Missing your boarding pass is one of the fastest ways to miss your flight. American Airlines gives you five different ways to get yours — online, in the app, at a kiosk, by email, or at the counter. This guide walks you through every option so you can pick the one that fits your trip.
Quick Answer
You can get your American Airlines boarding pass by checking in online, using the mobile app, visiting an airport kiosk, or speaking with an agent at the ticket counter. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. You’ll need your last name plus your booking reference number or AAdvantage number.
Key Takeaways
- Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before domestic flights (90 minutes for international).
- The American Airlines app lets you book, check in, and store your boarding pass all in one place.
- Self-service kiosks at the airport print your boarding pass and baggage tags in minutes.
- You can receive your boarding pass by email or text after checking in online — no printer needed.
- Save your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your profile before check-in so it prints on your pass automatically.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you check in or retrieve your boarding pass, have these items ready:
- Booking reference number (also called a record locator) — a six-character code from your confirmation email
- AAdvantage number — an alternative to the booking reference if you’re a loyalty member
- Valid government-issued ID — required at the airport (passport for international travel)
- Travel documents — passport and any required visas for international flights
Estimated total time: 5 minutes online or in the app. Allow 10–15 minutes at a kiosk or counter.
How to Create an American Airlines Account
An American Airlines account makes booking and managing travel much easier. Visit the American Airlines website and find the Join AAdvantage link. The registration form asks for your name, email address, and a password.
Pick a strong password to keep your account secure. The site may also ask for your phone number and mailing address — this helps American Airlines send flight updates and relevant offers.
After you register, American Airlines sends you a confirmation email. Click the link inside to verify your account. Then you can log in to book flights, track your miles, and find special offers.
How to Book Your Flight on American Airlines
You can book a flight on the American Airlines website or mobile app. Enter your departure city, destination, travel dates, and number of passengers into the search bar. After clicking search, the system shows a list of available flights.
Filter results by price, duration, and time to find the best option. Once you pick a flight, review the fare details and choose extras like seat selection or checked bags. American Airlines offers different fare classes, including Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and Premium Economy.
Each class has its own rules for cancellations, changes, and amenities. Enter passenger information and payment details to finish. Double-check everything before confirming — mistakes are harder to fix after booking.
How to Check In Online for Your Flight
Online check-in lets you confirm your flight from home. This service opens 24 hours before your scheduled departure. It closes 45 minutes before domestic flights and up to 90 minutes before international flights.
To check in online, visit the American Airlines website or open the mobile app. Enter your last name and either your booking reference number or AAdvantage number to access your reservation.
Once you’re in, pick or change your seat and add last-minute services like checked bags. After confirming your details, you receive a digital boarding pass to save on your phone or print at home.
Pro tip: Add your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your profile before you check in so it appears on your boarding pass automatically.
Online check-in saves time at the airport and helps you skip the check-in lines. If you have checked bags, drop them off at the baggage area when you arrive. Be at the gate and ready to board at least 15 minutes before departure for domestic flights (30 minutes for international) — doors close at that point.
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How to Use the American Airlines Mobile App
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Downloads | 50M+ (Google Play) |
| User Rating | Highly rated on Google Play and the App Store* |
| Active Users | Not disclosed |
| Features | Flight booking, check-in, flight status, boarding pass |
*Ratings change frequently. Check the app store listing for the current score.
The American Airlines mobile app puts all your travel details in one place. Available for iOS and Android, the app lets you book flights, check in, view flight updates, and access your boarding pass. Log in with your AAdvantage details or create a new account directly in the app.
Turn on real-time flight notifications to stay informed about gate changes or boarding times. The app also makes it easy to manage reservations — change your itinerary, add extra baggage, or check your loyalty program details.
Having all this information on your phone cuts down on airport stress.
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How to Print Your Boarding Pass at Home
Printing your boarding pass at home saves time at the airport. After checking in online, choose the print option to get a PDF version of your pass. Print it right away or save it to print later.
Make sure your printed pass is clear and easy to read. It holds your flight number, gate, and the barcode scanners need to let you through security and onto the plane.
