Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you ready to make your American Airlines flight experience as smooth as possible? One of the best ways to save time and reduce airport stress is to check in directly from their mobile app. It's incredibly convenient, and you'll have your boarding pass right on your phone, ready to go. Let's get you checked in, shall we?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of checking in for your American Airlines flight using their fantastic app.
Step 1: Get the American Airlines App (If You Haven't Already!)
First things first, do you have the American Airlines app downloaded on your smartphone?
If not, no worries at all! It's quick, easy, and completely free.
A. Find Your App Store: * For Apple users (iPhone): Open the App Store icon on your home screen. * For Android users: Open the Google Play Store icon on your home screen.
B. Search for "American Airlines": * In the search bar at the top of the store, type in "American Airlines" and hit search. You'll usually see their official app as the first result, often with their distinctive eagle logo.
C. Download and Install: * Tap the "Get" or "Install" button. You might need to confirm with your fingerprint, Face ID, or your phone's password. * Give it a moment to download and install. Once it's done, you'll see the American Airlines app icon on your home screen or in your app drawer.
Step 2: Log In or Access Your Trip
Now that you have the app, let's get you inside to find your flight.
A. Open the American Airlines App: * Tap on the American Airlines app icon.
B. Choose Your Access Method: You'll typically have a few options to access your trip:
* **_Option 1: Log In with Your AAdvantage Account (Recommended!)_**
* If you're an AAdvantage member, logging in is the *easiest and most streamlined* way. Your upcoming trips will often appear automatically on the home screen.
* Tap "Sign In" and enter your ***AAdvantage number or username*** and your ***password***.
* *Why is this recommended?* It keeps all your travel details, mileage, and status conveniently in one place.
* **_Option 2: Access by Confirmation Code / Record Locator_**
* If you're not an AAdvantage member, or if the flight isn't showing up for some reason, you can always retrieve your trip using your confirmation code.
* Look for an option like "**Find Trip**" or "**Manage Trips**" on the home screen.
* Enter your ***six-character American Airlines confirmation code*** (this is usually found in your booking confirmation email) and your ***last name***.
* **_Option 3: Access by Ticket Number_**
* Less common for check-in, but sometimes an option is to use your e-ticket number. This is a 13-digit number starting with "001".
Step 3: Initiate the Check-in Process
Once you've accessed your trip, the app's dynamic home screen is usually pretty good at guiding you.
A. Locate Your Upcoming Flight: * On the home screen, you should see your upcoming flight(s) listed under a section like "My Trips" or "Upcoming Travel". * If you have multiple flights, make sure you select the correct one you wish to check in for.
B. Tap "Check In": * You'll typically see a prominent button or link that says "Check In" next to your flight details. Tap this to begin. * When can you check in? You can generally check in for American Airlines flights starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure time and up to 45 minutes before domestic flights (or 90 minutes for international flights).
Step 4: Confirm Your Details and Travel Requirements
This is where American Airlines ensures you're all set for your journey.
A. Review Passenger Information: * The app will display the names of all passengers on your reservation. * Confirm that all names are spelled correctly and match your identification documents (passport for international travel, government-issued ID for domestic).
B. Answer Security Questions/Provide Necessary Information: * You may be asked a series of security questions, such as confirming you haven't packed hazardous materials or that you are carrying your own bags. Read these carefully and respond truthfully. * For international travel, you might need to enter or confirm additional details like your passport information, visa details (if applicable), and emergency contact information. Ensure all details are accurate to avoid delays.
C. Acknowledge Travel Restrictions/Health Declarations (If Applicable): * In the current travel landscape, you might encounter screens asking you to acknowledge or provide health declarations or specific entry requirements for your destination. * Read these carefully and follow any prompts. Some destinations require certain forms or tests; ensure you have these sorted before arriving at the airport.
Step 5: Select Your Seat (If Not Already Assigned)
This is your chance to snag that window seat or aisle you've been eyeing!
A. View Seat Map: * If you haven't already selected a seat, or if you want to change your assigned seat, you'll be given the option to "View Seat Map" or "Change Seat." * Tap on this to see the available seating arrangement for your flight.
B. Choose Your Preferred Seat: * Empty seats will be shown as available. Tap on your desired seat. * Be aware: Some seats (like exit rows or premium seats) may incur an additional fee. The app will clearly indicate this. * If you're happy with your current seat, simply bypass this step.
Step 6: Add Checked Bags (Optional)
If you're checking luggage, you can often declare and even pay for them within the app.
A. Indicate Number of Bags: * You'll typically see an option to declare if you're checking any bags. * Select the number of bags you intend to check.
