Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
An American Airlines boarding pass is the document you scan at airport security and again when you board. You can usually get it through the American Airlines website or app, print it at home, or collect a paper copy from an airport kiosk or ticket counter. It confirms your flight and check-in details, but it does not replace the identification or travel documents required for your trip.
Quick Answer
To get an American Airlines boarding pass, check in on aa.com or in the American app starting 24 hours before departure. Choose a mobile pass, add it to a compatible digital wallet, or print it. You can also print a pass at an airport kiosk or ask an American Airlines ticket agent.
Key Takeaways
- Online and app check-in normally opens 24 hours before departure.
- You can use a mobile boarding pass at most airports, but some locations or itineraries require a printed pass or an agent check.
- A boarding pass is not identification. Adults going through a U.S. TSA checkpoint must carry an acceptable ID.
- Check the gate, boarding time, seat, and boarding group again on travel day because details can change.
- Do not wait until the last minute. Check-in, bag-drop, and boarding deadlines still apply even when you check in online.
At a Glance
| Time Required | Usually a few minutes for online or app check-in |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Tools Needed | Last name, confirmation code or ticket number, and required ID or travel documents |
| Cost | No charge for the boarding pass; optional seat, baggage, or other service fees may apply |
What an American Airlines Boarding Pass Shows
Your boarding pass usually displays your name, flight number, travel date, departure and arrival airports, boarding time, gate, seat assignment, boarding group, and a scannable barcode. The barcode is used at participating security checkpoints and at the boarding gate.
Review the pass as soon as you receive it. Your name should match your travel identification, and the route and date should match your reservation. Gate, boarding time, and seat information can change, so confirm the latest details in the American app, on aa.com, or on airport displays.
Note: A boarding pass is not a government-issued ID. It confirms that you are checked in and gives you access to the flight, but you must still carry the identification and travel documents required for your itinerary.
Booking Your Flight with American Airlines
Searching for Flights
You can search for flights on the American Airlines website or mobile app by entering your departure airport, destination, travel dates, and number of passengers. Compare the schedule, connection time, fare rules, and operating airline before purchasing.
Enter Passenger Details Carefully
Enter each traveler’s name exactly as it appears on the ID or passport that will be used for the trip. Also provide the date of birth and other Secure Flight information requested during booking. A name or document mismatch can delay check-in or require help from an agent.
Fare Classes and Amenities
American Airlines sells several cabin and fare options, including Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Premium Economy on eligible routes, Business, and First. Seat selection, boarding priority, baggage allowance, lounge eligibility, meals, and change rules vary by fare, route, aircraft, status, and the airline operating the flight. Review the exact benefits shown during booking instead of assuming every premium ticket includes the same services.
Deals and Discounts
American may publish promotional fares or targeted offers on its website, app, or email channels. Compare the total trip cost and restrictions, not only the advertised fare, because baggage, seat, and change conditions can differ.
What You Need Before Check-In
Keep the following details ready:
- Your last name as entered on the reservation
- Your six-character confirmation code, also called a record locator, or an eligible ticket number
- Your date of birth when requested
- An acceptable photo ID for U.S. security screening if you are 18 or older
- A passport, visa, electronic travel authorization, residence document, or other entry document required for international travel
If your trip includes a flight operated by another airline, that carrier may control check-in for its segment. Follow the instructions in your reservation and check the operating airline shown for the first flight.
Checking In Online for Your American Airlines Flight
American Airlines generally allows online or app check-in starting 24 hours before departure. According to the airline’s check-in and arrival guidance, online and app check-in usually remains available until 45 minutes before a U.S. flight and 90 minutes before an international flight. Airport-specific deadlines can be earlier.
Step-by-Step Online Check-In
- Open American Airlines online check-in or the American app.
- Retrieve the trip with the passenger’s last name and confirmation code or ticket number.
- Select the travelers and flight segments you want to check in.
- Confirm passenger information, travel documents, and any required acknowledgments.
- Review or change seats if eligible, and add checked bags or other available services.
- Finish check-in and choose a mobile boarding pass, digital wallet option, email delivery, or printable pass when offered.
Online check-in can reduce time at the counter, but it does not remove airport security, baggage, document, or boarding deadlines. American recommends arriving at least two hours before travel within the United States and at least three hours before travel outside the United States.
Warning: Do not treat the last online check-in time as your airport arrival target. You still need enough time to check bags, complete document checks, clear security, reach the gate, and board before the door closes.
