United States · AA / AAL · OneWorld
American Airlines Online Check-in Guide
The world's largest airline by fleet size and OneWorld founder. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure on aa.com or in the American Airlines app.
Opens on aa.com in a new tab.
Is American Airlines check-in open right now?
Pick your departure time — we'll show you whether the check-in window is open, when it opens, or whether it's already closed. Your input never leaves the page.
Direct American Airlines actions
Skip the homepage — go straight to the page you actually need on American Airlines's official site.
- Manage bookingChange your American Airlines reservation
- Flight statusReal-time on-time, delays, gate changes
- Account loginFrequent-flyer / loyalty sign-in
Get the American Airlines app for the smoothest check-in experience:
When does American Airlines check-in open and close?
How to check in online with American Airlines
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Have your booking reference and ID ready
You'll need a 6-character booking reference (PNR) and a valid travel document (passport or EU/EEA national ID).
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Open the official check-in page
Use the button at the top of this page or visit aa.com directly. Avoid third-party "check-in" sites.
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Enter passenger details
Add passport / ID number, expiry date, and country of issue if travelling internationally. This step is mandatory and blocks check-in if skipped.
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Choose seats and add extras
Random seats are free in the 24-hour window; named seats and priority boarding cost extra. Skip if you don't need them.
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Save the boarding pass
Add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. The American Airlines app stores it offline once downloaded.
Mobile vs desktop check-in
| Feature | Mobile (app) | Desktop (web) |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding pass in Wallet | Yes (recommended) | Email link only |
| Passport scan | Yes (camera) | Manual entry |
| Push gate updates | Yes | No |
| Print boarding pass | Via email link | Yes |
| Best for | Day-of-travel use | Troubleshooting, family bookings |
American Airlines baggage at a glance
| Type | Dimensions | Weight | Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 45×35×20 cm | 18 kg | Yes |
| Carry-on | 56×35×23 cm | 18 kg | Yes |
| Checked | — | 23 kg | From €35 |
Common American Airlines check-in problems
Basic Economy is restricted to a personal item only on intra-US
Problem: AA Basic Economy on most US domestic routes does NOT include a carry-on bag — only a personal item. Carry-on costs $65 at the gate.
Solution: Pre-pay for a carry-on at booking ($25–$35) or upgrade to Main Cabin to include the bag.
JFK / LAX international transfer to AA Eagle is split-terminal
Problem: Connecting from international AA arrivals to AA Eagle regional flights at JFK and LAX requires landside transfer (re-clear security).
Solution: Allow 2+ hours minimum connection time. Check the operating airline carefully — codeshares with American Eagle are operated by regional partners.
American Airlines check-in FAQ
When does American Airlines check-in open?
24 hours before scheduled departure for most flights. Closes 45 minutes before for domestic, 60 minutes before for international.
Can I bring a carry-on bag on Basic Economy?
On most US domestic Basic Economy fares, no — only a personal item is included. International Basic Economy (to/from Europe) does include a full carry-on.