A physical copy works as a useful backup if your phone battery dies at the airport.
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How to Use a Self-Service Kiosk at the Airport
Self-service kiosks offer a fast way to check in without a wait. Find a kiosk near the check-in area when you arrive and follow the on-screen prompts. Enter your last name and your booking reference or AAdvantage number to pull up your reservation.
Once your flight shows on the screen, confirm your details and add any extras like checked bags. The kiosk prints your boarding pass and baggage tags on the spot.
Warning: Kiosks close for check-in at the same cutoff times as online check-in — 45 minutes before domestic departures and up to 90 minutes before international ones, so don’t leave it to the last minute.
If you run into any trouble, American Airlines staff are nearby to help.
How to Get Your Boarding Pass at the Ticket Counter
If you travel with pets, need a wheelchair, or want extra help, visit an American Airlines ticket counter. Look for the American Airlines ticketing area when you arrive. A representative checks you in and answers any questions.
Show your ID and travel documents to the agent. They can help you pick a seat and sort out questions about bags or flight changes. Once everything looks good, they print your boarding pass.
This option works best for complex itineraries or travelers who need extra support.
How to Get Your Boarding Pass by Email or Text
Getting your boarding pass by email or text is fast and paperless. After checking in online or in the app, choose to send the pass to your inbox or phone. This keeps your pass right on your mobile device.
Type in the correct email address or phone number during check-in — a typo means your pass goes nowhere. Once you receive it, save the pass or pull it up at airport security and the boarding gate.
Note: Take a screenshot of your boarding pass as a backup in case you lose signal at the airport.
If your flight or gate changes, the airline sends updates straight to your email or phone.
TSA PreCheck and Your Boarding Pass
If you’re enrolled in TSA PreCheck, save your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your American Airlines profile before you check in. When you check in, the TSA PreCheck logo prints directly on your physical or digital boarding pass. This gives you access to the faster security lanes.
If you don’t see the logo on your pass, ask an agent at the ticket counter to add your KTN before you head to the security checkpoint.
If Something Goes Wrong
Lost your boarding pass? Reprint it at any airport kiosk or ask a representative at the ticket counter. If your TSA PreCheck indicator doesn’t appear, an agent can add your KTN at the counter before you reach security. For app login issues, use the website instead — both give you the same check-in options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a boarding pass?
A boarding pass is a document the airline provides during check-in. It gives you permission to board the aircraft and shows your flight number, gate, seat assignment, and a scannable barcode.
How do I get a boarding pass from American Airlines?
You can get your pass by checking in online, using the mobile app, visiting a self-service kiosk, or speaking with a representative at the ticket counter. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure.
What information do I need to get a boarding pass from American Airlines?
You need your booking reference number or AAdvantage number, plus your last name. At the airport, also bring a valid photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license.
Can I get a mobile boarding pass from American Airlines?
Yes. The American Airlines app provides a mobile boarding pass you can use at security and the gate. This option works at most airports across the network.
Can I print my boarding pass from American Airlines?
Yes. Print it at home after checking in online, or print it at an airport kiosk. Make sure the barcode on the printed pass is clear and not faded before you head to the airport.
Does TSA PreCheck show on a mobile boarding pass?
Yes, as long as your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is saved to your American Airlines profile before check-in. The TSA PreCheck indicator appears on both digital and printed passes.
What should I do if I lose my boarding pass?
Reprint it at an airport kiosk or ask an American Airlines representative to print a new one at the ticket counter. You can also pull it up again in the app if you originally checked in digitally.
Start Your Trip Without the Stress
Your boarding pass is the one thing you can’t leave home without. Whether you check in online the night before or grab your pass at an airport kiosk, American Airlines gives you options that fit any travel style. Add your TSA PreCheck KTN to your profile now — it’s a small step that saves real time at security every trip.
References
- Online and Mobile Check-In — American Airlines, official
- TSA PreCheck Program Overview — Transportation Security Administration (TSA), official