Are you ready to embark on a seamless journey with American Airlines, even if your plans take an unexpected turn? Don't fret about your boarding pass; updating it can be simpler than you think! Whether you've just realized you want a window seat, need to add your TSA PreCheck number, or a flight change has altered your gate, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to ensure your travel experience remains smooth.
Understanding Your Boarding Pass and When It Might Need an Update
A boarding pass is your ticket to the skies, containing crucial information like your flight number, departure time, gate, seat assignment, and passenger details. While it seems like a fixed document, certain situations might necessitate an update, even after you've checked in. These can include:
Seat Changes: You might decide you prefer an aisle seat over a window, or perhaps a better seat opened up.
Gate Changes: Airports are dynamic environments, and gate assignments can shift due to operational reasons.
Flight Schedule Changes: Delays or cancellations can lead to rebookings on different flights, requiring a new boarding pass.
Adding or Correcting Information: This could be your Known Traveler Number (KTN) for TSA PreCheck, or minor name corrections (though major name changes are often more complex and require contacting the airline directly).
Upgrade Confirmation: If your upgrade clears, your boarding pass will need to reflect your new cabin and seat.
The good news is that American Airlines offers several ways to manage and update your boarding pass, primarily through their digital platforms. Let's dive into the specifics!
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| How To Update Boarding Pass American Airlines |
Step 1: Engage with the American Airlines App – Your Primary Tool!
Have you downloaded the American Airlines app yet? If not, this is your absolute first and most crucial step! The app is your command center for managing your American Airlines travel. It's designed to make your journey easier, from booking to boarding.
Download and Install: Head to the Apple App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). Search for "American Airlines" and download the official app.
Log In or Access as Guest: Once installed, open the app. You can log in with your AAdvantage® number and password, or if you don't have an account or prefer not to log in, you can often access your trip details by selecting "Find Reservation/Check In" and entering your 6-character confirmation code and last name.
Familiarize Yourself: Take a moment to explore the app. You'll find sections for "My Trips," "Flight Status," "Check-in," and more. This familiarity will save you time later!
Step 2: Checking In and Initial Boarding Pass Generation
Before you can update a boarding pass, you need to have one! American Airlines allows you to check in for your flight 24 hours before your scheduled departure.
Online Check-in (Recommended):
Open the American Airlines app or visit
aa.com.Navigate to the "Check-in" section.
Enter your booking reference (6-character confirmation code) or your AAdvantage® number.
Follow the prompts to complete the check-in process. This typically involves confirming passenger details, acknowledging hazardous materials restrictions, and reviewing your flight information.
Upon successful check-in, you'll be given the option to receive your boarding pass. For mobile, choose the option to have it displayed in the app or emailed to you.
Saving Your Mobile Boarding Pass:
If you choose the mobile option, your boarding pass will appear in the app under "My Trips." It will display a scannable QR code.
Crucially, save your mobile boarding pass to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet for iOS, Google Pay/Wallet for Android). This ensures you can access it even without an internet connection at the airport.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
Step 3: Updating Your Boarding Pass for Seat Changes
One of the most common reasons to update your boarding pass is to change your seat. This is generally straightforward, especially if you're not on a Basic Economy fare.
Changing Seats via the App/Website (Pre-Check-in and Post-Check-in):
Before Check-in: This is the ideal time. Go to "My Trips" or "Manage Trip" on the app or website, locate your flight, and look for an option to "Change Seats" or "Seat Selection." You'll see a seat map and can pick an available seat. Some seats might have a fee, depending on your fare type and AAdvantage® status.
After Check-in: Even after checking in, you can often change your seat if a more desirable one becomes available.
Open the American Airlines app.
Go to "My Trips" and select your flight.
Look for a "Change Seats" or "Seat Map" option.
If you successfully change your seat, the app will automatically update your digital boarding pass to reflect the new seat assignment. If you have a physical boarding pass, you'll need to print a new one at a kiosk or ask an agent.
