American Airlines provides passengers with multiple convenient check-in options to streamline the travel experience. The airline's online check-in service becomes available exactly 24 hours before the scheduled departure time and remains accessible until 45 minutes before domestic flights and 60 minutes before international flights. This digital check-in process can be completed through the official American Airlines website or their user-friendly mobile app, where travelers can review their itinerary, select or change seats (depending on fare class), add checked baggage, and download their boarding passes directly to their mobile devices or print them at home.
For those who prefer traditional check-in methods, American Airlines offers full-service check-in counters at all airports they serve, typically opening at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Many locations also feature self-service kiosks where passengers can check in, print boarding passes, and even print baggage tags if they need to check luggage. These kiosks provide a faster alternative to waiting in line at the full-service counters.
When checking baggage with American Airlines, passengers must adhere to strict deadlines to ensure their luggage makes it onto their flight. For domestic routes within the United States, baggage must be checked at least 45 minutes before departure, while international flights require baggage to be checked at least 60 minutes prior to takeoff. These deadlines are strictly enforced to allow sufficient time for security screening and loading procedures. American Airlines also offers priority check-in lanes for first class passengers, business class travelers, and AAdvantage elite status members, which can significantly reduce wait times during peak travel periods.