You've made a wise choice by opting for online check-in with American Airlines! It's a fantastic way to save time at the airport and ensure a smoother start to your journey. Gone are the days of long queues and last-minute rushes – with online check-in, you're in control.
Let's dive into the step-by-step process to get you checked in and ready for your flight!
Step 1: Get Ready! Understand the "When" and "What You Need"
Before you even open your browser or the app, let's make sure you're prepared. This is crucial to a seamless check-in experience.
Sub-heading: The Golden Window for Online Check-in
American Airlines opens its online check-in window a generous 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. This is when you can typically begin the process.
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
For domestic flights within the U.S., you can check in online up to 45 minutes before departure.
For international flights, the online check-in window closes 90 minutes before departure.
Pro Tip: The earlier you check in, especially if you haven't pre-selected a seat, the better your chances of securing your preferred seating!
Sub-heading: Essential Information You'll Need
Gather these details to make your online check-in quick and easy:
Your 6-character American Airlines booking reference (record locator): This is a combination of letters and numbers found on your e-ticket or confirmation email.
Your last name (as it appears on your reservation).
A valid photo ID or passport: While you won't input all the details during online check-in, having it handy is good practice, especially for international travel where you might be prompted for passport information or visa details.
Any necessary travel documents (e.g., visas, health declarations) for international travel. While these are usually verified at the airport, some online systems might ask for confirmation or offer links to relevant information.
Important Note: Online check-in may not be available in certain situations, such as if you are traveling with a pet, have special service requests (like an unaccompanied minor), or your first flight is not operated by American Airlines, American Eagle, British Airways, or Iberia.
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| How To Check In Online American Airlines |
Step 2: Choose Your Platform – Website or Mobile App
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
American Airlines offers two convenient ways to check in online: their official website or their mobile app. Both provide a user-friendly experience.
Sub-heading: Option A: Checking In via the American Airlines Website
Navigate to AA.com: Open your web browser and go to the official American Airlines website,
www.aa.com.Locate the "Check In" Tab: On the homepage, you'll see a prominent "Check In" tab or link. Click on it.
Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter your last name and your 6-character confirmation code. Input these carefully and click "Find Your Trip" or a similar button.
Retrieve Your Itinerary: The system will display your flight details. Verify that all the information is correct.
Follow the Prompts: The website will guide you through the remaining steps. This typically includes:
Confirming your identity: You might be asked to reconfirm your name and other details.
Acknowledging restricted items: You'll need to confirm that you are not carrying any hazardous or prohibited items.
Selecting or confirming your seat: If you haven't already, or if you wish to change your seat, this is your chance. Be aware that some seat selections, especially for preferred seats or upgrades, might incur additional fees.
Adding checked baggage (and paying fees): This is a major time-saver. You can declare the number of bags you plan to check and pay any associated fees online. This allows you to bypass the full check-in counter at the airport and head straight to the bag drop.
Reviewing and confirming: Double-check all the information before finalizing your check-in.
Obtain Your Boarding Pass: Once you've completed all the steps, you'll be given the option to:
Print your boarding pass at home.
Have it emailed to you.
Receive a mobile boarding pass (often sent to your email or accessible through the American Airlines app).
Sub-heading: Option B: Checking In via the American Airlines Mobile App
The American Airlines mobile app is an incredibly convenient way to manage your trip, including check-in.
Download the App: If you haven't already, download the "American Airlines" app from your device's app store (available for both iOS and Android).
Log In or "Continue as Guest":
If you have an AAdvantage® account, log in for a more personalized experience. Your upcoming trips should automatically appear.
If you prefer not to log in, you can usually select "Find Reservation/Check In" or "Continue as Guest" and enter your last name and confirmation code.
Tap "Check In": On the home screen of the app, you'll typically see a prominent "Check In" button or a section for your upcoming trips.
Select Your Flight and Passengers: Choose the flight you wish to check in for and select the passengers traveling on that reservation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts: Similar to the website, the app will guide you through the check-in process:
Confirming details.
Acknowledging restricted items.
Selecting or changing your seat.