Important Considerations for Seat Changes:
Basic Economy Fares: With Basic Economy tickets, seat assignments are typically made automatically at check-in, and you might need to pay a fee to select a specific seat in advance or change it.
Availability: Seat availability can change rapidly, especially closer to departure. Keep checking if your desired seat isn't initially available.
Paid Seats: If you paid for a seat and then change to a lower-priced or free seat, you generally won't receive a refund for the difference.
Step 4: Handling Gate Changes and Flight Schedule Updates
These changes are usually initiated by the airline, and your boarding pass will need to reflect them.
Real-time Notifications:
American Airlines is excellent at providing real-time updates. Make sure you have push notifications enabled for the American Airlines app on your phone. You'll receive alerts for gate changes, delays, and cancellations.
You can also sign up for flight notifications via text or email through your AAdvantage® profile or when checking in.
Boarding Pass Auto-Update:
For Mobile Boarding Passes: When a gate changes or a flight is rebooked, your digital boarding pass in the American Airlines app or in your phone's wallet should automatically update. Always double-check the information on your boarding pass against the airport screens.
For Printed Boarding Passes: If you have a physical boarding pass and your gate or flight changes, you will need to get a new one printed. You can do this at:
Self-service kiosks at the airport.
American Airlines check-in counter with an agent.
If you're already past security, you might need to go to a customer service desk near your new gate.
Step 5: Adding or Correcting Secure Flight Passenger Data (TSA PreCheck, Name Corrections)
Accuracy of your Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) is critical for a smooth airport experience.
Adding or Updating TSA PreCheck (Known Traveler Number - KTN):
Ideally, your KTN should be added to your reservation before you check in.
Before Check-in:
Log in to your AAdvantage® account on the app or website.
Go to your profile and find the "Secure traveler" section. Add your KTN there. This will automatically apply it to future bookings associated with your AAdvantage® account.
If you've already booked your trip, go to "My Trips," select your flight, and look for an "Edit" or "Modify Passenger Information" option to add your KTN to that specific reservation.
After Check-in (and if your boarding pass doesn't show PreCheck): If you added your KTN after checking in, or if it didn't reflect on your boarding pass, you'll need a new boarding pass to show TSA PreCheck eligibility.
You can often re-generate your mobile boarding pass in the app, or
Visit an American Airlines self-service kiosk or check-in counter at the airport to print a new boarding pass.
Minor Name Corrections:
For minor corrections (e.g., a misspelled first or last name, adding a middle initial), American Airlines usually allows these.
Contact American Airlines Customer Service: This is often the best approach for name corrections. You'll need to speak with an agent to ensure the correction is made correctly in your reservation. They can advise if a new ticket or boarding pass will be issued.
Important: The name on your boarding pass must exactly match the name on the government-issued ID you will use for travel (e.g., driver's license, passport). If there's a significant discrepancy, you might be denied boarding.
Major Name Changes (e.g., due to marriage, divorce):
Major name changes are far more complex and cannot typically be done by simply updating your boarding pass. They often require re-issuing your ticket and providing legal documentation.
You MUST contact American Airlines Reservations directly well in advance of your travel date for major name changes. There may be fees involved, and some fare types might not allow name changes.
Step 6: Re-issuing or Accessing Your Updated Boarding Pass
Once you've made a change that impacts your boarding pass, you need to ensure you have the updated version.
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
Mobile Boarding Pass (Most Convenient):
As mentioned, the American Airlines app is generally very good at auto-updating your digital boarding pass.
If you've made a change, simply close and re-open the app, and navigate back to your trip. Your updated boarding pass should be displayed.
If you saved it to your phone's wallet, that should also update automatically, or you may need to refresh it within the wallet app.
