Checking in for your flight doesn't always require an AAdvantage® account. American Airlines makes it incredibly easy to check in as a guest directly through their mobile app, allowing you to breeze through the pre-flight process with just a few key pieces of information. Whether you're a first-time flyer or simply prefer not to log in, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step.
Are you ready to take the hassle out of airport check-in and get your mobile boarding pass in hand? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Download and Open the American Airlines App
First things first, you'll need the American Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet.
1.1. Get the App: If you haven't already, head to your device's app store.
For Android users, search for "American Airlines" on the Google Play Store.
For iOS (Apple) users, find "American Airlines" on the Apple App Store.
Download and install the app. It's completely free!
1.2. Launch the Application: Once the installation is complete, tap the American Airlines app icon on your home screen or in your app drawer to open it.
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| How To Check In As Guest On American Airlines App |
Step 2: Navigate to the Guest Check-in Section
When you open the app, you'll typically see a personalized home screen if you're logged in, or a general overview if you're not. Since we're checking in as a guest, we'll bypass the login.
2.1. Find "Check In" or "Manage Trips": On the app's home screen, look for a prominent button or section labeled "Check In" or "Manage Trips / Check-in". This is usually easily visible and designed for quick access. It might be a large button in the center or an option in a bottom navigation bar.
Step 3: Enter Your Reservation Details
This is the crucial step where you provide the information American Airlines needs to locate your flight.
3.1. Choose Your Search Method: The app will present options to find your trip. As a guest, you'll typically use:
Confirmation Code: This is a 6-character alphanumeric code (e.g., ABC12D) that you received in your booking confirmation email. This is usually the quickest and most common method.
Ticket Number: This is a 13-digit number that also appears on your e-ticket or confirmation email, often starting with '001'.
While some options might exist to search by flight number and origin/destination, the confirmation code or ticket number is generally preferred for direct access to your specific reservation.
3.2. Input Your Information:
Passenger Last Name: Carefully enter the last name of the primary passenger exactly as it appears on the reservation. Double-check for any typos! If you have multiple last names, enter them as they were booked (spaces are usually allowed, but avoid hyphens or special characters unless they were explicitly part of the booking).
Confirmation Code OR Ticket Number: Enter the 6-character confirmation code or the 13-digit ticket number you chose in the previous step.
3.3. Find Your Trip: After entering the required details, tap the "Find Trip" or "Continue" button. The app will then search for your reservation.
Step 4: Review Your Flight Information
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
Once your reservation is found, the app will display your flight details.
4.1. Verify Details: Take a moment to confirm that the flight displayed is indeed yours. This includes:
Flight number(s)
Departure and arrival airports
Departure time and date
Passenger names
4.2. Passenger List: If there are multiple passengers on the same reservation, all names will be listed. Ensure everyone who needs to check in is selected or acknowledged.
Step 5: Acknowledge Important Information and Travel Policies
Airlines are required to provide important information before you complete check-in, especially regarding hazardous materials and travel advisories.
5.1. Hazardous Materials Declaration: You will be prompted to confirm that you are not carrying any hazardous materials (e.g., flammable liquids, explosives, certain chemicals) in your carry-on or checked baggage. Read this carefully and tap "Agree" or "Confirm" to proceed. This is a standard and mandatory step for all passengers.
5.2. Travel Advisories/Requirements: Depending on your destination (especially for international flights), there might be additional travel advisories, health declarations, or specific entry requirements to acknowledge. Read these thoroughly and confirm.
Step 6: Select/Confirm Your Seats (Optional)
If you haven't already, or if you wish to change your seat, this is often the next step.
6.1. Seat Map: The app may display a seat map for your flight(s).
If you're happy with your assigned seat, simply confirm it.
If you wish to change your seat, tap on an available seat (indicated by a different color or symbol) and confirm your new selection. Be aware that some seat selections, especially for preferred seats or exit rows, may incur an additional fee.
Step 7: Choose Your Boarding Pass Delivery Method
You're almost there! Now you need to decide how you want to receive your boarding pass.
7.1. Mobile Boarding Pass (Recommended): This is the easiest and most convenient option.
Select the option to receive a mobile boarding pass. The app will generate a digital boarding pass with a barcode.
You'll often have the option to add it to your digital wallet (e.g., Apple Wallet, Google Wallet) for quick access, even without an internet connection.
Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass after it's generated. This provides a backup in case of app glitches or if your phone battery dies.
7.2. Email with Mobile Option: You can choose to have a link to your mobile boarding pass emailed to you. Follow the link in the email on your mobile device to access it.
