Are you ready to embark on a seamless journey with American Airlines and Japan Airlines? When you've booked a flight with American Airlines (AA) but it's operated by Japan Airlines (JAL), the check-in process can sometimes feel a little like navigating a codeshare labyrinth. But don't worry, we're here to guide you through it, step by step, to ensure a smooth start to your travel adventure!
The Codeshare Conundrum: Why It Matters
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly understand why this scenario is a bit different. Airlines often partner up to offer a wider network of destinations. This is called a "codeshare" agreement. In your case, you bought a ticket with an American Airlines flight number (e.g., AAXXXX), but the actual aircraft, crew, and ground services will be provided by Japan Airlines. This means that for check-in and boarding, you'll primarily be interacting with JAL.
Ready to get started? Let's go!
Step 1: Confirm Your Operating Carrier and PNR
This is the most crucial first step! Many people overlook this and end up at the wrong check-in counter or website.
How to Confirm:
Check your booking confirmation: Look for text like "Operated by Japan Airlines" or similar. It will usually be clearly stated.
Find your JAL PNR (Passenger Name Record): While you have an American Airlines confirmation code, Japan Airlines will have its own separate, 6-character alphanumeric booking reference. This JAL PNR is essential for online check-in on the JAL website. You can often find this on your American Airlines e-ticket itinerary or by calling American Airlines and requesting the operating carrier's PNR.
If you cannot find the JAL PNR, contact American Airlines customer service and specifically ask for the Japan Airlines booking reference for your flight. This will save you a lot of hassle later!
Step 2: Choose Your Check-in Method
With your JAL PNR in hand, you have a few options for checking in. The most convenient are usually online or via the mobile app.
Option A: Online Check-in via Japan Airlines (JAL) Website (Recommended)
This is generally the most efficient way to check in for a JAL-operated flight. Online check-in is typically available from 24 hours to 60 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure.
Navigate to the JAL Website: Open your web browser and go to the official Japan Airlines website (jal.co.jp). Look for the "Check-in" or "Manage Booking" section.
Enter Your Details: You'll typically be prompted to enter your:
Reservation Number (your JAL PNR) or e-Ticket Number (the 13-digit number from your ticket).
Departure Date.
Last Name and First Name (ensure these match exactly as on your passport/ticket).
Flight Number (your JAL flight number, if you have it, otherwise your AA flight number might work, but the JAL PNR is key).
Identify Passengers and Confirm Itinerary: The system will display your itinerary. Select the passengers you wish to check in. If you're traveling with companions on separate bookings, some systems allow you to link them here.
Provide Required Information: You'll need to enter any necessary regulatory information, such as your passport details, visa information (if applicable), and potentially your address in the U.S. (if traveling to the United States).
Tip: Have your passport readily available for scanning or manual input.
Review Dangerous Goods Policy: You'll be asked to acknowledge the restricted and prohibited items policy. Read it carefully and confirm.
Select Your Seat (If Not Already Done): If you haven't pre-selected a seat, the system will assign one. You may have the option to change it if preferred seats are available.
Confirm and Obtain Boarding Pass: Review all the check-in details. Once confirmed, you can choose how to receive your boarding pass:
Send to Email: You'll typically receive both a home-print and mobile boarding pass.
Download/Print: Print it out at home.
Add to Mobile Wallet: For quick access on your smartphone.
Important: Screenshots of boarding passes may not be accepted at the airport. Ensure you have the official digital or printed version.
Option B: Japan Airlines (JAL) Mobile App Check-in
The JAL app offers a convenient way to check in on the go.
Download the JAL App: Search for "JAL" or "Japan Airlines" in your smartphone's app store and download it.
Access Check-in: Look for the "Check-in now" option within the app.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: The process is very similar to the online check-in on the website, requiring your JAL PNR, name, and other travel details.
Receive Mobile Boarding Pass: Once checked in, your mobile boarding pass will be accessible directly in the app.
Option C: Airport Check-in (Less Recommended, but Viable)
If online or mobile check-in isn't possible, or if you have special circumstances (e.g., traveling with an infant, special assistance, complex baggage), you can check in at the airport.
Locate the Japan Airlines Check-in Counter: Even though your ticket is American Airlines, you'll go to the Japan Airlines check-in counter, as they are the operating carrier. Look for the JAL signage at the airport.