Adding and paying for checked bags.
Receive Your Mobile Boarding Pass: The biggest advantage of app check-in is the instant mobile boarding pass. It will be stored directly within the app, ready to be scanned at security and at the gate. Many airports now prefer mobile boarding passes, making this a very efficient option.
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
Step 3: Baggage and Beyond – What to Do After Online Check-in
Completing your online check-in is a big step, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind, especially if you have checked bags.
Sub-heading: If You Have Checked Baggage
Head to Bag Drop: Even if you've paid for your bags online, you'll still need to drop them off at the airport. Look for designated "Bag Drop" or "Self-Service Bag Tag" kiosks or counters. These lines are typically much faster than the full-service check-in counters.
Print Bag Tags (if offered): Some airports and kiosks allow you to print your bag tags by scanning your mobile or printed boarding pass. Attach these tags securely to your luggage.
Proceed to Security: Once your bags are checked, you can head directly to the security checkpoint.
Sub-heading: If You Only Have Carry-on Baggage
Go Straight to Security: This is the ultimate benefit of online check-in! With just a mobile or printed boarding pass and your carry-on luggage, you can bypass all check-in counters and proceed directly to airport security.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Flight Information
Even after checking in, it's a good idea to stay updated:
Check the American Airlines app: The app will provide real-time updates on your gate number, boarding time, and any potential delays.
Monitor airport screens: Always verify your gate and boarding information at the airport, as changes can occur.
Benefits of Online Check-in with American Airlines
Time-Saving: This is the biggest advantage! Avoid long queues at the airport check-in counters.
Convenience: Check in from the comfort of your home, office, or anywhere with internet access.
Seat Selection: Get the opportunity to choose or change your seat (subject to availability and fare rules) before others.
Mobile Boarding Pass: Keep your boarding pass readily available on your smartphone.
Pre-pay for Baggage: Streamline the baggage drop-off process by paying fees in advance.
Reduced Stress: Arrive at the airport feeling more relaxed, knowing a significant part of the check-in process is already complete.
Less Chance of Being Bumped: While rare, checking in early can sometimes help mitigate the risk of being involuntarily bumped from an overbooked flight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to:
How to check in for an American Airlines flight if I don't have internet access? You can still check in at the airport using the self-service kiosks or by speaking to an agent at the American Airlines check-in counter.
How to add checked bags after I've already checked in online? You can usually add and pay for checked bags when you drop them off at the airport kiosk or counter. Some apps or websites might allow you to modify your reservation to add bags after initial check-in, but it's often easiest to handle it at the airport bag drop.
How to change my seat after checking in online? While online check-in allows for seat selection, once you've finalized your check-in, making changes online can be restricted. You might need to speak to an agent at the airport or at the gate to inquire about seat changes.
How to get a printed boarding pass if I used the mobile app for check-in? You can print your boarding pass at any American Airlines self-service kiosk at the airport by scanning your mobile boarding pass or entering your confirmation code.
How to check in for a group traveling on the same reservation? If you're all on the same reservation, you can typically check in everyone at once through the online check-in process. Each individual will receive their own boarding pass.
How to check in for an American Airlines flight if I'm traveling with an infant? If you're traveling with an infant under two years old (especially if they are on your lap), you might be directed to complete your check-in at aa.com rather than the app, or even advised to check in at the airport, as special documentation or considerations may apply.
How to check in if my first flight is with a codeshare partner airline? If your first flight is not operated by American Airlines or one of its close partners (American Eagle, British Airways, Iberia), you might need to check in directly with the operating airline for that first segment.
How to get help if I encounter technical issues during online check-in? If you face technical difficulties, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or try a different browser/device. If issues persist, contact American Airlines customer service for assistance.
How to confirm my check-in was successful? You will receive a confirmation message on the website or app, and you'll be issued a boarding pass (digital or printable). This is your confirmation.
How to handle special assistance requests during online check-in? For special assistance requests (e.g., wheelchair, medical needs), it's generally recommended to contact American Airlines in advance. While you can check in online, these requests often require confirmation at the airport.
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