American Airlines Simplifies Checkin to Boost Ontime Performance
January 14, 2026
Imagine your carefully planned vacation disrupted by endless airport queues, causing you to miss your flight and derailing all your arrangements. To prevent such frustrating scenarios, American Airlines offers a travel guide to optimize your check-in process and ensure timely arrivals.
Before traveling, verify any restrictions at your destination. Different countries may have varying requirements regarding health status, vaccination records, or COVID-19 test results. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, and check if your destination requires a visa.
To allow sufficient time for check-in and security clearance, American Airlines advises arriving at the airport well in advance:
- Domestic U.S. flights: At least 2 hours before departure.
- International flights: At least 3 hours before departure.
These recommendations account for potential queues, security delays, or unexpected issues. During peak travel seasons or holidays, consider arriving earlier.
To minimize wait times, American Airlines provides multiple check-in methods:
- Online check-in: Available 24 hours to 45 minutes before domestic flights (90 minutes for international flights) via the airline's website or mobile app.
- Mobile app check-in: Download the app to receive an electronic boarding pass directly on your device.
- Self-service kiosks: Available at most airports for quick check-in and boarding pass printing.
- Curbside check-in: Offered at select airports for electronic ticket holders to check bags without entering the terminal.
Even with online check-in, passengers needing baggage check or counter assistance must arrive by these deadlines:
- Domestic flights: 45 minutes before departure.
- International flights: 60 minutes before departure.
| Airport Location | Airport Code | Check-In Deadline (Before Departure) |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | AMS | 75 minutes |
| Aruba | AUA | 75 minutes |
| Athens, Greece | ATH | 75 minutes |
| Auckland, New Zealand | AKL | 75 minutes |
| Barcelona, Spain | BCN | 75 minutes |
| Brisbane, Australia | BNE | 75 minutes |
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | EZE | 75 minutes |
| Copenhagen, Denmark | CPH | 75 minutes |
| Delhi, India | DEL | 75 minutes |
For codeshare flights operated by other carriers, check with the operating airline for specific requirements.
Review baggage size, weight limits, and fees in advance. Note these special baggage check deadlines:
- 4-hour cutoff: Charleston (CHS), Denver (DEN), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO), Phoenix (PHX), Seattle (SEA), and others.
- 6-hour cutoff: Honolulu (HNL).
- 8-hour cutoff: Newark (EWR).
Request wheelchair assistance, pet travel accommodations, or special meals at least 48 hours before departure. Monitor flight status for delays or cancellations, and contact the airline for updates if needed.
By following these guidelines, travelers can minimize stress and enjoy a smoother journey from start to finish.