Checking-In online for American Airlines?

[Jen in MA]

Just found out that this is an option... anyone have experience with this? We're flying out of Boston to MCO for school vacation week here in MA. We have a 8am flight. The lines at Logan Airport are usually insane during school vacations! We've waited in line for over 2 hours before, just to check in! Should I try checking-in online this time? How do I go about checking my bags once I arrive at the airport? I'm just overly nervous about trying something new. Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[Jestocost]

Parties with nine or fewer people can get check in and get boarding passes starting 30 hours ahead of their flight through the aa.com site. You need an AAdvantage number and an aa.com password, however.

Online check in works pretty smooth, but IMHO there's not much of an advantage if you have to check bags. You'll still need to wait to check your bags curbside with a Skycap (don't forget to tip) or go to the main check-in line inside. Since you can get your boarding passes at that time too, I've never figured that the online check-in is worth much if you're checking bags. Another option to look into is the self-service check-in kiosks at the airport. Those lines are frequently shorter and at many locations you can check bags.

 

[Jen in MA]

Thanks... I've never checked my bags with a skycap... are the skycaps airline employees? Will be bags be just as safe? I'm paranoid about losing my luggage. How much do you have to tip a skycap?

 

[Jestocost]

I don't think skycaps are technically airline employees, but in most larger airports they can check your bags and provide you with your boarding passes. I'm not sure how Logan is set up these days, but at some airports the skycaps will take your bag and put it into the airport luggage system on a conveyor belt behind them. At other airports they load a bunch of bags onto a rolling cart and take them into the airport to a screening area. Some airports still make the individual passenger take their luggage to the screening area personally.

Given that Logan was directly involved in 9/11, it's likely that they have some of the strictest policies. I haven't been there in a few years, however. If someone who has flown out of there recently can answer, that would be best.

Otherwise, I'd suggest getting as much info as possible about your options so that you can make a good decision when you get there. There really are a lot of different factors to consider, including what the lines are like that day and your own personal comfort level.

Oh, I usually tip $2-$3 per bag that I'm checking. I've heard of others who tip more or less. If you've ever had a skycap give you a pass on an overweight bag, however, you've already saved more than even a bigger tip would cost you.

 

[CarolA]

The risk of your luggage being lost does not go up that much with a skycap. Plus it is MUCH faster.

Do tip though.

 

[Jen in MA]

Maybe I'll be brave and give the online check-in a shot. Thanks for all the advice!

 

[brentalex]

The skycaps at Logan will tag your bags, just like if you stayed in line at the counter inside. They have access to the same computer system as the clerks inside. They will even tell you which gate to go to for the flight. We have always used them and have never lost a bag. It is ALWAYS faster, but you should tip them, that is the one tradeoff. Then the only line is the security line to get to the gate.

 

[chloebob]

You should also consider the self check-in. We fly out of Logan so I can speak from experience. It is very easy. You just swipe a credit card and it pulls up your information and asks you like 3 security questions. Then it prints your boarding passes and luggage tags. However, don't be alarmed about doing it yourself. There is always an emplyee there to help you and they do help with your luggage. (make sure it goes through the conveyor belt) I have never seen a line so this really takes a few minutes and saves you a few dollars because there's no one to tip!