Ready to streamline your travel experience with American Airlines? Checking in for your flight has never been easier, thanks to the robust and user-friendly American Airlines app. Say goodbye to long lines at the airport counter and hello to the convenience of managing your journey right from your smartphone. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the mobile check-in process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your trip.
The Power of the American Airlines App
The American Airlines app is designed to be your ultimate travel companion. Beyond just checking in, it offers a wealth of features that keep you informed and in control. From real-time flight updates and interactive airport maps to AAdvantage® account management and in-flight entertainment, the app puts everything you need at your fingertips. It even allows you to track your bags, rebook flights in case of disruptions, and communicate with customer service via chat. It’s an essential tool for any American Airlines traveler.
Let's dive into the step-by-step process of checking in using the app.
Step 1: Get the American Airlines App and Prepare for Check-in
Before you can enjoy the magic of mobile check-in, you need to ensure you have the app installed and your travel details handy.
Sub-heading 1.1: Download and Install the App
First things first, if you haven't already, download the American Airlines app to your mobile device. It's available for both iOS and Android platforms.
For iOS (Apple) Devices:
Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap the "Search" icon (magnifying glass) at the bottom right.
Type "American Airlines" in the search bar and press Search.
Locate the official "American Airlines" app (usually the one with the blue AA logo) and tap "Get" or the cloud icon to download.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install.
For Android Devices:
Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet.
Tap the "Search" bar at the top.
Type "American Airlines" and press the search icon.
Find the official "American Airlines" app and tap "Install."
Follow the on-screen prompts to install.
Sub-heading 1.2: Know Your Check-in Window
It's crucial to know when you can check in via the app. American Airlines allows you to check in:
For flights within the U.S., you can check in starting 24 hours before and up to 45 minutes before your scheduled departure.
For international flights, check-in opens 24 hours before and typically closes 90 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Mark your calendar or set a reminder! Checking in early often gives you more flexibility, especially with seat selection.
Sub-heading 1.3: Gather Your Information
To make the check-in process smooth, have one of the following readily available:
Your six-character confirmation code (also known as a Record Locator or PNR). This is the most common and easiest way.
Your e-ticket number.
Your AAdvantage® number (if you're a frequent flyer and the reservation is linked to it).
The first and last name of at least one passenger on the reservation.
Step 2: Open the App and Locate Your Trip
Once the app is installed and you're within the check-in window, it's time to open it up!
Sub-heading 2.1: Launch the App
Tap the American Airlines icon on your device's home screen to open the app.
Sub-heading 2.2: Log In or Continue as Guest
You'll usually be presented with options to log in or continue as a guest.
If you have an AAdvantage® account: It's highly recommended to Log In using your AAdvantage® number or username and password. This will automatically pull up all your upcoming trips, making the process even simpler and allowing you to manage your loyalty benefits.
If you don't have an AAdvantage® account or prefer not to log in: Select "Continue as Guest" or "Find Reservation/Check In." You will then need to manually input your reservation details.
Sub-heading 2.3: Find Your Trip
If logged in: Your upcoming trips should be displayed prominently on the home screen. Locate the flight you wish to check in for.
If continuing as a guest: You will likely see a prompt for "Find Reservation" or "Check In." Tap this and enter your:
Last Name
Confirmation Code (your 6-character booking reference)
Then tap "Search" or "Find Trip."
Step 3: Initiate the Check-in Process
Once your trip is located, the app will guide you to the check-in initiation.
Sub-heading 3.1: Tap "Check In"
On your trip summary screen, you will typically see a prominent button that says "Check In" or a similar phrase. Tap this button to begin the official check-in sequence.
The app will often display a countdown to your flight, prompting you to check in when the window opens.
Sub-heading 3.2: Review Travel Details and Confirm Passengers
The app will display your flight details, including flight number, departure and arrival times, and passenger names.
Carefully review all information to ensure it's correct.
You might be asked to confirm that you are checking in all passengers on the reservation, or select specific passengers if not everyone is traveling.
Step 4: Address Important Travel Questions
For security and regulatory reasons, you'll need to answer a few questions.
Sub-heading 4.1: Hazardous Materials Declaration
You will be prompted to confirm that you are not carrying any hazardous materials in your checked or carry-on baggage. This is a standard safety declaration.
Read this carefully and confirm by checking the box or tapping "Agree" once you understand and comply.
Sub-heading 4.2: Confirming Travel Restrictions (Especially for International Flights)
For international flights, the app may prompt you to acknowledge that you have reviewed and comply with any travel restrictions or entry requirements for your destination (e.g., visas, health declarations).
While the app provides this reminder, it's always your responsibility to ensure you have all necessary travel documents for your destination.
Sub-heading 4.3: Seat Selection (If Applicable)
If you haven't already selected a seat or wish to change your assigned seat, the app will offer you the option to do so.