Present Your Documents: Have your passport, e-ticket itinerary (or at least your JAL PNR or American Airlines confirmation code), and any necessary visa documents ready.
Baggage Drop: If you have checked baggage, this is where you'll drop it off.
Note on Baggage Policy: While you booked with AA, Japan Airlines' baggage policies generally apply for your operated flight, especially concerning weight and dimensions. Always double-check JAL's baggage rules on their website or your itinerary to avoid surprises.
Receive Boarding Pass: The agent will issue your boarding pass and baggage tags.
Step 3: Proceed to Security and Boarding
Once you have your boarding pass (mobile or printed), you can head to the security checkpoint. Follow the standard airport procedures.
Gate Information: Your boarding pass will indicate your gate number. Keep an eye on airport monitors for any last-minute gate changes.
Boarding: Boarding will commence according to the schedule on your boarding pass. Have your boarding pass and passport ready for inspection.
Key Considerations and Pro-Tips:
Timeliness: Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. It's highly recommended to check in as soon as it opens, especially if you want to secure a preferred seat.
Connecting Flights: If your itinerary includes connecting flights, and the subsequent flights are also operated by JAL, you should be able to check in for all segments. If a connecting flight is operated by a different airline, you might need to check in separately with that carrier.
Baggage: For codeshare flights, the baggage policy of the operating carrier (JAL in this case) usually applies. Be sure to review JAL's baggage allowances and any potential fees to avoid unexpected charges at the airport.
Frequent Flyer Programs: If you're an AAdvantage member, ensure your AAdvantage number is linked to your booking to earn miles and enjoy any applicable status benefits on the JAL-operated flight. Similarly, if you're a JAL Mileage Bank member, make sure that's linked.
Travel Documents: Always have your passport and any required visas or travel authorizations readily accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to Check In American Airlines Operated by Japan Airlines
Here are 10 common questions with quick answers to further assist you:
How to find my Japan Airlines (JAL) booking reference if I booked through American Airlines (AA)?
You can usually find the JAL PNR (a 6-character alphanumeric code) on your American Airlines e-ticket itinerary or by contacting American Airlines customer service and asking for the operating carrier's reference number.
How to check in online for an American Airlines flight operated by Japan Airlines?
Go to the official Japan Airlines (JAL) website (jal.co.jp) or use the JAL mobile app. Enter your JAL booking reference (PNR) or e-ticket number, along with your name and flight details, to proceed with online check-in.
How to know if my American Airlines flight is operated by Japan Airlines?
Check your flight confirmation or e-ticket itinerary. It will explicitly state "Operated by Japan Airlines" next to the flight number.
How to select seats for an American Airlines ticket operated by Japan Airlines?
You typically select seats directly on the Japan Airlines website or through their mobile app using your JAL booking reference. If you have an AAdvantage or JAL Mileage Bank status, your benefits may apply.
How to check baggage when flying American Airlines operated by Japan Airlines?
You will check your bags at the Japan Airlines (JAL) check-in counter at the airport. Be aware that JAL's baggage policies will generally apply.
How to get a boarding pass for an American Airlines flight operated by Japan Airlines?
You can obtain your boarding pass via online check-in on the JAL website, through the JAL mobile app, or at the Japan Airlines check-in counter or self-service kiosks at the airport.
How to use a mobile boarding pass for a codeshare flight with JAL?
After completing online check-in on the JAL website or app, you can usually choose to have the mobile boarding pass sent to your email or added directly to your smartphone's mobile wallet.
How to arrive at the airport for a JAL-operated flight booked with AA?
Plan to arrive at the airport with ample time, typically 2-3 hours before an international flight, and proceed to the Japan Airlines (JAL) check-in counter, even though your ticket is American Airlines.
How to ensure my frequent flyer miles are credited for a codeshare flight?
Make sure your American Airlines AAdvantage number (or JAL Mileage Bank number if you prefer) is added to your reservation before or during check-in. You can usually do this when managing your booking online or by informing the agent at the check-in counter.
How to handle issues if I can't check in online for my JAL-operated flight?
If you encounter issues with online check-in, first double-check that you are using the Japan Airlines website/app and your JAL PNR. If problems persist, proceed to the Japan Airlines check-in counter at the airport.
