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How to Check In on American Airlines: Simple Guide
Travelling with American Airlines (AA)? Whether you are flying within the U.S. or internationally, understanding the full check‑in process can make or break your travel experience.
In this blog, we explore American Airlines check-in, including baggage, seat selection, check‑in timing, and different methods, everything you need for a smooth journey.
Why check‑in matters
Check‑in is not just a formality. It confirms your reservation, allows you to select or confirm your seat, and generates your boarding pass. For a large airline like American Airlines, that serves hundreds of destinations globally, efficient check-in helps ensure flights leave on time and you get on board without hassle. Using online or app-based check-in can save you time and keep stress minimal, whereas arriving late or unprepared may lead to denied boarding or baggage issues.
The check-in period begins 24 hours before your flight departs.
Want a smoother start to your trip? Book your American Airlines flight with Flightsquest and get guided support for easy check-in and seat selection.
Methods for American Airlines Check-In
American Airlines provides several ways to check in, so you can choose what is most convenient for you depending on your needs and baggage.
Online (Web) and Mobile App Check-In:
You can begin the check-in process 24 hours before your flight.
If you booked your flight with Flightsquest, then you can easily check in online on the Flightsquest website.
Online check-in closes 45 minutes before domestic flights and 90 minutes before your international flights.
If you have checked baggage, online check-in is helpful, but you still need to drop your bags at the airport.
Booking through Flightsquest makes online check-in faster and easier, manage your booking, seats, and details in one place.
Self-Service Kiosk or Curbside at Airport:
If you want a printed boarding pass, have special needs like traveling with pets, a child, or using a wheelchair, or cannot check in online, you can use self-service kiosks and curbside check-in at most airports.
These typically open a few hours before departure, usually 3–4 hours for many flights.
Airport Counter Check-In:
You can also check in at a staffed airport counter, which is sometimes necessary if:
You booked a codeshare flight (operated by a partner airline)
You have oversized baggage
You need special assistance
Like kiosks and curbside, arrive early to allow time for document verification, baggage drop, and security.
How to Check in Online With Flightsquest
Book your Flight with Flightsquest and make your check-in process easy and hassle-free. Follow these simple steps to check in online through Flightsquest:
Visit the Flightsquest website.
Click on the “Manage Booking” or “Check-in” option on the homepage.
Enter your booking reference number and last name.
Select your flight from the booking details shown on the screen.
Choose or confirm your seat, if available.
Add or verify passenger and travel document details, such as passport information for international flights.
Review your details and complete the online check-in process.
Download or save your boarding pass to your device, or print it if required.
If you have checked baggage, simply drop your bags at the airline’s designated counter at the airport before proceeding to security.
American Airlines check-in Time
The time you should check in depends on how you check in and whether you have bags to drop off. Here’s a simple guide:
Important tips:
At busy airports or for international flights, check-in and baggage drop may close earlier than usual. Always check your airport’s instructions carefully.
For international flights, American Airlines recommends arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight.
American Airlines Check-in Baggage
Knowing American Airlines baggage rules helps you avoid surprises at the airport, especially on long or international trips. Here’s a simple breakdown.
How Many Bags & Weight/Size Limits:
For most flights, each checked bag can be up to 158 cm in total size (length + width + height) and 23 kg (50 lbs).
If you are flying in Business or First Class, your bag can weigh up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
If your bag is oversized or overweight, you will have to pay extra fees, and extremely large or heavy bags may not be accepted.
Free vs Paid Checked Bags:
You may get free checked bags if you have AAdvantage elite status, use an eligible American Airlines credit card, or are flying in Business or First Class.
On many regular fares, especially within the U.S., you will need to pay for the first and second checked bags unless you qualify for free baggage.
You can also prepay for checked bags online or through the AA app during check-in, which can save time at the airport.
Also Read: “Complete Guide to American Airlines baggage policy”
Seat Selection and Check‑in Seat Selection
Choosing your seat is an important part of the American Airlines check-in process. Here’s how it works:
How Seat Selection Works During Check-In:
When you check in online or through the mobile app, you can view and choose available seats after entering your booking details.
Some fare types, especially Basic Economy, may charge a fee for seat selection or may only assign seats at check-in or at the gate.
If you skip seat selection during online check-in, you can still get a seat at the airport through a kiosk, counter agent, or at the gate, but you may not get your preferred choice.
Save time at the airport, book with Flightsquest for easy online check-in, seat selection, and expert travel support.
Why You Should Choose Early:
If you care about sitting together with your group, getting a window or aisle seat, or finding extra legroom, it’s best to check in as soon as the 24-hour window opens. This gives you the highest chance of getting the seat you want.
Why Online or Mobile Check-In Is a Smart Choice
Many travelers prefer checking in online or through the mobile app because it makes the whole process smoother:
Save time: You can avoid long airport lines, which is especially helpful during busy travel hours.
Convenience: From home or your hotel, you can choose your seat, pay for bags, and get your boarding pass instantly.
More flexibility: Need to adjust your seat or baggage? Online check-in makes it quick and easy.
Great for mobile travelers: Keeping your boarding pass on your phone means less paper and faster movement through security and bag-drop.
Better seat options: On full flights or in Basic Economy, checking in early gives you a better chance at getting a seat you like.
However, airport check-in may still be required if you're traveling with special baggage, pets, mobility needs, or flying on a partner airline (codeshare).
Common Pitfalls and Things to Watch Out For
Even though the American Airlines check-in process is simple, travelers often make these mistakes:
Missing the check-in deadline: If you try to check in online less than 45 minutes (domestic) or 90 minutes (international) before departure, you may be blocked.
Forgetting about baggage drop: Even if you check in online, you still need to drop checked bags at the baggage counter well before the cut-off.
Overlooking seat selection rules: Basic or low-fare tickets may charge extra for seats, or automatically assign them at check-in or at the gate.
Packing oversized or overweight bags: If your luggage is too big or heavy, you may face extra fees or even have your bag refused.
Codeshare confusion: If your flight is operated by a partner airline, you may need to check in using the operating carrier’s website or app, not American’s.
Final Thoughts
A smooth travel experience starts with understanding the American Airlines check-in process, whether it’s knowing your American Airlines check-in baggage rules, managing your American Airlines flight check-in, or choosing the right seat through American Airlines check-in seat selection. Always keep an eye on the American Airlines check-in time to avoid delays at the airport.
Ready to book your next trip?
Let Flightsquest help you with stress-free booking, easy check-in guidance, and smooth travel support from start to finish. Book your American Airlines flight with Flightsquest today and travel with confidence.
FAQs on American Airlines Check-In
Q1. When does online check-in open?
Online and mobile check-in open 24 hours before your scheduled departure.
Q2. What are the check-in deadlines?
You must check in at least 45 minutes before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international flights.
Q3. Can I check in bags if I check in online?
Yes, after checking in online, simply drop your bags at the airport bag-drop counter before the cut-off time.
Q4. Do I need the American Airlines app for a mobile boarding pass?
Not always. You can get a mobile boarding pass through the AA app or via the mobile website, depending on the airport.
Q5. Can I pick my seat during online check-in?
Usually yes. However, Basic Economy may have limited options or require a fee for seat selection.
Q6. Why am I unable to check in online?
This can happen if your flight requires document checks, is operated by a partner airline, or you missed the check-in window.
Q7. Do I need to print my boarding pass?
No. A mobile boarding pass is accepted at most airports, though printing is still an option.
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