Ready to breeze through your American Airlines travel experience? Say goodbye to long lines at the airport and hello to the convenience of checking in right from your smartphone! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of checking in for your American Airlines flight using their intuitive mobile app. Let's get started!
The Power of the American Airlines App
The American Airlines app is your ultimate travel companion. Beyond just checking in, it allows you to manage your trips, track flight status, view airport maps, access your AAdvantage® account, and even stream inflight entertainment. Using the app for check-in means you can secure your boarding pass, confirm your seat, and even add baggage before you even leave for the airport. This saves you valuable time and reduces travel stress significantly.
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| How To Do Check In In American Airlines App |
Step 1: Get the App and Prepare for Takeoff!
First things first, do you have the American Airlines app downloaded on your device? If not, let's change that right away!
1.1 Downloading the American Airlines App
For iOS (Apple) Devices: Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. In the search bar, type "American Airlines" and hit search. Look for the official American Airlines app (usually with their distinct eagle logo) and tap "Get" or the cloud icon to download and install it.
For Android Devices: Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet. Search for "American Airlines" and find the official app. Tap "Install" to download and set it up.
1.2 Setting Up Your Account (Optional but Recommended)
While you can check in as a guest, creating or logging into your AAdvantage® account within the app offers a more seamless experience. Your upcoming trips will automatically display on the home screen, making it incredibly easy to find your reservation.
Logging In: Open the app. If you have an AAdvantage® account, tap "Log in" and enter your AAdvantage® number or email address and password.
Creating an Account: If you don't have an AAdvantage® account, consider creating one! It's free and offers benefits like earning miles and easier trip management. You can do this through the app or the American Airlines website.
Continuing as a Guest: If you prefer not to log in, you can still check in by selecting the "Find Reservation/Check In" option on the home screen. You'll need your last name and confirmation code.
Step 2: Initiating the Check-In Process
The check-in window for American Airlines flights typically opens 24 hours before your scheduled departure and closes 45 minutes before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international flights. It's always best to check in as soon as the window opens to give yourself ample time and secure your preferred seat.
2.1 Finding Your Trip
If Logged In: Once you're logged into the app, your upcoming trips should be prominently displayed on the home screen under "Your Trips." Simply tap on the trip you wish to check in for.
If Continuing as Guest: From the home screen, tap "Find Reservation/Check In." You'll then be prompted to enter your last name and your 6-character confirmation code (also known as a record locator, found in your booking confirmation email). Alternatively, you can use your 13-digit e-ticket number.
2.2 Starting Check-In
After selecting your trip, you'll see a summary of your flight details. Look for a clear button that says "Check In" or "Start Check-In" and tap it.
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
Step 3: Confirming Your Details and Travel Information
This is where you'll verify all the necessary information for your flight.
3.1 Reviewing Passenger Details
The app will display your name and other passenger details associated with the reservation. Carefully review everything to ensure it's accurate and matches your government-issued ID. If there are any discrepancies, you might need to contact American Airlines customer service for assistance.
3.2 Confirming Hazardous Materials Declaration
You will be asked to confirm that you are not traveling with any hazardous materials or prohibited items. This is a standard safety measure. Read the declaration carefully and tick the box to confirm.
3.3 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 often display a seat map of your flight.
Green seats are usually available for selection.
Some seats may incur an additional fee, especially for preferred seating or extra legroom.
Select your desired seat and confirm your choice.
3.4 Baggage Declaration
If you plan to check any bags, you'll declare them here.
The app will typically show your baggage allowance based on your fare type.
You'll indicate the number of bags you intend to check.
If you're bringing more bags than your allowance, or if your bags are overweight/oversized, you may need to pay baggage fees at this stage or at the airport. The app might provide an estimate of these fees.
Step 4: Obtaining Your Mobile Boarding Pass
Once all details are confirmed, the app will generate your mobile boarding pass. This is the digital version of your ticket that you'll use to get through security and board your flight.
Tip: Focus on sections most relevant to you.
4.1 Viewing Your Boarding Pass
Your mobile boarding pass will appear on your screen, featuring a scannable QR code or barcode, your flight details, gate number (if available), seat assignment, and boarding group.
4.2 Saving Your Boarding Pass
It's highly recommended to save your mobile boarding pass to your device's digital wallet for easy access, even if you lose internet connectivity.
