Demystifying Your Green Card Number for American Airlines Travel: A Comprehensive Guide
Hey there, fellow travelers! Ever found yourself staring at your Green Card, scratching your head, and wondering, "Where on earth is my 'Green Card Number' when American Airlines asks for it?" You're not alone! It's a common point of confusion, and getting it right is crucial for smooth travel, especially when booking flights or navigating airport security. This lengthy guide will clear up the mystery, show you exactly where to find the relevant numbers on your Green Card, and provide a step-by-step approach to ensure your American Airlines experience is hassle-free.
Step 1: Understand What American Airlines Really Needs
Let's start by clarifying a common misconception. When American Airlines or other airlines ask for "Green Card information" or for you to provide "U.S. Resident Card information," they are generally referring to your Alien Registration Number (also known as your USCIS Number or A-Number), which is your unique identifier as a lawful permanent resident. While your Green Card itself has other numbers, this is the primary one for identification and immigration status verification.
Why is this important? Because confusing it with other numbers on your card could lead to delays or issues during booking or at the airport.
 |
| How Do I Find My Green Card Number For American Airlines |
Step 2: Locate Your Green Card (Form I-551)
Before we dive into the specifics, make sure you have your physical Green Card (Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card) in hand. While some airlines might have systems for digital verification, the physical card is your primary proof of status and contains the information you'll need.
Step 3: Identify Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number/USCIS Number)
This is the most crucial number you'll need for American Airlines and most other travel-related purposes.
On Newer Green Cards (Issued after May 10, 2010):
Look on the front of your Green Card.
You will typically find a 9-digit number under the label "USCIS #" or "A#". This is your Alien Registration Number.
It might or might not have a leading letter "A". If it's just nine digits, it's still your A-Number.
On Older Green Cards (Issued before May 10, 2010):
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is usually located on the front of the card.
It will typically be formatted as "A# 000-000-000" (an "A" followed by 9 digits, sometimes with hyphens).
Pro Tip: No matter the format, your A-Number is a unique, 9-digit number assigned to you by the Department of Homeland Security.
Step 4: Understanding Other Numbers on Your Green Card (and Why They're Less Relevant for Airlines)
While your Green Card contains other identifying numbers, they are generally not what American Airlines requires for booking or passenger data. However, it's good to be aware of them for your own information.
Your Green Card Number (Receipt Number/Permanent Resident Number):
This number is located on the back of your Green Card.
It's found in the first line of a long string of 90 characters at the bottom of the card.
This is a unique number that USCIS used to track your case before issuing the card. It typically starts with three letters (indicating the service center, e.g., "SRC", "EAC", "LIN", "MSC", "NSC", "TSC", "VSC", "NBC", "CSC", or "IOE") followed by two digits for the fiscal year and then eight or ten more digits that relate to your specific case.
For example, it might look something like: SRC25001234567. The ">>" symbols are just space holders.
Important: While this is technically "the Green Card number," airlines typically ask for the A-Number for passenger data collection.
Immigrant Visa Number (if applicable):
If you received an immigrant visa abroad before getting your Green Card, that visa also had a unique number.
This number is usually printed in red on the bottom right corner of your visa document (which was stamped in your passport).
This number is generally not needed for booking or travel with American Airlines once you have your physical Green Card.
USCIS Case Number (Receipt Number from Application):
This is the receipt number you received when you initially filed your application for permanent residency (e.g., Form I-485, I-130).
It's found on your USCIS receipt notices (Form I-797C, Notice of Action).
It's a 13-character identifier, usually three letters followed by 10 numbers (e.g., EAC2012345678).
This is distinct from the Alien Registration Number on your Green Card and is primarily for tracking your application status with USCIS, not for airline travel.
Step 5: Providing Your Information to American Airlines
Now that you know which number to look for, here's how to provide it to American Airlines:
Sub-heading: Online Booking
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
Start your booking process on aa.com as usual.
When you reach the passenger information section, you'll typically be asked for your Secure Flight Passenger Data. This includes your full name (as it appears on your ID), date of birth, and gender.
Look for a field related to "Travel Document" or "U.S. Resident Card Information."
Enter your Alien Registration Number (A-Number/USCIS #) in the designated field. Do not enter the longer receipt number from the back of the card unless specifically prompted for it.
Double-check that all your information matches your Green Card exactly to avoid any discrepancies.
Sub-heading: Booking by Phone or at the Airport
When speaking with an American Airlines representative, inform them you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).
They will likely ask for your Alien Registration Number (A-Number). Have your Green Card ready to read out the number accurately.
Be prepared to provide your full name, date of birth, and gender as they appear on your Green Card.
Sub-heading: Updating Your AAdvantage Account
For frequent travelers, it's highly recommended to add your A-Number to your AAdvantage profile.
Log in to your AAdvantage account on aa.com.
Navigate to your "Information and password" or "Secure traveler" section.