Using the American Airlines Mobile App for Your Boarding Pass
| App function | What it helps you do |
| Check in | Complete eligible check-in starting 24 hours before departure |
| Boarding pass | Display the scannable pass and add it to a compatible digital wallet |
| Trip updates | View flight status, boarding details, gate information, and disruption options |
| Seats and bags | Manage eligible seat choices, add checked bags, and prepare for bag-tag printing |
| Day-of-travel tools | Access airport maps, checked-bag tracking, and other available trip tools |
The American Airlines app keeps the boarding pass and current trip information in one place. After check-in, open the trip and select the boarding-pass option. Save the pass to a compatible digital wallet when available so it is easier to open at security and the gate.
Make sure the barcode is fully visible and turn up screen brightness before scanning. Mobile boarding passes are accepted at most, but not all, departure and connecting airports. American advises travelers to check the airport details before relying only on a mobile pass.
For a family or group reservation, complete check-in for every eligible traveler and keep each person’s boarding pass easy to open. Present the passes one at a time when asked so the correct traveler and barcode are scanned.
Pro Tip: Open the boarding pass before leaving for the airport, add it to your digital wallet, and carry a paper backup when your airport or itinerary may require document verification.
Printing Your American Airlines Boarding Pass at Home
After completing eligible online check-in, choose the print option and print the full boarding pass on clean paper. Make sure the passenger name, flight details, and entire barcode are readable. A black-and-white printout is normally sufficient when the barcode prints clearly.
A paper pass is useful for travelers who prefer a physical copy, have limited phone battery, or are concerned about connectivity. However, printed gate or seat information may become outdated. Recheck the app or airport monitors after arriving.
If you cannot print at home, use an airport kiosk or ask an American Airlines agent for a paper copy.
Using Self-Service Kiosks at the Airport for Your Boarding Pass
American Airlines provides self-service kiosks at many airports. The airline’s kiosk instructions say you can retrieve a trip by scanning a paper or mobile boarding pass, entering the six-character confirmation code, or entering an AAdvantage number.
Once the trip appears, the kiosk may let you:
- Check in for an eligible flight
- Print or reprint a boarding pass
- Change or purchase an eligible seat
- Print bag tags after adding checked bags
Follow the screen prompts, collect every printed document, and take checked bags to the correct bag-drop location. Kiosk services and hours vary by airport.
Obtaining Your Boarding Pass from an American Airlines Ticket Counter
Visit an American Airlines ticket counter when you prefer agent assistance or when online, app, or kiosk check-in is unavailable. An agent can verify documents, complete eligible check-in, print a boarding pass, accept checked bags, and help with certain itinerary or accessibility needs.
Counter assistance is especially useful when you are traveling with a pet, firearm, or unaccompanied minor; your documents need manual review; your first flight is not operated by American; you do not have a seat assignment; or the app directs you to see an agent. Arrive early because ticket-counter and bag-acceptance deadlines vary by airport.
Why You May Not Get a Boarding Pass Online
Completing part of the check-in process does not always mean a boarding pass will be issued immediately. Common reasons include:
- The first flight is operated by another airline.
- The airport or connection does not accept mobile boarding passes.
- Your passport, visa, entry authorization, or other travel document needs an in-person check.
- You are traveling with a pet, firearm, or as an unaccompanied minor.
- You do not have an eligible seat assignment.
- One or more travelers in the reservation have not completed check-in.
- You are outside the permitted check-in window.
- The reservation has a schedule, ticketing, payment, or name issue that needs agent help.
Read the message shown on aa.com or in the app. If it tells you to see an agent, bring your confirmation details and required identification to the airport. Use the airport’s published ticket-counter hours and minimum check-in time when planning your arrival.
Using Your Boarding Pass at the Airport
At Security
Open the mobile pass or present the paper pass so the barcode can be scanned. At U.S. checkpoints, adult travelers must also present an acceptable ID unless they qualify for a specific identity-verification process. Keep the pass available after security because you will need it again at the gate.
When Checking Bags
If you added checked bags online or in the app, scan the boarding pass at an eligible kiosk to print bag tags, then take the tagged bags to bag drop. If you need help or the kiosk cannot complete the process, go to the ticket counter.
At the Gate
Check the boarding group printed or displayed on the pass and wait until that group is called. American says most flights begin boarding 30 to 50 minutes before departure and boarding ends 15 minutes before departure. The airline also tells customers to be at the gate and ready to board at least 15 minutes before domestic departure and 30 minutes before international departure.
A boarding pass gets you to the gate, but arriving before the boarding deadline is what gets you onto the aircraft.