Printed Boarding Pass:
If you prefer a physical boarding pass or need one due to a significant change (like a flight rebooking), you have a few options:
Print at Home: If you're still within your check-in window and have access to a printer, you can often log into
aa.com, go to "Manage Trip," and select the option to print your boarding pass again.Airport Self-Service Kiosks: These are readily available at American Airlines check-in areas. Scan your original boarding pass or enter your confirmation code/AAdvantage® number, and you'll typically have an option to print a new one.
Check-in Counter: If you encounter any difficulties or have complex changes, an American Airlines agent at the check-in counter can assist you with printing an updated boarding pass.
Important Tips for a Smooth Update Process:
Act Quickly: If you need to make changes, do so as soon as possible. Seat availability dwindles closer to departure, and last-minute changes can be stressful.
Keep Your Phone Charged: If relying on a mobile boarding pass, ensure your device is adequately charged throughout your airport journey.
Screenshots are Your Friend: As a backup, consider taking a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass. This way, even if the app glitches or you lose internet, you still have the QR code.
Check Airport Kiosk Availability: While most major airports support mobile boarding passes, it's always a good idea to confirm if your departure or connecting airports accept them on the American Airlines website under "Airport details." If not, plan to print a physical one.
Don't Hesitate to Ask for Help: If you're unsure about anything or encounter an issue, don't hesitate to speak to an American Airlines representative at the airport or call their customer service line. They are there to assist you!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to add my TSA PreCheck to my American Airlines boarding pass?
You can add your KTN (Known Traveler Number) to your AAdvantage® profile online or via the app, which will apply it to future bookings. For existing bookings, go to "My Trips" and edit your passenger information to add it. If you've already checked in, you'll need to get a new boarding pass (mobile or printed) for it to reflect.
How to change my seat on an American Airlines boarding pass after checking in?
You can usually change your seat even after checking in through the American Airlines app or website under "My Trips" or "Manage Trip." Select your flight, and if available, you'll see a "Change Seats" option. Your mobile boarding pass will automatically update with the new seat.
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
How to get a new American Airlines boarding pass if my gate changes?
If your gate changes, your mobile boarding pass in the American Airlines app and your phone's wallet should update automatically. If you have a printed boarding pass, you'll need to print a new one at an airport kiosk or ask an American Airlines agent at the check-in counter or a customer service desk.
How to update the name on my American Airlines boarding pass?
For minor name corrections (e.g., a typo), contact American Airlines customer service directly. For major name changes (e.g., due to marriage), you must contact American Airlines Reservations well in advance, as this often requires re-issuing the ticket and providing legal documentation.
How to access my American Airlines mobile boarding pass if I lose internet connection?
If you've saved your mobile boarding pass to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet, Google Pay/Wallet), it will be accessible even without an internet connection. The American Airlines app also typically caches your boarding pass for a certain period.
How to print an American Airlines boarding pass at the airport after online check-in?
You can print your boarding pass at any American Airlines self-service kiosk at the airport by scanning your original boarding pass or entering your confirmation code/AAdvantage® number. You can also ask an agent at the check-in counter.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
How to update my American Airlines boarding pass if my flight gets rebooked?
If American Airlines rebooks your flight due to a delay or cancellation, your mobile boarding pass in the app and your phone's wallet should automatically update with the new flight details (flight number, time, gate). If you have a printed boarding pass, you'll need to get a new one.
How to add an infant to my American Airlines boarding pass?
If you're traveling with an infant on your lap (under 2 years old, for U.S. reservations), you can often add them during the online check-in process on aa.com or at a self-service kiosk. For international travel or specific circumstances, it's best to confirm with American Airlines directly.
How to check if my airport accepts American Airlines mobile boarding passes?
You can check if your departure or connecting airport accepts mobile boarding passes by visiting aa.com, finding your airport, and looking under "Airport details."
How to receive flight notifications and updates for my American Airlines boarding pass?
Enable push notifications for the American Airlines app on your smartphone. You can also sign up for text or email notifications for specific flights through your AAdvantage® profile or during the check-in process on aa.com.
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