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If you're flying with American Airlines, you'll want to know what to expect at the check-in counter.
The check-in counter is typically open 24 hours prior to your flight departure time, and you can start checking in online or at the airport.
You can check in online up to 24 hours before your flight and print or download your boarding pass.
Be sure to arrive at the airport with enough time to spare, as check-in and security lines can get busy.
Checking In
You have several options to check in for your American Airlines flight. You can do it online, through the mobile app, or at the airport using self-service kiosks or ticket counters.
Online check-in is available for most flights, and you can print or download your boarding pass. Mobile check-in is also convenient, allowing you to access your boarding pass on your phone.
If you prefer to check in at the airport, you can use self-service kiosks or visit the ticket counter. Curbside check-in is also an option, where you can check in and drop off your bags without leaving your car.
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The minimum check-in time varies depending on the originating airport. For domestic flights, you need to check in at least 45 minutes before departure, while international flights require at least 60 minutes.
Here's a quick reference guide to help you plan your check-in:
- Online check-in: available for most flights
- Mobile check-in: access your boarding pass on your phone
- Self-service kiosk check-in: available at the airport
- Ticket counter check-in: available at the airport
- Curbside check-in: check in and drop off bags without leaving your car
Online
You can check in for your American Airlines flight online starting 24 hours prior to scheduled departure. This option is available for both domestic and international flights.
The minimum check-in time for domestic flights is 45 minutes before departure, while international flights require check-in at least 90 minutes before departure. If you're traveling with a pet or as an Unaccompanied Minor, online check-in is not available.
You can use online check-in for connecting or return flights, but you'll need to obtain a boarding pass for each flight if your itinerary includes a connection to an American Airlines, AmericanConnection, or American Eagle flight.
Online check-in allows you to print, email, or access your boarding pass on your mobile device at select airports.
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If you lose your boarding pass or forget to print it, you can obtain a new one at Curbside Check-in, Self-Service Check-in, or from an American Airlines agent.
Here are the options for checking bags and paying baggage charges when you've already checked in online:
- At the curbside, for flights within the U.S.
- At a Self-Service Check-in machine located near the ticket counter, by selecting “Check-in Bags Only”.
- At the ticket counter.
Note that you won't be able to check bags or pay baggage fees online, but you can change and select your seat during the online check-in process.
Self Service Options
You can check in for a flight using a Self-Service Check-in machine from 24 hours before scheduled departure up to the minimum check-in time.
Self-Service Check-in machines are available at most domestic airports and select international airports, and can be found in the ticket counter lobby, in front of the ticket counters for checking baggage, and in select gate locations.
To use a Self-Service Check-in machine, you can swipe a major credit card, scan or swipe your passport, boarding pass, or mobile itinerary barcode, or enter your confirmation code, AAdvantage elite-status card number, or American Airlines ticket number.
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You can also use the "Check-in Bags Only" option if you already checked in online, and add your AAdvantage number, stand by for an earlier or later same-day flight (for eligible passengers), or request an upgrade (for AAdvantage members).
At select airports, you can print your bag tags, and at most US airports, you can check in your bags without having to touch the kiosk using the touchless baggage check-in feature.
You can check in bags and process any associated baggage charges for domestic or international travel using a Self-Service Check-in machine.
You can select or change your seat, print or reprint your boarding pass, and receive your bag tags using a Self-Service Check-in machine.
American Airlines airport kiosk check-in is available from 45 minutes to 24 hours (5 hours for Miami) before the scheduled departure time, depending on your departure city and destination.
You can pay bag fees and select or change your seat using the American Airlines self-service kiosk check-in.
Airport Check In
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Airport check-in is a vital part of your travel experience, and American Airlines offers several convenient options to suit your needs.
You can check-in for your American Airlines flight online, mobile check-in, self-service check-in, curbside check-in, or ticket counter check-in.
The minimum check-in time for American Airlines flights varies depending on the originating airport, with at least 45 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights.
You can also check-in at the airport using the American Airlines self-service kiosk, which is still being used by many travelers despite being an older method.
American Airlines airport kiosk check-in involves finding the kiosk, entering passenger details, following on-screen instructions, verifying passenger details, and selecting a seat.
