Get ready to soar, fellow traveler! Checking in for your American Airlines flight using their mobile app is a game-changer for a smooth and stress-free journey. No more scrambling for printouts or waiting in long airport lines – your phone becomes your ultimate travel companion.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you're ready to breeze through security and straight to your gate.
The Power of the American Airlines App: Why Mobile Check-In is Your Best Friend
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's appreciate why the American Airlines app is so indispensable for modern travel:
Convenience: Check in from your couch, your commute, or anywhere with an internet connection.
Time-Saving: Skip the traditional check-in counter and self-service kiosks (unless you have bags to check).
Digital Boarding Pass: Your boarding pass is right on your phone, easily accessible and eco-friendly.
Real-time Updates: Get instant notifications about gate changes, delays, and boarding times.
Flexibility: Manage your reservation, change seats (if applicable), and even add bags directly from the app.
Now, let's get you checked in!
Step 1: Are You Ready for Takeoff? Pre-Check-in Essentials
Alright, let's start with a quick self-check! Do you have everything you need to make this a smooth process?
Sub-heading: Download and Log In (or Guest Access)
First things first, make sure you have the American Airlines app installed on your smartphone.
If you haven't already: Head to the Apple App Store (for iOS users) or Google Play Store (for Android users) and search for "American Airlines." Download and install the app.
Log in (Recommended): If you have an AAdvantage® account, log in using your AAdvantage® number or username and password. This is the easiest way to access your upcoming trips. Your booked flights will usually appear automatically on the home screen.
Continue as Guest: If you don't have an AAdvantage® account or prefer not to log in, you can still check in as a guest. You'll need your six-character confirmation code (also known as a Record Locator) and your last name. This code is typically found in your booking confirmation email.
Sub-heading: Timing is Everything!
American Airlines allows you to check in within a specific window. Make sure you're within these times:
For flights within the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands: You can check in starting 24 hours and up to 45 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure time.
For international flights: You can check in starting 24 hours and up to 90 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Pro-tip: The earlier you check in within this window, the better your chances of securing your preferred seat (if you haven't already selected one) and getting through the process without a rush.
Sub-heading: Who Can't Use Mobile Check-in (and what to do instead)
While mobile check-in is super convenient, there are a few scenarios where it might not be available:
If your first flight is not operated by American Airlines (even if it's a codeshare partner where American is the marketing carrier).
If you're traveling with a pet, weapon, or firearm.
If you are an unaccompanied minor.
If you have special travel requirements (e.g., specific medical assistance that needs to be verified at the counter).
What to do: In these cases, you'll need to check in at the airport counter or a self-service kiosk.
Step 2: Finding Your Trip and Initiating Check-in
Alright, app opened, credentials ready, let's find that flight!
Sub-heading: Locating Your Reservation
If you're logged in: Your upcoming trips should be prominently displayed on the app's home screen. Simply tap on the flight you wish to check in for.
If you're continuing as a guest: On the home screen, look for an option like "Find Reservation/Check In" or "Manage Trips." Tap on it and then enter your last name and your six-character confirmation code. Double-check for any typos!
Sub-heading: Tapping the "Check In" Button
Once you've found your trip details, you'll see a prominent "Check In" button. It might be clearly labeled or within a "Trip Details" or "Manage Trip" section. Tap this button to begin the official check-in process.
Step 3: Confirming Your Details and Travel Requirements
Now the app will guide you through a series of confirmations to ensure everything is accurate for your journey.
Sub-heading: Verifying Passenger Information
The app will display your name and possibly other passenger names on your reservation. Carefully review these details to ensure they are correct. If anything is amiss, you might need to contact American Airlines customer service directly, as certain changes can't be made during online check-in.
You might be asked to confirm your contact information (email and phone number) for flight updates. This is highly recommended!
Sub-heading: Acknowledging Travel Requirements
Depending on your destination, you may be presented with important travel requirements, such as visa information, health declarations, or entry restrictions. Read these carefully and confirm that you meet them. American Airlines needs this confirmation to ensure you're eligible to fly to your destination.
Important Note: Failure to accurately confirm these details can lead to issues at the airport.
Sub-heading: Seat Selection (If Applicable)
If you haven't already selected a seat, or if you wish to change your assigned seat, this is your opportunity. The app will usually show a seat map.
Explore available seats: Green indicates available seats, while gray might mean occupied or unavailable.
Be aware of fees: Some seats (e.g., extra legroom, preferred seats) might incur an additional fee. The app will clearly indicate this.
Confirm your choice: Tap on your desired seat and then confirm your selection.
Step 4: Bagging It! Declaring and Paying for Checked Luggage
If you're traveling with more than just a carry-on, this step is crucial.
Sub-heading: Declaring Checked Bags
The app will ask you to declare how many checked bags you plan to bring. Be accurate here, as this impacts the fees and process at the airport.
Review baggage allowances: If you're unsure about the number of bags or weight limits, the app usually has links to American Airlines' baggage policy. It's always a good idea to know this beforehand to avoid surprises.
Sub-heading: Paying Bag Fees
If your ticket does not include free checked bags (e.g., Basic Economy fares), or if you're exceeding the allowance, the app will prompt you to pay any applicable bag fees.