You can view the seat map and choose from available seats. Be aware that some seat selections, especially for preferred or exit row seats, may incur an additional fee.
If you're happy with your current seat, simply confirm and proceed.
Step 5: Finalize Check-in and Get Your Boarding Pass
You're almost there! This is where you receive your mobile boarding pass.
Sub-heading 5.1: Confirm and Complete Check-in
After answering all necessary questions and making any seat adjustments, you'll usually see a "Complete Check-in" or "Finalize" button.
Tap this to officially complete the check-in process.
Sub-heading 5.2: Access Your Mobile Boarding Pass
Upon successful check-in, the app will generate your mobile boarding pass.
This is typically displayed prominently and can be added to your device's digital wallet (like Apple Wallet on iOS or Google Wallet on Android) for easy access. This is highly recommended as it ensures you can access it even without an internet connection.
The boarding pass will display critical information such as your name, flight number, gate number, seat number, and a scannable barcode.
Sub-heading 5.3: What to Do with Bags
If you have no checked bags: Congratulations! You can head straight to security at the airport, scanning your mobile boarding pass at the checkpoint.
If you have checked bags: The app will confirm your check-in status, but you'll still need to drop off your luggage.
Many airports offer curbside bag check for eligible flights (requires electronic ticket).
Alternatively, you can use the self-service kiosks inside the airport to print bag tags and then proceed to a bag drop counter.
Or, you can go to the traditional American Airlines check-in counter.
Remember to adhere to the baggage drop-off deadlines (typically 45 minutes before domestic flights, 60 minutes before international).
Step 6: Day of Travel – Using Your Mobile Boarding Pass
Your check-in is complete! Now, on the day of your flight, the app continues to be your guide.
Sub-heading 6.1: Accessing Your Boarding Pass
Open the American Airlines app. Your mobile boarding pass should be easily accessible from the home screen or a dedicated "Boarding Pass" section. If you added it to your digital wallet, it will be there as well.
Ensure your phone's battery is sufficiently charged! You don't want to run out of power at the security checkpoint or gate.
Sub-heading 6.2: At the Airport
Security Checkpoint: Present your mobile boarding pass (with the barcode clearly visible) and your valid photo ID to the TSA agent. They will scan the barcode.
Gate Updates: The app will provide real-time updates on your gate assignment, boarding time, and any potential delays. Keep an eye on these notifications.
Boarding: When it's time to board, simply present your mobile boarding pass to the gate agent. They will scan the barcode, and you'll be on your way!
Congratulations!
You've successfully checked in via the American Airlines app and are ready to fly. Enjoy the convenience and ease that modern travel technology offers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, starting with 'How to', along with their quick answers:
How to download the American Airlines app?
You can download the American Airlines app from the Apple App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices. Simply search for "American Airlines" and tap "Get" or "Install."
How to know when I can check in using the app?
Online and app check-in for American Airlines flights opens 24 hours before your scheduled departure. It typically closes 45 minutes before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international flights.
How to find my trip in the American Airlines app if I'm not an AAdvantage member?
If you're not logged into an AAdvantage account, you can select "Continue as Guest" or "Find Reservation/Check In" on the app's home screen. Then, enter your last name and your six-character confirmation code (Record Locator).
How to add my mobile boarding pass to my digital wallet?
After successfully checking in via the app, you'll usually see an option to "Add to Apple Wallet" (for iOS) or "Save to Google Pay/Wallet" (for Android). Tapping this will securely store your boarding pass for easy access.
How to check bags after checking in via the app?
Even after checking in on the app, you still need to drop off your checked bags at the airport. You can use curbside check-in (if available), a self-service kiosk to print bag tags and then drop them, or the traditional check-in counter.
How to change my seat after checking in on the app?
While you can typically select or change your seat during the check-in process, once check-in is complete, you might not be able to change your seat directly through the app. You may need to speak to an agent at the airport or contact American Airlines customer service for assistance.
How to get flight updates from the American Airlines app?
The American Airlines app provides real-time flight updates, including gate changes, boarding times, and delays, directly on your home screen or through push notifications if enabled. You can also track your flight's status within the app.
How to use the mobile boarding pass at the airport?
At the security checkpoint and boarding gate, simply open your American Airlines app or digital wallet to display your mobile boarding pass with the scannable barcode. Present it to the TSA agent or gate agent, who will scan it.
How to know if my airport accepts mobile boarding passes?
Most major airports accept mobile boarding passes. You can typically find this information on the American Airlines website under "Airport details" for your specific departure or connecting airport.
How to rebook a flight if it's delayed or canceled after checking in?
The American Airlines app offers instant rebooking options if your flight is delayed or canceled. You can often move to another available flight directly within the app without needing to wait in line at the airport.
