The modern traveler's best friend is undoubtedly their smartphone. Gone are the days of frantically searching for a printer or enduring long queues at the airport counter. With the American Airlines app, checking in for your flight is a breeze, putting the power of convenience right in your pocket.
Are you ready to experience a smoother, less stressful start to your journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide on how to check in using the American Airlines app!
The Ultimate Guide: Checking In with the American Airlines App
Checking in on the American Airlines app not only saves you time but also offers a host of benefits, including mobile boarding passes, real-time updates, and the ability to manage your trip details on the go.
Step 1: Download and Open the American Airlines App
First things first, do you have the American Airlines app on your device? If not, head over to your phone's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS) and search for "American Airlines." Download and install it.
Once installed, open the app. You'll likely be greeted by a dynamic home screen. If you already have an AAdvantage® account, it's highly recommended to log in. This will automatically populate your upcoming trips, making the check-in process even smoother. If you don't have an AAdvantage® account, no worries, you can still check in using your confirmation code.
Step 2: Find Your Trip
Now that you're in the app, it's time to locate your flight.
Sub-heading: Logging In with Your AAdvantage® Account
If you're logged into your AAdvantage® account, simply tap on the "Your trips" or "My trips" section, which is usually prominently displayed on the home screen. Your upcoming flights should be listed there. Select the specific flight you wish to check in for.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Trip with a Confirmation Code or Ticket Number
If you're not logged in or don't have an AAdvantage® account, you'll need to use your confirmation code (also known as a record locator) or your 13-digit e-ticket number.
Look for an option like "Check in," "Find trip," or "Manage trip" on the app's main navigation.
You'll then be prompted to enter your last name and either your 6-character confirmation code or your 13-digit ticket number. Make sure to enter these exactly as they appear on your booking confirmation.
Step 3: Initiate the Check-in Process
Once you've successfully located your trip, you'll see details about your flight. Look for a clear "Check in" button or link within your trip details. Tap on it to begin the check-in sequence.
Step 4: Confirm Your Details and Travelers
The app will guide you through a series of screens to confirm your information.
Sub-heading: Verifying Passenger Information
You'll be asked to confirm your personal details, such as your name, and potentially your date of birth, to ensure everything matches your identification documents. Accuracy here is key to avoiding delays at the airport.
If you're traveling with multiple people on the same reservation, you'll typically be able to select all passengers who are checking in.
Sub-heading: Attesting to Hazardous Materials
For security reasons, you'll be required to attest that you are not carrying any hazardous materials in your carry-on or checked baggage. Read this carefully and confirm.
Step 5: Manage Your Baggage (Optional but Recommended)
This is a crucial step if you plan to check any bags.
The app will often give you the option to declare and pay for checked baggage. This is usually cheaper to do through the app or online than at the airport counter.
You can select the number of bags you intend to check.
The app will display the applicable fees. Be aware of American Airlines' baggage policy regarding weight and size limits to avoid additional charges at the airport.
If you're eligible for free checked bags due to AAdvantage® status or an American Airlines credit card, the app should reflect this.
Step 6: Select or Change Your Seat (Optional)
If you haven't already selected a seat, or if you wish to change your assigned seat, the app often provides this option during check-in.
You'll see a seat map of your aircraft.
Available seats will be highlighted. You might be able to choose a standard seat for free or pay a fee for Preferred Seats or Main Cabin Extra seats which offer more legroom or a more favorable location.
Make your selection and confirm.
Step 7: Review and Confirm Check-in
Before finalizing, the app will present a summary of your check-in details.
Review all the information – your flight details, seat assignment, and baggage information.
Once you're satisfied, tap the "Complete check-in" or "Confirm" button.
Step 8: Retrieve Your Mobile Boarding Pass
Congratulations! You've successfully checked in. The next vital step is getting your boarding pass.
Immediately after successful check-in, the app will typically generate your mobile boarding pass.
You'll see options to save it to your phone's digital wallet (like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) for easy access. This is highly recommended as it allows you to access your boarding pass even without an internet connection.
You can also choose to email the boarding pass to yourself or another recipient.
Step 9: What to Do at the Airport
With your mobile boarding pass in hand, your airport experience will be significantly smoother.
Sub-heading: If You Have No Checked Bags
Proceed directly to security. Have your phone ready with your mobile boarding pass displayed clearly for TSA agents to scan.
Then, head to your gate.
Sub-heading: If You Have Checked Bags
Look for the "Bag Drop" or "Self-Service Bag Tag" kiosks at the American Airlines check-in area.
You can often scan your mobile boarding pass at these kiosks to print your bag tags automatically.
Attach the tags to your bags and proceed to the designated Bag Drop counter.
After dropping your bags, you can head to security.
Important Timelines for American Airlines App Check-in
Domestic US Flights: You can check in starting 24 hours before your flight's departure and typically up to 45 minutes before.
International Flights: Check-in opens 24 hours before departure and usually closes 60-90 minutes prior to departure, depending on the destination and origin. Always double-check specific requirements for international travel, as additional documentation might be needed at the airport.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check if My Airport Accepts Mobile Boarding Passes?
Most major airports globally accept mobile boarding passes. You can verify this by checking the "Airport details" section for your departure or connecting airport on the American Airlines website or app.
How to Add an Infant to My Reservation During App Check-in?
Adding an infant traveling on your lap typically requires you to do so at the airport kiosk or check-in counter, as a printed boarding pass is often required for the infant.
How to Change My Flight During App Check-in?
The American Airlines app primarily facilitates check-in. To change your flight, you'll need to go to the "Manage trip" section of the app or website, or contact American Airlines customer service.
How to Pay for Oversize or Overweight Baggage Through the App?
While the app allows you to pay for standard checked bags, oversize or overweight bag fees usually need to be handled at the airport check-in counter, as they require verification of dimensions and weight.
How to Get a Refund for Checked Bag Fees Paid Through the App?
If you believe you were incorrectly charged for bag fees, you can contact an American Airlines representative for help or file a refund claim within 45 days.
How to Troubleshoot App Check-in Issues?
If you encounter problems, first ensure you have a stable internet connection. Try force-closing and reopening the app, or even reinstalling it. If issues persist, check in at an airport kiosk or the American Airlines counter.
How to Add My TSA PreCheck or Known Traveler Number (KTN) After Booking?
You can usually add your KTN or TSA PreCheck number to your reservation via the "Manage trip" section of the app or website, or by contacting American Airlines customer service. It's best to do this before check-in to ensure it processes correctly.
How to Select a Preferred Seat During App Check-in?
During the check-in process, after confirming your details, the app will typically display a seat map allowing you to choose an available standard seat for free or purchase a Preferred or Main Cabin Extra seat if desired.
How to Access My Mobile Boarding Pass if I Lost Internet Connection?
If you saved your mobile boarding pass to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet, Google Wallet), you can access it even without an internet connection, as it's stored directly on your device.
How to Check in for an International Flight with Specific Visa Requirements?
For international flights requiring visa verification, while you can often initiate check-in on the app, you will still need to present your passport and visa at the American Airlines check-in counter at the airport for verification before a final boarding pass can be issued.
