Flying American Airlines soon and want to make your travel experience as smooth as possible? One of the best ways to do that is by checking in right from your phone using the American Airlines app. It's fast, convenient, and can save you a lot of time at the airport. Let's get you ready for your journey with this detailed, step-by-step guide!
Your Ultimate Guide to Checking In with the American Airlines App
Are you ready to say goodbye to long check-in lines and hello to a seamless travel experience? Excellent! The American Airlines app is your key to doing just that. Checking in on your mobile device is not only a time-saver but also provides you with immediate access to your boarding pass, flight updates, and more.
Step 1: Get the American Airlines App (If You Haven't Already!)
First things first, you need the app! This might seem obvious, but it's the most crucial initial step.
Sub-heading: Downloading the App
For iOS Users (iPhone/iPad): Open the App Store, search for "American Airlines," and tap "Get" to download.
For Android Users: Open the Google Play Store, search for "American Airlines," and tap "Install."
Sub-heading: Initial Setup and Permissions
Once downloaded, open the app. You'll likely be prompted to allow certain permissions, such as location services and notifications.
Why location? It helps the app provide you with relevant information based on your airport location.
Why notifications? Crucial for real-time flight updates, gate changes, and boarding reminders! We highly recommend enabling them.
Step 2: Log In or Access Your Reservation
Now that you have the app, it's time to find your flight.
Sub-heading: Logging In with Your AAdvantage Account
If you're an AAdvantage member, logging in is the easiest way to access your trips.
On the app's home screen, tap "Log In" or the profile icon.
Enter your AAdvantage number or username and your password.
Once logged in, your upcoming trips should automatically appear on the home screen if they are within 72 hours of departure. If not, look for a "My Trips" or "Later Trips" section.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Reservation Without Logging In
No AAdvantage account or just prefer not to log in? No problem!
Look for an option like "Find Trip" or "Check In" on the home screen.
You'll typically need to enter your 6-character confirmation code (also known as a Record Locator) and your last name. This code is found on your e-ticket confirmation email.
Alternatively, you might be able to use your e-ticket number to retrieve your reservation.
Step 3: Initiate the Check-in Process
With your trip details in view, it's time to check in!
Sub-heading: Finding the "Check-in" Button
Once your specific flight is displayed, look for a prominent button or link that says "Check In". It's usually clearly visible.
Important Note: You can typically check in starting 24 hours before your flight's departure. For domestic flights, the cut-off is usually 45 minutes before departure, and for international flights, it's generally 60 to 90 minutes. Don't wait until the last minute!
Sub-heading: Reviewing Passenger Details
The app will guide you through a series of screens to confirm your details.
Verify your name and personal information: Make sure it matches your government-issued ID exactly.
Confirm travel documents: For international flights, you may be asked to confirm passport details or visa information. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays at the airport.
Step 4: Seat Selection (If Applicable) and Bag Declaration
This is where you can finalize your seating and declare any checked baggage.
Sub-heading: Choosing or Changing Your Seat
If you haven't already selected a seat, or if you wish to change it, the app will present a seat map.
Tap on your desired seat to select it. Be aware that some seat selections, especially for preferred or extra-legroom seats, may incur an additional fee.
If you're happy with your assigned seat or don't need to change it, simply proceed.
Sub-heading: Declaring and Paying for Checked Bags
The app will ask if you are checking any bags. Be honest here! Incorrect declarations can lead to delays at the airport.
If you have checked bags, you'll be prompted to declare the number of bags.
The app will then display any applicable baggage fees. You can conveniently pay these fees directly within the app using a credit card. Paying online often gets you the best price.
After paying, you'll still need to drop off your bags at the American Airlines bag drop counter or kiosk at the airport. You can often print bag tags at a self-service kiosk by scanning your mobile boarding pass.
Step 5: Receive Your Mobile Boarding Pass
The moment of truth! Once all details are confirmed, your mobile boarding pass will be generated.
Sub-heading: Viewing and Saving Your Boarding Pass
The app will display your mobile boarding pass with a barcode.
You'll typically have the option to add it to your phone's digital wallet (e.g., Apple Wallet for iOS, Google Wallet for Android). This is highly recommended as it allows for quick and easy access even without an internet connection.
You can also choose to email the boarding pass to yourself as a backup.
Sub-heading: What to Do with Your Mobile Boarding Pass
At Security: Simply display the barcode on your phone screen to the TSA agent. Ensure the entire barcode is visible.
At the Gate: Present your mobile boarding pass to the gate agent when boarding is called.
Step 6: Explore Additional App Features (Optional but Recommended)
The American Airlines app is more than just a check-in tool!
Sub-heading: Real-Time Flight Updates
The app's dynamic home screen is designed to provide you with relevant information based on your travel journey.
It will keep you updated on gate changes, departure times, and any delays or cancellations.
Sub-heading: Airport Maps and Amenities
Use the interactive terminal maps to navigate unfamiliar airports, find your connecting gate, or locate the nearest Admirals Club lounge.
Sub-heading: Bag Tracking
Peace of mind: You can track the status of your checked bags from the moment they leave your hands until they reach your final destination.
Sub-heading: Inflight Entertainment
On Wi-Fi-equipped flights, you can often use the American Airlines app to access free inflight entertainment, including movies and TV shows, without purchasing Wi-Fi.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about checking in with the American Airlines app:
How to check in with a group on the American Airlines app?
You can usually check in multiple passengers on the same reservation through the app. The app will guide you through confirming details for each passenger. If separate reservations, each passenger will need to check in individually.
How to add bags after checking in on the American Airlines app?
While you typically declare bags during the initial check-in process, if you need to add more later, you might be able to do so via the "Manage Trip" section in the app, or you'll need to do it at an airport kiosk or ticket counter.
How to change my seat after checking in on the American Airlines app?
Yes, you can often change your seat even after checking in. Go to your trip details in the app, look for a "Change Seat" or "Seat Selection" option, and follow the prompts.
How to retrieve my boarding pass if I accidentally close the app?
If you've saved it to your phone's digital wallet, it will remain there. Otherwise, simply reopen the American Airlines app, access your trip details (by logging in or entering your confirmation code), and your boarding pass should reappear.
How to check in for an international flight on the American Airlines app?
The process is largely the same as domestic flights, but you'll be required to confirm passport and potentially visa information. Remember the earlier check-in deadline (usually 60-90 minutes before departure).
How to troubleshoot if the American Airlines app isn't working for check-in?
First, try restarting the app or your phone. Ensure you have a stable internet connection. If issues persist, try checking in via the American Airlines website (aa.com) on a mobile browser or desktop, or contact American Airlines customer service.
How to get a physical boarding pass after checking in on the app?
Even after checking in on the app, you can still obtain a physical boarding pass at the airport from an American Airlines self-service kiosk or the ticket counter. Simply scan your mobile boarding pass or enter your confirmation code.
How to use my mobile boarding pass at the airport?
At security checkpoints and boarding gates, simply open your digital wallet or the American Airlines app to display the barcode on your mobile boarding pass. Have your valid photo ID ready as well.
How to track my checked bags using the American Airlines app?
After checking in and dropping off your bags, you can typically find a "Track My Bags" or "Bags" section within your trip details in the app, which will show you their current status and location.
How to know when I can check in for my American Airlines flight?
You can generally check in on the American Airlines app starting 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. The check-in window closes 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60-90 minutes for international flights.
