Flying can be a very stressful experience, especially if it’s your first time navigating an airport. While there’s many variables that can affect your flight, one thing that you can do to make the process as smooth as possible is checking in properly.
You can check-in online or at the airport, though many prefer the convenience of the former. Either way, there are some rules to understand, so let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about American Airline flight check ins.
After arriving at the airport, you can find information about check-in times for your flight on special information boards. The relevant information can also be obtained at an airport information desk, usually located near the bag drop-off area (check-in desks).
American Airlines recommend you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure for international flights. Check if your destination has travel restrictions. If your destination requires specific travel documents, remember to bring a completed copy with you to the airport.
When to arrive at the airport. American Airlines’ recommended arrival times are meant to allow plenty of time to check in (with or without bags) and clear security before scheduled departure.
Check-in. To speed up the American Airline flight check in process, you can use curbside check-in or self-service kiosks at most airports. You can use curbside check-in if you have an electronic ticket (you can scan it from your phone).
Check-in times. You can check-in online or from the app starting 24 hours before and up to 45 minutes before departure (90 for international). To check-in and check bags at the airport, you must be there a certain amount of time before scheduled departure:
Feeling adventurous? From the Amazon Jungle to Scotland’s largest city, here some of the most interesting – and unexpected – routes you can fly on American Airlines.
American Airlines operates many routes between the US and Europe — mostly from major cities like New York (JFK), Philadelphia (PHL), Chicago (ORD) and Charlotte (CLT) — including a daily nonstop flight between Philadelphia and Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. This route is seasonal, operating from May through September.
Auckland is a great city to use as your base for exploring New Zealand’s North Island, and for connecting flights to other parts of the South Pacific.
American Airlines also serves Brazil’s capital, Brasília. The city is home to the political center of Brazil and has played host to protests and celebrations alike. Nonstop flights are available daily from Miami.
Manaus is the gateway to the Amazon rainforest — from eco-adventures to sailing trips down the Amazon River, the city provides the perfect starting point for any and all jungle activities.
American Airlines flies to 269 domestic destinations and 81 international destinations in 48 countries (as of October 2022). Some of the most booked American Airlines flights:
You’ll get 2 cities in 1 trip – Metropolitan Dallas and Old West Fort Worth. With excellent shopping malls, upscale restaurants and a growing arts scene, there’s something here for everyone.
Here to relax? There’s a beach for everyone; from family-friendly to secluded bays. Looking for something livelier? The world-famous South Beach area comes alive at night with bars and restaurants that stay open until the early morning hours.
From Times Square and Central Park to The Museum of Modern Art, the island of Manhattan is a scenic and cultural hotspot. But that’s not all – go beyond Manhattan and explore the trendy Williamsburg (Brooklyn). If you’re a sports lover, you can catch a team from every national league.
Famous for its thriving nightlife and 24-hour casinos, Vegas is the go-to destination for endless entertainment. Walk down The Strip for miles of themed hotels, casinos and bars.
Download the American Airlines App for free and use it to manage your travel on the go! From booking and seat assignments to airport maps and your boarding pass, American Airlines is with you every step of the way.
American Airlines is dedicated to providing a positive travel experience for all customers. If you have questions or want to make special travel arrangements, you can make them online or call 800-433-7300. For hearing or speech impaired assistance, dial 711 to be connected through the National Relay Service.
You can also reach American Airlines customer service via email.
American Airline flight check in can be found on the AA.com home page, or under the ‘Reservation’ tab. Flight Check-In is available if your flight is less than 24 hours but more than one hour from departure. Login to AA.com or enter the passenger name and record locator, print your pass and you’re ready to go. Round Trip Flight Check-In is also available.
Check in and print your boarding passes for both your outbound and return flights at the same time (as long as your return flight is within 24 hours of initial check-in).
Not necessarily, but if you prefer a smoother check-in and boarding process at the airport, this is recommended. You can check-in online or from the app starting 24 hours before and up to 45 minutes before departure (90 for international).
You might not be able to check in using the app, if:
Not necessarily. Printed boarding passes are still available should you prefer to not utilize a mobile boarding pass. You can print your boarding pass online, at the airport using a self-service kiosk, or from the ticket counter on the day of departure, prior to your flight’s scheduled departure time.
If you’d prefer not to print a physical copy, you can simply show your mobile boarding pass on a mobile phone, iPad, or Apple Watch and a valid form of identification to the TSA Agent at security to proceed.
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