Online check-in with AA

[curlyjbs]

Anyone familiar with AA's online checkin? I've read the website but have never done it and I don't have a clue what to do.

I'm really confused with the curbside checkin and boarding passes.

If it matters, we are departing from LaGuardia (NY).

Helppppppppppp!


curly

 

[airhead]

I'm flying AA out of Logan in a few weeks and I also don't have a clue! Do you have to do the curbside checkin? Can I bring my Eticket to a counter and will they give me boarding passes for both ends of my trip?

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by airhead
I'm flying AA out of Logan in a few weeks and I also don't have a clue! Do you have to do the curbside checkin? Can I bring my Eticket to a counter and will they give me boarding passes for both ends of my trip?

Yes you CAN bring your eticket to a ticket agent and have them print boarding passes for you, BUT this is the usually the longest line and the longest wait. Etickets are easy and using curbside checkin OR online checkin or the eticket machines in the ticketing area is 99% of the time quicker than having a HUMAN ticket agent do it for you. Unless you just LOVE standing in line use one of the alternate methods.

 

[prncess674]

Self Service Machine info

https://www.aa.com/content/urls/selfService.jhtml

 

[sgtdisney]

Curbside checkin is very easy. The sky cap will ask you for your eticket receipt and your id. They will take your bags and put them through to the plane (at least that is how they do it here in Chicago.) Then they will give you your boarding passes through to your final destination. It is really pretty simple and very painless. Just remember to tip the sky cap. They don't work for the airline technically and they rely on tips for part (or most) of their income.

 

[airhead]

....How do i get my return boarding passes? I don't fly much,can ya tell!

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by airhead
....How do i get my return boarding passes? I don't fly much,can ya tell!

Use the self serve machines at MCO Airport

Self Service Machine info

https://www.aa.com/content/urls/selfService.jhtml

 

[curlyjbs]

Thanks for the info and links guys!!!


curly

 

[Jestocost]

Online check-in and the self-service machines are quick and easy, but there's usually not much of a time savings or other advantage to using them if you are checking bags. You still have to wait in some line somewhere to hand off you bags and it's usually to someone who could have issued your boarding pass too. At some airports you can check a bag when you use the self-service machines, but at others you have to drag them around to another line.

If I'm checking bags I usually skip the online check in and go straight to curbside check in. The Skycaps will take your bags and give you your boarding passess too. You have to tip them, but you also can frequently get your overweight bags on for no extra charge too.

You won't be able to get your return boarding passes until you actually check in for your return flight.

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by Jestocost
Online check-in and the self-service machines are quick and easy, but there's usually not much of a time savings or other advantage to using them if you are checking bags. You still have to wait in some line somewhere to hand off you bags and it's usually to someone who could have issued your boarding pass too. At some airports you can check a bag when you use the self-service machines, but at others you have to drag them around to another line..

Yes it is true that someone will have to tag your bags but there is usually a dedicated check in agent tagging bags. It is much quicker than standing in the regular line behind a person who wants to change there ticket to Asia and check 14 pieces of oversized luggage. Even if both lines APPEAR to be the same length the self serve line move much more quickly because most people are doing quick no nonsense transactions. I travel every week for work and am always amazed by the herd mentality. The self serve machines (that allow bag check) are standing wide open while the regular agent line is a mile long. There couldn't possibly be that many people with problem transactions, they are just afraid to use the new technology. I have even seen ticket agents polling the line looking for people with e-tickets and she is willing to walk them through the entire self serve ticket machine process and that flat refuse and state I want a real person to print my boarding pass. There is no difference in the BP. Give it a try if you have a problem there is always an agent around to assist you.

Other here like Curbside checkin. Curbside checkin employees are not employees of the airline. They work on tips and can't always help if you have a difficult situation. Also I don't like tipping just to make sure my luggage makes the flight. (sounds like bribery).

 

[airhead]

I'm gonna use the curbside to checkin and get my passes. I'll just ask for help!!!

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by airhead
I'm gonna use the curbside to checkin and get my passes. I'll just ask for help!!!

Just remember that the curbside check in agents expect to be TIPPED since they are NOT AA employees, usually a $1 per bag.

 

[airhead]

We'll only have 2 bags,I'd say that's doable!!

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by airhead
We'll only have 2 bags,I'd say that's doable!!

tip more for larger/heavier bags. If they are large (26 or 30 inch rollies) I would tip atleast $2 per bag. Also make sure your bags aren't overweight if they are you will be charge a hefty fee. You are allowed 2 checked pieces per ticketed passenger. Make sure to either bring a soft sided duffle inside your other bag or leave room in your other bag four souvies.


AA Baggage Policy
http://www.aa.com/content/customerService/baggage/baggageAllowance.jhtml?anchorEvent=false