If you're traveling with special needs or require personal assistance, you can get help from an American Airlines agent at the ticket counter.
Ticket counter check-in is also necessary when traveling with an infant, pet, or oxygen container, or when dropping off an unaccompanied minor.
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You can check-in for your American Airlines flight at the airport ticket counter from 45 minutes to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time (depending on your departure city and destination).
You can also check bags and pay bag fees at the ticket counter, and select or change your seat.
Here's a summary of American Airlines check-in options:
Note that the availability of these options may vary depending on your departure city and destination, so it's always a good idea to check with American Airlines for the most up-to-date information.
Timing and Restrictions
The check-in time for American Airlines varies depending on the type of flight and the originating airport. For domestic flights, check-in begins 24 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes prior to departure. For international flights, check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 60 minutes prior to departure.
You should also be aware of the baggage restrictions, including size and weight limits for both carry-on and checked baggage. Additionally, there are security screening restrictions on carrying liquids, gels, and sharp objects in your carry-on luggage.
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Some flights have specific check-in times, such as:
- US domestic flights: 45 minutes before scheduled departure time
- International flights to/from the US: 60 minutes before scheduled departure time
- Flights departing from certain airports: 60-90 minutes before scheduled departure time
It's essential to check the specific check-in time for your flight to avoid any issues.
Time
Timing is everything, especially when it comes to check-in and boarding times for your flight. You should check-in for your American Airlines flight at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure time for domestic flights, or 60 minutes before for international flights to/from the US.
If you're checking baggage, you'll need to arrive even earlier, with a minimum check-in time of 1.5 hours for domestic flights and 2 hours for international flights. For some flights, like those departing from Canada, the Caribbean, or certain US cities, you'll need to arrive even earlier, with a minimum check-in time of 3 hours.
Here's a breakdown of the minimum check-in times for different types of flights:
Remember, these are just the minimum check-in times, and it's always a good idea to arrive a bit earlier to account for any unexpected delays.
Restrictions on
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Restrictions on American Airlines flights are important to keep in mind when planning your trip.
Check-in time limits vary depending on whether you're flying domestically or internationally. Be aware that these limits are in place to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Baggage restrictions are also crucial, including size and weight limits for both carry-on and checked baggage. Don't risk having your luggage rejected at the gate.
Security screening restrictions are in place to protect passengers, so be aware of what you can and can't carry in your carry-on luggage, including liquids, gels, and sharp objects.
Identification requirements are necessary, so make sure you have a government-issued ID, passport, or other documents ready.
Baggage and Fees
At the American Airlines check-in counter, you'll want to know about baggage and fees. American Airlines allows passengers to carry 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag per passenger.
The dimensions for carry-on bags should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. This is important to note, as oversized bags may not be allowed on board.
Checked baggage allowances depend on the fare class, destination, and other factors. It's best to check with American Airlines directly for the most up-to-date information on checked baggage policies.
Alternative Options
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If you're not a fan of waiting in line at the American Airlines check-in counter, you've got options. You can check in online up to 24 hours before your flight and even print or download your boarding pass.
Checking in online can save you time and hassle, but be aware that you'll still need to drop off your bags at the airport. Online check-in is available for most American Airlines flights, but it's always a good idea to check the airline's website to confirm.
Mobile check-in is another convenient option, allowing you to check in and access your boarding pass on your smartphone. This can be especially useful if you're traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.
If you do need to check in at the counter, be prepared for a potentially long wait, especially during peak travel times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can you check-in for a flight on American Airlines?
You can check-in for a flight on American Airlines 24 hours before and up to 45 minutes before your domestic flight, or 90 minutes before an international flight. Check-in at the airport is available 45 minutes before scheduled departure.
Can I check in at the airport counter?
Yes, you can check in at the airport counter, but you also have the option to use self-service check-in or online check-in for added convenience.
Sources
- https://www.seatmaestro.com/airlines-seating-maps/american-airlines/check-in/
- https://www.tripbeam.com/blog/american-airlines-web-check-in-policy
- https://www.faregarage.com/american-airlines/web-checkin
- https://flylaredotexas.com/travel-information/checkin-options/
- https://foursquare.com/american6523895
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