You'll typically use a credit or debit card for this transaction directly within the app.
Benefits of paying in-app: This saves you time at the airport, as you'll often just need to drop off your bags at a designated area or kiosk after checking in.
Step 5: Your Boarding Pass - The Golden Ticket!
Congratulations! You're almost there. This is the moment you've been waiting for.
Sub-heading: Viewing Your Mobile Boarding Pass
Once all details are confirmed and any bag fees paid, the app will generate your mobile boarding pass. This will typically display a QR code or barcode.
Key information: Your boarding pass will show your flight number, gate number (though this can change, so keep an eye on app notifications!), seat number, boarding group, and other essential details.
Sub-heading: Saving Your Boarding Pass to Your Digital Wallet
This is a highly recommended step for easy access at the airport!
For iPhone users (Apple Wallet): Look for an "Add to Apple Wallet" button directly on the boarding pass screen. Tap it, and follow the prompts to add the pass. It will then be easily accessible by double-clicking your iPhone's side button (or home button on older models) or opening the Wallet app.
For Android users (Google Wallet): You might see an "Add to Google Wallet" option. If not, a common workaround is to take a screenshot of your boarding pass. Then, open your Google Wallet app, tap "+ Add to wallet," and choose to add from a photo/screenshot. The app is usually smart enough to recognize the boarding pass.
Sub-heading: Emailing or Printing (Optional)
While the mobile boarding pass is fantastic, you might prefer a backup. The app often provides options to email your boarding pass to yourself (which you can then print if needed) or to send it to a printer directly.
Consider a screenshot: Even if you save it to your digital wallet, taking a screenshot of your boarding pass is a quick and easy backup in case you have app issues or no internet connectivity at the airport.
Step 6: What's Next? Airport Day Prep!
You've successfully checked in! Now, here's what to expect and how to be prepared for airport day.
Sub-heading: Baggage Drop-off
If you declared checked bags: Head to the American Airlines baggage drop-off counter or a self-service bag tag kiosk at the airport. You'll typically just need to scan your mobile boarding pass to print your bag tags, attach them, and then drop your bags off.
If you only have carry-on bags: You can bypass the check-in counters and head straight to security!
Sub-heading: Security Checkpoint
Have your mobile boarding pass (or printed version) and a valid government-issued photo ID ready.
At the security checkpoint, you'll present your boarding pass for scanning and your ID for verification.
Sub-heading: Gate Information and Notifications
Keep your app handy! Gate assignments can change, and the American Airlines app is excellent at providing real-time updates.
Enable push notifications in your phone's settings for the American Airlines app to receive instant alerts about gate changes, boarding times, and any potential delays.
The app will often display a countdown to boarding, helping you manage your time effectively.
Sub-heading: Boarding Your Flight
When your boarding group is called, have your mobile boarding pass ready to be scanned at the gate.
Enjoy your flight!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about American Airlines app check-in:
How to check in if I don't have my confirmation code?
You can usually check in using your AAdvantage® number if you're logged into the app, or sometimes with your e-ticket number and last name. If all else fails, you'll need to contact American Airlines customer service.
How to add my boarding pass to Apple Wallet if I missed the prompt?
Open the American Airlines app, go to your trip details, view your boarding pass, and look for the "Add to Apple Wallet" button. If it's not visible, ensure your app is updated to the latest version.
How to add my boarding pass to Google Wallet if there's no direct button?
Take a screenshot of your boarding pass within the American Airlines app. Then, open your Google Wallet app, tap the "+ Add to wallet" button, and select the option to add from a photo or screenshot.
How to check in for multiple passengers on one reservation?
When you initiate check-in for a reservation with multiple passengers, the app will typically allow you to check in all passengers on that reservation at once. You'll confirm details for each individual.
How to check my baggage allowance and fees?
Within the American Airlines app, usually under your trip details or a "Baggage" section, there will be a link to American Airlines' baggage policy on their website. It's best to check this before you start packing.
How to change my seat after checking in on the app?
In many cases, you can still change your seat after checking in, provided there are available seats and it's within the airline's policy. Go back to your trip details in the app and look for a "Change Seats" option. Be aware that some changes might incur fees.
How to get flight status updates through the app?
The American Airlines app provides real-time flight status updates on the home screen for your booked trips. You can also enable push notifications in your phone's settings for the app to receive automatic alerts on delays, gate changes, and boarding times.
How to fix American Airlines app check-in issues?
If you encounter problems, first ensure your app is updated. Try closing and reopening the app, or even restarting your phone. If issues persist, clear the app's cache and data (in your phone's settings) or reinstall the app. As a last resort, use the American Airlines website for check-in or contact customer service.
How to check in if my flight is a codeshare with another airline?
You can check in on the American Airlines app if the first flight in your itinerary is operated by American Airlines. If the first flight is operated by a codeshare partner (e.g., British Airways or Iberia), you might need to check in directly with that airline's app or website.
How to get a physical boarding pass if I checked in on the app?
Even if you check in on the app, you can still get a physical boarding pass at the airport. Simply visit an American Airlines self-service kiosk or the check-in counter, scan your mobile boarding pass or enter your confirmation code, and print a physical copy.
