American Airlines Check-In Policy

American Airlines check-in policy is designed to help travelers reach their destination quickly and easily. The policy explains when and where travelers must check-in for their flight, as well as the procedures for those who miss their check-in time or are running late. Taking the time to understand American Airlines’ check-in policy can help guarantee a smooth and stress-free journey.

What is the process for checking in for an American Airlines (AA) flight?

You have several options for checking in for your American Airlines (AA), including American Eagle and Envoy Air, flights: 

  • Web Check-In (online check-in), 
  • Curbside Check-In using a mobile device, 
  • Self-Service Kiosk Check-In, 
  • Check-in at the Airport Ticket Counter.

Can I Check Online with American Airlines (AA)?

If you are flying American Airlines (AA) you can check in online for your flight between 24 hours to 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. 

  • You will then receive a mobile boarding card for your device or a printable boarding pass. This option is available to you if you have an electronic ticket and American Airlines (AA) is the carrier of your first flight, you are not using a military fare, and British Airways, Iberia, or Japan Airlines are the codeshare airlines for the first flight on the route. 
  • However, you must check your bags at the airport before the check-in deadline for your flight, either at the curbside check-in kiosk or the check-in counter.

American Airlines (AA) Online Web Check-In Allows Me to Pay Bag Fees?

No, before the check-in deadline for your flight, you must check your luggage at the airport using the curbside check-in kiosk, the check-in counter, or both.

Can You Pay for Baggage Fees when You Check in Online with American Airlines (AA)?

When checking in online with American Airlines (AA), passengers might wonder whether they can pay for baggage fees. However, the answer is no. American Airlines requires passengers to pay baggage fees at the time of check-in at the airport or a self-service kiosk. This policy is in place to ensure that passengers are charged the correct fees based on their travel itinerary and any applicable discounts. Therefore, passengers should plan to arrive early enough to complete the check-in process and pay any necessary fees before their flight. It is also advisable to review American Airlines’ baggage policy before traveling to avoid any surprises or additional costs.

Is It Possible to Change or Select My Seat Online Through American Airlines (AA) Web Check-In?

Yes, you can choose or change your seat using the American Airlines (AA) web check-in system. American Airlines allows passengers to select their preferred seats during the online check-in process, which begins 24 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time.

Can I Check Using My Mobile Device with American Airlines (AA)?

If your departure city and destination are eligible, you can check in for your American Airlines (AA) flight on your mobile device beginning 24 hours before the scheduled departure time and ending 45 minutes before. You will then receive a mobile boarding pass on your phone. You can choose this option if:

  • If you have an electronic ticket and American Airlines (AA) is the carrier for your first flight, you can access your reservation using your confirmation code, e-ticket number, or frequent flyer account, provided you do not have any special needs (i.e. unaccompanied minor). 
  • Since you are not using a military fare, you can use a mobile boarding card if your departure airport offers this option. 
  • Otherwise, you can check in and print a boarding pass at a ticket counter or self-service kiosk. If you are traveling with a child, you must have a printed boarding pass. 
  • The first flight on the route has codeshare airlines such as British Airways, Iberia, or Japan Airlines.

Is Curbside Check-In Available on American Airlines (AA)? 

If you are flying with American Airlines (AA) from a U.S. airport, you can check in curbside up to 4 hours in advance of your flight’s departure time. You will need to have a photo ID and your reservation code, flight number, or e-ticket number on hand. To see a full list of airports that offer curbside check-in, visit the American Airlines (AA) website.

Can I Check at a Kiosk Through American Airlines (AA)?

If you are flying with American Airlines (AA), you may be able to check in for your flight at a self-service kiosk at the airport. This option is available between 45 minutes to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, except for Miami, where the window is 5 hours. Upon checking in, you will receive a printed boarding pass.

How Can I Use American Airlines (AA) Self-Service Kiosk Check-In to Check Bags? 

You can use the American Airlines self-service kiosk check-in to check bags. American Airlines offers self-service kiosks at many airports around the world, and the kiosks are designed to make checking in for your flight as easy and efficient as possible. 

Is It Possible to Pay Bag Fees at The American Airlines (AA) Self-Service Kiosk Check-In?

Yes, American Airlines allows you to pay for your checked baggage at the self-service kiosk check-in. 

Is It Possible to Change or Select My Seat at The American Airlines (AA) Self-Service Kiosk Check-In?

Yes, you can choose or modify your seat when checking in at an American Airlines (AA) self-service kiosk.

Can American Airlines (AA) Check in At the Ticket Counter?

If you are taking an American Airlines (AA) flight, the amount of time you will need to check in at the airport ticket counter before your scheduled departure time will vary depending on your departure city and final destination. You should arrive between 45 minutes and 4 hours before your flight to get your boarding card.

At American Airlines (AA) Ticket Counters, Can I Check Bags?

Yes, at the American Airlines ticket counter check-in, you can check bags. Checking bags at the ticket counter check-in is a common service provided by most airlines including American Airlines, allowing passengers to check in their bags before boarding their plane. 

When I check in at American Airlines (AA), Can I Pay the Baggage Fees?

Yes, you can pay your baggage charges at the American Airlines check-in counter. If you choose to check your bags, the airline will charge you for the checked baggage based on your fare, destination, and frequent flyer status. The fees for checked baggage can vary depending on the number of bags, weight, size, and destination of the flight.

At the American Airlines (AA) Ticket Counter, Can I Select or Change My Seat?

Yes, you can choose or modify your seat when checking in at the American Airlines (AA) ticket counter. If you did not choose a seat when you purchased your ticket, or if you want to change your seat assignment, you can do so at the airport check-in counter or the self-service kiosk.

How Much Does American Airlines (AA) Charge for Seat Assignments?

The regular seat assignment option is free on American Airlines (AA).

At What Time Do I Need to Check in For My American Airlines (AA) Flight?

When flying with American Airlines (AA), you must arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes before your domestic flight within the United States and 60 minutes before your international flight to or from the US.

What Time Should I Arrive at The Airport for My American Airlines (AA) Flight?

It is recommended to arrive at the airport before your flight departs.

  • If you are not checking any bags, you should arrive one hour before a domestic flight in the US. If you are checking baggage, you should arrive 1.5 hours before a domestic flight in the US. 
  • For flights leaving or arriving from outside the US, flights from Hawaii, and flights from the US Virgin Islands, you should arrive two hours before departure. 
  • For flights leaving Honolulu, you should arrive 2.5 hours before departure. 
  • For flights leaving Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Nassau, South America, and Spain, you should arrive 3 hours before departure. 
  • For flights leaving Colombia’s Bogota, you should arrive 3.5 hours before departure. 
  • For flights leaving Uruguay’s Montevideo, you should arrive 4 hours before departure.

Check-In Time with Carry-On Baggage

  • For domestic flights within the US, check-in with carry-on luggage must occur at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. 
  • For international flights to/from the US, check-in must be no later than 60 minutes prior to departure. 
  • When checking in with checked bags, check-in must occur no later than 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights from hubs and busy airports featured on AA.com. 
  • For international flights to/from the US and departing from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, arrive one hour before scheduled departure. 
  • For flights leaving from Dublin and Buenos Aires, check-in must occur at least 75 minutes before scheduled departure and 90 minutes before departure for flights from Maracaibo and Caracas.

When Should I Be at The Boarding Gate?

For American Airlines (AA) flights, boarding closes at the following times: 

  • For domestic flights within the United States, 15 minutes before takeoff. 
  • For international flights to/from the US, 45 minutes before departure.

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