7.3. Print at Airport: If you prefer a physical boarding pass, select the option to print it at the airport (either at a self-service kiosk or the American Airlines counter).
Step 8: Complete Check-in and Access Your Boarding Pass
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
The final confirmation!
8.1. Final Confirmation: Tap "Complete Check-in" or a similar button. The app will process your check-in.
8.2. Access Boarding Pass: Your mobile boarding pass should now be readily available within the app, typically on the home screen or under a "My Trips" or "Boarding Pass" section. If you opted to add it to your digital wallet, it will be there as well.
Step 9: Bag Tagging (If Applicable)
If you have checked baggage, the app might offer options for self-service bag tagging.
9.1. Express Bag Tagging: Some airports and reservations allow you to indicate the number of bags you're checking through the app. You can then print bag tags at a self-service kiosk by scanning your mobile boarding pass and proceed directly to bag drop. This saves time at the counter.
9.2. Proceed to Bag Drop/Ticket Counter: If self-service tagging isn't available or you prefer assistance, you'll need to proceed to an American Airlines bag drop counter or a full-service ticket counter at the airport. Ensure you adhere to the baggage drop-off deadlines (typically 45-60 minutes before departure for domestic/international flights, respectively, with some variations by airport).
Congratulations! You've successfully checked in as a guest on the American Airlines app. You're now ready to head to the airport with your boarding pass in hand (or on your phone!).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to: Check if my flight is eligible for guest check-in on the American Airlines app?
Most American Airlines and American Eagle flights are eligible for online and app check-in starting 24 hours before departure and ending 45 minutes (domestic) or 60 minutes (international) before scheduled departure. However, special circumstances like traveling with a pet, being an unaccompanied minor, or having a military fare might require airport check-in. If your first flight is with a partner airline, you'll need to check in with that airline directly.
How to: Find my confirmation code for guest check-in?
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Your confirmation code (also known as a record locator) is a 6-character alphanumeric code. It's prominently displayed in your flight confirmation email from American Airlines. It will also be on any e-ticket receipts.
How to: Check in for multiple passengers as a guest?
If all passengers are on the same reservation, you can typically check them all in at once by finding the reservation using the primary passenger's last name and the confirmation code. The app will then show all passengers on that booking, and you can proceed to check them all in simultaneously.
How to: Get a mobile boarding pass after guest check-in?
After completing the check-in process on the app, you will be given the option to receive a mobile boarding pass. Select this option, and the app will generate a digital boarding pass with a scannable barcode. You can usually add this directly to your phone's digital wallet (Apple Wallet, Google Wallet) or screenshot it for easy access.
How to: Handle checked bags when checking in as a guest on the app?
Even if you check in on the app, you will still need to drop off any checked bags at the airport. The app might offer "Express Bag Tags" which allows you to print your bag tags at a self-service kiosk by scanning your mobile boarding pass, then proceed to a designated bag drop. Otherwise, you'll need to go to a full-service American Airlines check-in counter.
How to: Change my seat after guest check-in on the app?
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
Generally, after checking in, you can still modify your seat selection through the American Airlines app or website by pulling up your reservation again using your confirmation code. However, changes might be limited depending on fare type and availability, and some preferred seats may incur a fee.
How to: Resolve issues if the app can't find my reservation for guest check-in?
Double-check that you've entered the last name and confirmation code/ticket number exactly as they appear on your booking. Ensure there are no typos, extra spaces, or incorrect special characters. If it still doesn't work, ensure you're within the 24-hour check-in window. If problems persist, it's best to contact American Airlines customer service or check in at the airport.
How to: Get a physical boarding pass after checking in as a guest on the app?
If you've checked in on the app but prefer a physical boarding pass, you can still obtain one at the airport. Simply go to an American Airlines self-service kiosk and scan your mobile boarding pass or enter your confirmation code/ticket number to print a physical copy. You can also go to a full-service ticket counter.
How to: Check in for an international flight as a guest on the app?
The process for international guest check-in on the American Airlines app is largely the same as domestic. However, you will likely encounter additional prompts for passport information, visa requirements, and any specific health declarations required by your destination country. Ensure all information is accurately entered to avoid delays at the airport.
How to: Add an infant to my reservation when checking in as a guest on the app?
If you are traveling with an infant under two years old on your lap, you may be able to add them during the app check-in process for U.S. domestic reservations. If this option isn't available or for international travel with an infant, you might be redirected to aa.com or need to complete check-in at the airport counter to ensure all necessary documentation is verified.
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