If Your Phone Dies or the Pass Disappears
Charge the phone, restart the app, and reopen the trip. If the pass is still unavailable, print a replacement at an eligible kiosk or ask an agent at the ticket counter or gate. Losing a pass does not normally cancel the ticket, but you still must meet every check-in and boarding deadline.
If the Gate or Seat Changes
Digital passes may update when linked to the app or a supported wallet, while a printed pass will not change automatically. Follow the latest app alert, airport monitor, and gate-agent instruction.
Understanding the Requirements for Boarding with American Airlines
Identification for U.S. Domestic Travel
The Transportation Security Administration requires travelers age 18 and older to present an acceptable ID at U.S. airport checkpoints. Since May 7, 2025, a state driver’s license or identification card must be REAL ID-compliant to serve as the travel ID, unless the traveler presents another acceptable document such as a passport. TSA generally does not require children under 18 to show ID for domestic travel, although the airline may request proof of age in some situations.
Documents for International Travel
International travelers must carry the passport and any visa, electronic travel authorization, residence document, health document, or transit document required by the destination, connection point, and traveler’s citizenship. U.S. citizens traveling internationally by air generally need a valid U.S. passport. Review official destination requirements before departure because an airline can deny boarding when required documents are missing.
Arrival, Check-In, and Boarding Deadlines
American recommends arriving at least two hours before a U.S. flight and at least three hours before a flight outside the United States. Online check-in, airport check-in, checked-bag acceptance, and gate-ready times are separate deadlines. Some airports have earlier cutoffs, so check the airport page for your departure location.
American’s boarding guidance states that boarding ends 15 minutes before departure and that passengers cannot board after the aircraft door closes.
Baggage Rules
Carry-on and checked-bag allowances can vary by itinerary, cabin, status, and operating airline. Review the baggage rules attached to your reservation before arriving. Paying for or adding a bag online does not replace the requirement to tag and hand over the bag before the airport’s acceptance deadline.
Related Travel Preparation Guides
A reliable phone charger can help keep a mobile boarding pass accessible during a long travel day. See 3 Portable Phone Chargers You Need for Your Next Getaway. Backpackers may also find the guide to the Best Solar Charger for Backpacking useful. For luggage organization, review 5 Must-Have Packing Cubes for Your Spring 2025 Getaway.
Sources
- American Airlines: Check-in and arrival — online check-in windows, airport arrival guidance, and airport deadlines
- American Airlines: Mobile boarding pass — how to obtain, save, and scan a mobile pass
- American Airlines: Airport kiosks — trip retrieval, boarding-pass printing, seats, and bag tags
- American Airlines: Boarding process — boarding timing and group order
- TSA: Acceptable identification at the checkpoint — adult ID, REAL ID, expired ID, and child ID guidance
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: International travel documents for U.S. citizens — passport requirements for international air travel
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a boarding pass for American Airlines?
Check in through aa.com or the American app and choose an available mobile or print option. You can also print a boarding pass at an airport kiosk or ask an American Airlines ticket agent.
When can I check in for an American Airlines flight?
Online and app check-in generally opens 24 hours before departure. The closing time depends on whether the flight is domestic or international and can be earlier at some airports.
Can I get a mobile boarding pass for American Airlines?
Yes, for eligible itineraries and participating departure and connecting airports. Check in in the American app or on aa.com, then save the mobile pass or add it to a compatible digital wallet.
What information do I need to get a boarding pass?
You normally need the passenger’s last name and six-character confirmation code or eligible ticket number. You may also need a date of birth, acceptable ID, passport, visa, or other travel document depending on the itinerary.
Can I print my American Airlines boarding pass at home?
Yes, when a printable pass is offered after online check-in. Print the complete pass with a clear barcode. You can also print or reprint it at an eligible airport kiosk.
Do I need identification with my boarding pass?
Yes, when required for security or immigration. At U.S. TSA checkpoints, travelers age 18 and older must present an acceptable ID. International passengers must also carry the travel documents required for their route and citizenship.
Why did American Airlines not give me a boarding pass online?
Your documents may need verification, your first flight may be operated by another airline, your airport may not accept mobile passes, or the reservation may include a condition that requires agent help. Follow the displayed instruction and arrive early enough to use the counter.
What should I do if my phone dies or I lose my boarding pass?
Open the pass from the app or digital wallet after charging the phone. If you still cannot access it, print a replacement at an eligible kiosk or ask an American Airlines agent. Do this before the applicable check-in and boarding deadlines.