For iOS (Apple Wallet): Look for an "Add to Apple Wallet" button or icon on the boarding pass screen. Tap it, and your boarding pass will be added to your Apple Wallet.
For Android (Google Wallet/Passbook Apps): Similar to iOS, there should be an option to "Save to Google Wallet" or another compatible passbook app.
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4.3 Emailing Your Boarding Pass (Optional)
You may also have the option to email your boarding pass to yourself for an extra backup. This can be useful if your phone battery dies or if you need to access it on another device.
Step 5: Heading to the Airport and Beyond
Now that you're checked in and have your mobile boarding pass, you're ready for the airport!
5.1 At Security Checkpoints
When you reach the TSA security checkpoint, simply open your digital wallet or the American Airlines app and present your mobile boarding pass to the TSA agent. They will scan the QR code/barcode directly from your phone screen. Ensure your screen brightness is turned up for easy scanning. You will also need a valid government-issued photo ID.
5.2 Bag Drop (If Applicable)
If you declared checked bags during the online check-in process, head to the American Airlines bag drop counter or self-service kiosks at the airport. You'll present your mobile boarding pass, and they will print bag tags for you. Remember to attach the tags securely to your luggage.
5.3 At the Boarding Gate
QuickTip: Break down long paragraphs into main ideas.
At the boarding gate, once your boarding group is called, present your mobile boarding pass again to the gate agent. They will scan it, and you'll be on your way to your seat.
Important Considerations & Tips:
Check-in Times: Remember the 24-hour window. For domestic flights, you must be checked in at least 45 minutes before departure. For international flights, it's typically 90 minutes. Baggage must be checked in at least 45 minutes (domestic) or 60 minutes (international) before departure.
Special Circumstances: In certain situations, you might not be able to check in via the app and may need to do so at the airport counter. These include:
Traveling with a pet.
Being an unaccompanied minor.
If your first flight is not operated by American Airlines (e.g., a codeshare partner).
If your destination requires a visa that needs verification.
Phone Battery: Keep your phone charged! A dead battery means no mobile boarding pass.
Screenshots: As an extra precaution, take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass after saving it to your wallet.
Flight Changes/Delays: The American Airlines app is excellent for real-time flight updates, gate changes, and delay notifications. Keep an eye on it!
This detailed guide should help you navigate the American Airlines app check-in process with ease. Enjoy a smoother, more efficient travel experience!
10 Related FAQ Questions with Quick Answers
Here are some common questions you might have about checking in with the American Airlines app:
How to Check in if my first flight is not operated by American Airlines?
You generally cannot check in online or via the app if your first flight is on a partner airline. You'll need to check in at the airport with the operating airline.
How to Check in with a pet using the American Airlines app?
You cannot check in with a pet via the app. If you are traveling with a pet, you must check in at the airport counter to ensure all pet travel requirements are met.
How to Save my mobile boarding pass to my Apple Wallet?
After successfully checking in on the American Airlines app, look for an "Add to Apple Wallet" button or icon on your mobile boarding pass screen and tap it.
How to Save my mobile boarding pass to my Google Wallet?
Similar to Apple Wallet, after checking in, look for an option like "Save to Google Wallet" or a similar passbook icon on your mobile boarding pass screen within the American Airlines app.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
How to Get a printed boarding pass if I check in on the app?
Even if you check in on the app, you can still get a printed boarding pass at a self-service kiosk or the American Airlines check-in counter at the airport.
How to Know if my airport accepts mobile boarding passes?
Most major airports accept mobile boarding passes. You can usually find this information on the American Airlines website under "Airport details" for your specific airport, or simply assume it's accepted unless otherwise notified.
How to Change my seat after checking in on the app?
Generally, once you've checked in, you cannot change your seat through the app directly. You might need to contact American Airlines customer service or speak to a gate agent at the airport.
How to Add checked bags after checking in on the app?
If you need to add checked bags after completing app check-in, you will need to go to the American Airlines bag drop counter or a self-service kiosk at the airport.
How to Troubleshoot if my mobile boarding pass isn't loading?
Ensure you have a stable internet connection. If it still doesn't load, try restarting the app or your phone. If you saved it to your digital wallet, try accessing it from there. As a last resort, head to an American Airlines counter or kiosk at the airport.
How to Check in for an unaccompanied minor on the American Airlines app?
American Airlines does not allow online or app check-in for unaccompanied minors. You must check in at the airport counter, where a representative will assist with the necessary paperwork and procedures.
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