The American Airlines app is an indispensable tool for modern travelers, designed to streamline your journey from booking to baggage claim. It's packed with features that help you stay informed, manage your reservations, and, most importantly, check in for your flight with ease. Forget scrambling for printouts or waiting in long lines at the airport – with the app, your boarding pass is just a few taps away!
Are you ready to take control of your travel experience? Let's dive into how to check in on the American Airlines app, step by step!
Step 1: Getting Started - Downloading and Setting Up Your App
First things first, you need the American Airlines app on your mobile device. Don't skip this critical first step!
For Apple Users: Head to the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
For Android Users: Open the Google Play Store on your Android smartphone or tablet.
Once you're in the app store, search for "American Airlines." You'll see the official app with the familiar American Airlines logo. Tap "Install" or "Get" and let the magic happen.
Sub-heading: Creating or Logging into Your Account
After the app is installed, open it. You'll likely be prompted to log in or create an account.
Existing AAdvantage Members: This is the easiest route. Enter your AAdvantage number and password. If you enable the "Remember Me" option, you won't have to log in every time, making future check-ins even faster.
New Users or Traveling as a Guest: If you don't have an AAdvantage account or prefer not to log in, you can often proceed as a guest. You'll need your first name, last name, and the 6-character record locator (confirmation code) for your flight.
Tip: Having your AAdvantage number or confirmation code handy before you start will save you time!
Step 2: Locating Your Trip - Finding Your Flight in the App
Once you're logged in or proceeding as a guest, the app's home screen should display your upcoming trips.
If Logged In: Your upcoming flights will usually appear right on the personalized home screen. Look for the trip you wish to check in for.
If Continuing as a Guest: You'll typically see an option like "Find Reservation & Check In" on the home screen. Tap this and input your first name, last name, and the 6-character record locator.
Sub-heading: Understanding Check-in Timelines
It's crucial to know when you can check in via the app.
Domestic Flights (within the U.S., Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands): You can check in starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure time and up to 45 minutes before departure.
International Flights: You can check in starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure time and up to 60 minutes before departure.
Trying to check in outside of these windows will usually result in an error message.
Step 3: Initiating Check-in - The Green Button Awaits!
Once you've located your flight, you'll see a prominent "Check In" button associated with that trip.
Tap on the "Check In" button.
The app will then guide you through a series of screens to confirm your details and preferences.
Step 4: Confirming Details & Preferences - Your Pre-Flight Checklist
This is where you'll verify that all the information for your flight is correct.
Personal Details: Confirm your name, date of birth, and gender match your government-issued ID. The TSA Secure Flight program requires this information.
Seat Selection (if applicable): If you haven't already selected a seat, or wish to change it, the app will often present a seat map. You can choose an available seat here. Note: Basic Economy fares may have restrictions on seat selection.
Baggage Declaration: You'll be asked to declare if you have any checked bags. If you do, you can often add them and even pay any associated baggage fees directly through the app. This can save you time at the airport!
Travel Requirements: For international travel, the app might prompt you to confirm you have the necessary travel documents (passport, visa, etc.) for your destination.
Review and Confirm: Before finalizing, you'll be presented with a summary of your flight details. Double-check everything carefully!
Step 5: Receiving Your Mobile Boarding Pass - Your Digital Golden Ticket
Congratulations! Once you've successfully completed all the check-in steps, the American Airlines app will generate your mobile boarding pass.
Digital Display: Your boarding pass will typically be displayed with a scannable QR code. This is what you'll show at security checkpoints and the boarding gate.
Saving to Your Digital Wallet: For even quicker access, most phones allow you to save your mobile boarding pass to your device's digital wallet (e.g., Apple Wallet for iOS, Google Wallet for Android). This means you can access it even without an internet connection.
Email Option: You may also have the option to have your boarding pass emailed to you.
Sub-heading: What if I have checked bags?
Even with mobile check-in, if you have checked bags, you'll still need to drop them off at the airport.
Express Bag Tag Kiosks: At many airports, after checking in on the app, you can use self-service kiosks to quickly print your bag tags by scanning your mobile boarding pass.
Curbside Check-in: In some locations, you can use curbside check-in (for domestic flights) if you've already checked in on the app.
Baggage Drop Counter: Otherwise, head to the American Airlines baggage drop counter.
Step 6: At the Airport - Using Your Mobile Boarding Pass
With your mobile boarding pass readily available, your airport experience becomes smoother.
Security Checkpoint: When you reach the TSA security checkpoint, present your mobile boarding pass on your phone screen to the agent. Ensure your screen brightness is turned up for easy scanning. You'll also need a valid photo ID.
Gate Information & Updates: The app is a fantastic tool for real-time updates. It will notify you of any gate changes, delays, or boarding time adjustments. Your mobile boarding pass will also update automatically with new gate information.
Boarding: At the boarding gate, simply present your mobile boarding pass again for scanning before you step onto the aircraft.
Troubleshooting Tips for a Smooth App Check-in Experience
While the American Airlines app is generally reliable, sometimes glitches happen. Here are a few things to try if you encounter issues:
Check Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or cellular data connection.
Restart the App: Close the app completely and reopen it.
Restart Your Device: A classic, but often effective, solution for many app issues.
Update the App: Make sure you have the latest version of the American Airlines app installed. Outdated versions can cause problems.
Clear App Cache (Android): In your phone's settings, you can often clear the cache for specific apps. This can resolve performance issues.
Use the American Airlines Website: If the app is giving you persistent trouble, you can always go to
aa.comon your mobile browser or computer to check in. The experience is very similar.Contact Customer Support: If all else fails, don't hesitate to reach out to American Airlines customer service. Their contact information is available within the app or on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to download the American Airlines app? Go to your phone's app store (App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android), search for "American Airlines," and tap "Install" or "Get."
How to find my flight on the American Airlines app? If you're logged in with your AAdvantage account, your upcoming trips will appear on the home screen. If not, select "Find Reservation & Check In" and enter your first name, last name, and 6-character confirmation code.
How to check in for an international flight on the American Airlines app? The process is generally the same as domestic flights. You can check in 24 hours to 60 minutes before departure. Be prepared to confirm international travel document requirements within the app.
How to get my mobile boarding pass after checking in on the American Airlines app? After successful check-in, your mobile boarding pass with a scannable QR code will display directly in the app. You'll also typically have the option to save it to your phone's digital wallet or receive it via email.
How to add checked bags when checking in on the American Airlines app? During the check-in process, the app will prompt you to declare if you have checked bags. Follow the prompts to add them and pay any associated fees.
How to change my seat on the American Airlines app during check-in? If seat changes are permitted for your fare type, the app will usually display a seat map during the check-in process where you can select or change your seat.
How to troubleshoot if the American Airlines app isn't working for check-in?
Try restarting the app, checking your internet connection, restarting your phone, or ensuring the app is updated. If issues persist, try checking in via aa.com or contact American Airlines customer service.
How to use my mobile boarding pass at the airport? Present the mobile boarding pass (with the QR code displayed) on your phone screen to the TSA agent at security and again to the gate agent for boarding. Remember to increase your screen brightness.
How to know if my airport accepts mobile boarding passes? Most major airports in the U.S. and internationally accept mobile boarding passes. If you're unsure, you can usually find this information on the airport's official website or by contacting American Airlines.
How to link my AAdvantage account to the American Airlines app? When you first open the app, you'll have the option to log in using your AAdvantage number and password. If you're already in the app, look for a "My Account" or "Profile" section to add or link your AAdvantage details.