B. Review Baggage Fees: * The app will display any applicable baggage fees based on your ticket type, AAdvantage status, and destination. * It's often cheaper to pay for bags online or through the app than at the airport counter, so take advantage of this!
C. Pay for Bags (If Applicable): * If there are fees, you'll be prompted to enter your payment information to complete the transaction.
Step 7: Confirm Check-In and Retrieve Your Boarding Pass
You're almost there! This is the final step to officially check in.
A. Review and Confirm: * The app will present a summary of your selections and details. * Take a moment to review everything carefully – flight details, passenger names, seat assignments, and baggage declarations. * Once you're satisfied, tap the "Confirm Check In" or "Complete Check In" button.
B. Get Your Mobile Boarding Pass: * Congratulations! You're checked in. The app will now generate your mobile boarding pass. * This usually appears as a digital card with a QR code or barcode, your flight information, gate, and seat number. * Look for an option to "View Boarding Pass" or "Save to Wallet" (for Apple Wallet/Google Pay).
C. Save Your Boarding Pass (Highly Recommended!): * For Apple users: Tap "Add to Apple Wallet". This will save your boarding pass directly to your iPhone's Wallet app, making it easily accessible even without an internet connection. * For Android users: Look for an option to "Save to Google Pay" or "Save to Phone". * Why save it? It's super convenient at security checkpoints and the gate, and you don't have to worry about finding an internet connection or having the app open. You can also take a screenshot of your boarding pass as an extra backup!
Step 8: What to Do at the Airport
With your mobile boarding pass in hand, you're ready for the airport.
A. Security Checkpoint: * When you reach the TSA security checkpoint, simply open your Wallet or Google Pay app (or the American Airlines app) and present your mobile boarding pass on your phone screen to the agent. They will scan the barcode. * Ensure your screen brightness is turned up for easy scanning.
B. Bag Drop (If Applicable): * If you checked bags through the app, head to the American Airlines bag drop counter. * They might scan your mobile boarding pass, and then you'll hand over your luggage. Some airports also have "Express Bag Tag" kiosks where you can print your bag tags by scanning your mobile boarding pass.
C. Boarding Gate: * At the gate, you'll again present your mobile boarding pass on your phone to the gate agent. They will scan it, and you're good to board your flight!
FAQs: How To...
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about checking in on the American Airlines app:
How to know when I can check in for my flight on the American Airlines app? You can check in for American Airlines flights starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure time and up to 45 minutes before domestic flights (or 90 minutes for international flights).
How to find my confirmation code for American Airlines? Your six-character confirmation code (also known as a record locator) is typically found in your booking confirmation email from American Airlines or the travel agency you used.
How to add my boarding pass to Apple Wallet from the American Airlines app? After successfully checking in, look for a button or link that says "Add to Apple Wallet" (or a similar icon) on your mobile boarding pass screen within the American Airlines app. Tap it, and follow the prompts to add it.
How to change my seat after checking in on the American Airlines app? You can often change your seat even after checking in, provided there are other seats available. Go back to your trip details in the app, and look for an option to "Change Seat" or "View Seat Map." Be aware that some changes might incur a fee.
How to check bags after checking in on the American Airlines app? If you didn't declare bags during check-in, you can still head to the American Airlines bag drop counter at the airport. You'll present your mobile boarding pass, and they will assist you with checking your luggage.
How to fix issues if the American Airlines app isn't letting me check in? First, ensure you're within the check-in window (24 hours to 45/90 minutes before departure). Check your internet connection. If problems persist, try checking in on the American Airlines website (aa.com) on your computer, or contact American Airlines customer service (1-800-433-7300 in the US) for assistance.
How to check in for an international flight on the American Airlines app? The process is largely the same as domestic flights. However, you'll likely be prompted to enter or confirm additional travel document details like passport information and potentially visa details, as well as acknowledging any specific entry requirements for your destination.
How to get a printed boarding pass if I checked in on the app? Even if you checked in on the app, you can still get a physical boarding pass at the airport. You can use a self-service kiosk (by scanning your mobile boarding pass or entering your confirmation code) or go to an American Airlines check-in counter.
How to view my AAdvantage miles and status on the American Airlines app? Once you're logged into the American Airlines app with your AAdvantage account, your personalized home screen usually displays your current AAdvantage mileage balance and your elite status level. You can also navigate to the "My Account" section for more detailed information.
How to get flight notifications from the American Airlines app? The American Airlines app can send you real-time flight notifications (gate changes, delays, cancellations). Ensure your phone's notification settings for the app are enabled. You can also sign up for "BeNotified" alerts via text or email within your AAdvantage profile on the American Airlines website.