Find the field for "Known Traveler Number (KTN)" or "PASS ID." While the A-Number isn't a KTN for TSA PreCheck specifically, some airline systems may have a general field for government-issued identification numbers. If you have Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS, your PASS ID is your A-Number.
Even if there isn't a direct "Green Card Number" field, ensuring your full Secure Flight Passenger Data (name, DOB, gender) is accurate in your profile will greatly assist in the check-in process.
Step 6: What to Expect at the Airport
At the airport, your Green Card serves as your primary identification for domestic travel within the U.S. and for re-entry into the U.S. after international travel.
Sub-heading: Domestic Travel (within the U.S.)
For domestic flights, your Green Card (Form I-551) is an acceptable form of identification for TSA checkpoints. As of May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID like your Green Card or passport.
You typically do not need your passport for domestic travel if you have your Green Card.
Sub-heading: International Travel (entering or re-entering the U.S.)
When traveling internationally, you will always need your physical Green Card to re-enter the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
While your Green Card allows re-entry, it's often advisable to travel with your passport from your country of citizenship as well, as many foreign countries require a passport for entry.
CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officers will review your Green Card and any other identity documents you present upon your arrival to determine your admissibility.
Step 7: Important Considerations and Troubleshooting
Validity of your Green Card: Ensure your Green Card is valid and unexpired for travel. While some sources indicate that your Green Card only needs to be valid on the day you enter the United States, it's always best to travel with a card that has ample validity.
Lost or Stolen Green Card Abroad: If your Green Card is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are outside the U.S., you may need to apply for a Boarding Foil (Form I-131A) at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to allow an airline to board you for return to the U.S. A copy of your Green Card is generally not accepted for travel.
Advance Parole: If you have applied for permanent residency (Adjustment of Status) and are traveling internationally before your Green Card is issued, you will likely need an Advance Parole document to re-enter the U.S. without abandoning your application. Check with USCIS for the latest guidelines.
Airline Specifics: While the A-Number is generally what's needed, always confirm with American Airlines directly if you have any doubts or unique travel circumstances. Their customer service or website's travel information section will have the most up-to-date requirements.
By following these steps and understanding the different numbers on your Green Card, you can confidently provide the correct information to American Airlines and ensure a smooth travel experience!
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find my Alien Registration Number (A-Number) on my Green Card?
Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is typically a 9-digit number located on the front of your Green Card (Form I-551), often labeled as "USCIS #" or "A#". On older cards, it might be formatted as "A# 000-000-000."
How to enter my Green Card information when booking an American Airlines flight online?
When booking online, look for the "Secure Flight Passenger Data" section or a field for "U.S. Resident Card Information." Enter your 9-digit Alien Registration Number (A-Number/USCIS #) in the designated field.
How to know if my Green Card is REAL ID compliant for domestic flights?
Your Green Card (Form I-551) is an acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel, fulfilling the REAL ID requirements. You do not need a separate REAL ID-compliant driver's license if you have your Green Card.
How to travel domestically on American Airlines with only my Green Card?
Yes, your physical Green Card (Form I-551) is an acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel within the US, according to TSA guidelines.
How to find the Green Card Number on the back of my card?
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
The "Green Card Number" (also known as the receipt number or permanent resident number) is found on the back of your Green Card, in the first line of the machine-readable zone at the bottom. It typically starts with three letters followed by 10 digits (e.g., SRC25001234567). However, for airlines, the A-Number on the front is usually what's required.
How to update my American Airlines AAdvantage profile with my Green Card details?
Log in to your AAdvantage account, go to "Information and password" or "Secure traveler," and ensure your full name, date of birth, and gender match your Green Card. If you have Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI, your PASS ID (which is your A-Number) should be entered in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field.
How to travel internationally with my Green Card on American Airlines?
For international travel, you will need your physical Green Card to re-enter the U.S. It is also strongly recommended to carry your passport from your country of citizenship, as most foreign countries require a passport for entry.
How to proceed if my Green Card is lost or stolen while I'm abroad and need to fly with American Airlines?
If your Green Card is lost or stolen abroad, you will need to apply for a "Boarding Foil" (Form I-131A) at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to allow an airline to board you for your return flight to the U.S. A copy of your Green Card is generally not sufficient.
How to confirm if American Airlines needs my Immigrant Visa Number or other case numbers?
American Airlines typically requests your Alien Registration Number (A-Number/USCIS #) for passenger data. Your Immigrant Visa Number (from your passport visa stamp) or USCIS case receipt numbers are generally not required for airline bookings once you have your physical Green Card.
How to contact American Airlines for specific Green Card travel inquiries?
For any specific or unusual questions regarding Green Card requirements for American Airlines travel, it's best to contact American Airlines Reservations directly through their official customer service phone number or check the "Travel Information" or "Security Checkpoints" sections on their official website (aa.com).
 |
