An updated boarding pass (if you're using the mobile app, it should automatically update, or you might need to re-download it). If you have a physical boarding pass, you might need to visit a kiosk or agent at the airport to get a new one.
An email confirmation detailing your purchase and updated boarding information.
Important Tip: Always check your updated boarding pass to confirm that your boarding group has changed. If you don't see the change, contact American Airlines customer service immediately.
Step 5: Alternative Methods – When Digital Fails or You Prefer Assistance
While the website and app are the most convenient, there are other avenues if you encounter issues or prefer speaking to someone.
5.1 At an American Airlines Airport Kiosk
Locate a Kiosk: Upon arrival at the airport, find an American Airlines self-service kiosk.
Access Your Reservation: Scan your passport, credit card, or manually enter your confirmation code and last name.
Look for "Add Extras" or "Upgrade Options": Similar to the online process, navigate through the kiosk menu to find options for adding extras or upgrading your boarding.
Follow Prompts: If priority boarding is available for purchase, the kiosk will guide you through the payment process.
Print New Boarding Pass: The kiosk will print a new boarding pass reflecting your updated boarding group.
5.2 Speaking to an American Airlines Agent
Check-in Counter: If you're at the airport well in advance, you can approach the American Airlines check-in counter. Explain to the agent that you'd like to purchase priority boarding. They can assist you if it's available.
Gate Agent: As a last resort, if you're already at the gate, you can ask the gate agent if there's any possibility to purchase priority boarding. However, availability is much more limited at this stage, and they might be preoccupied with the boarding process itself. It's always best to try earlier if possible.
Customer Service Hotline: You can call American Airlines customer service directly. Have your confirmation code ready. While they can typically add it before check-in, they may also be able to assist after check-in, depending on their system's capabilities and how close it is to departure.
Pro Tip: When calling American Airlines, be patient, as wait times can vary. Clearly state your request: "I have already checked in for my flight, and I would like to inquire about purchasing priority boarding for my upcoming flight."
Step 6: Enjoy Your Priority Boarding Benefits! – The Smooth Sailing Awaits
Once you've successfully secured priority boarding, look for the designated "Priority" lanes at security (where available) and, most importantly, at the boarding gate. When your group is called (usually Groups 1-4), proceed to board.
Remember, the goal is a more relaxed and efficient start to your journey. Enjoy the extra time to settle in and the peace of mind knowing your carry-on is secure!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check my American Airlines boarding group?
Your American Airlines boarding group is clearly printed on your mobile boarding pass (in the American Airlines app) or your printed boarding pass. You can also see it when you access your reservation online via AA.com.
How to know if I already have American Airlines priority boarding?
You likely have priority boarding if you are flying First or Business Class, hold AAdvantage elite status (Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, Platinum, Gold), are an eligible AAdvantage credit cardholder, or have purchased it previously. Your boarding pass will display a lower group number (typically 1-4 for priority, 5 for preferred).
How to purchase American Airlines priority boarding online after check-in?
Log in to your reservation on AA.com or through the American Airlines app. Navigate to the "Add Extras" or "Trip Options" section. Look for "Priority Boarding" or "Upgrade Boarding Group," select it, review the cost, and complete the payment.
How to add priority boarding at the American Airlines airport kiosk?
At an American Airlines self-service kiosk, access your reservation using your confirmation code or credit card. Look for options like "Add Extras" or "Upgrade Options" and follow the prompts to purchase priority boarding if available.
How to contact American Airlines customer service to add priority boarding?
You can call American Airlines customer service directly (their main contact number is usually found on their website) and provide your confirmation code. Request to add priority boarding to your checked-in flight.
How to know the cost of American Airlines priority boarding?
The cost of priority boarding varies depending on your route, demand, and how close to departure you purchase it, typically ranging from $9 to $59 per flight segment. The exact price will be displayed before you confirm your purchase online, at a kiosk, or by an agent.
How to use an American Airlines co-branded credit card for priority boarding?
If you hold an eligible American Airlines co-branded credit card, you usually receive preferred boarding (often Group 5) automatically when your AAdvantage number is linked to your booking. You typically don't need to do anything extra if the benefit is included with your card.
How to get a new boarding pass after adding priority boarding?
If you purchased priority boarding online or via the app, your mobile boarding pass should update automatically. If you have a printed pass, you might need to re-print it at a kiosk or ask an agent at the check-in counter or gate for an updated version.
How to check if priority boarding is refundable?
Generally, purchased priority boarding is non-refundable unless American Airlines cancels or significantly changes your flight schedule. Always review the terms and conditions before completing the purchase.
How to ensure my carry-on bag fits after getting priority boarding?
While priority boarding helps you secure overhead bin space, it's still essential to ensure your carry-on bag adheres to American Airlines' size and weight restrictions to avoid issues at the gate. Always check their current carry-on policy before flying.
