Suggested Arrival Times

The following information will help you know what to expect when you arrive at the airport for flights operated by American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection®.

Arrival at the Airport

Please review the suggestions so that you have enough time to catch your flight. In addition, you can check the latest travel alerts to learn about circumstances that could affect schedules, airport operation and parking as well as flight status information for gates and times.

Within the U.S. as well as flights to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands check in:

• At least 60 minutes prior to departure if not checking bags
• At least 90 minutes prior to departure when checking bags

Departing Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands check in:

• At least two hours prior to departure
• Exception for Honolulu (HNL) - Two and a half hours prior to departure

For flights to international destinations check in:

• At least two hours prior to departure to complete all necessary international requirements

Recommended check-in times for cities that exceed two hours:

Minimum Time for Checking In and Arriving at the Gate

To retain your pre-reserved seat on a confirmed flight, please adhere to the minimum check in and gate arrival times listed. We have suggested airport arrival times above to help you check in and get through Security with enough time.

For flights originating in the U.S.:

• Minimum check-in (obtained a boarding pass) is at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure
• Arrive at the gate and be ready to board at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure

For flights originating outside the U.S.:

• Minimum check-in is at least 60 minutes before scheduled departure
• Arrive at the gate and be ready to board at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure

Note: Particular seats on the aircraft are not guaranteed.

Minimum Time for Checked Baggage Acceptance

To help us get your bag on the same flight with you, we have implemented baggage acceptance cutoff times. Please present your bag to an airline representative for check-in no later than the stated cutoff times for the departure airport.

For flights within and between the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands:

• Check bags at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure

For flights originating in airports outside the U.S. or flights departing the U.S. for an international destination:

• Check bags at least 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure

Please review the table for airports that require extra time for baggage acceptance.

Notes:
In Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, baggage for confirmed flights may only be accepted up to four hours prior to confirmed departure.

When arriving in the U.S. from an international city, you will claim your checked bags at the first stop within the U.S. and proceed through Immigrations/Customs. If you're flying internationally and connecting to another airline, check the applicable country's Customs procedures to determine whether checked baggage needs to be re-checked with the other airline upon arrival into that country.

Security Checkpoints

At the security checkpoint, present your government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport and your boarding pass or priority verification card. We offer a wide range of convenient options for obtaining your boarding pass:

• Online Flight Check-In: Check in from your computer. Sign up for Flight Check-In now!
• Curbside Check-In: You can check your bags, including excess or overweight baggage, and get a boarding pass right at the curb.
• Self-Service Check-In: You can go straight to the security checkpoint without having to stop at the ticket counter.
• Ticket Counter: If you need additional assistance such as an unaccompanied minors or pets traveling, please check-in and obtain a boarding pass at our ticket counter.

If You Are Visiting an Admirals Club® Lounge, But Not Flying

If you are not traveling but are attending a meeting in a private, reserved conference room, in the Admirals Club or Executive Center, you can go through the security checkpoint if your name is placed on the daily meetings list given to Security at least 24 hours in advance.

To have your name placed on the list, please call 1-800-237-7971 and select the club location. Club personnel will assist you and provide information for you to access the security checkpoint. For additional information regarding the Admirals Club please visit www.aa.com/admiralsclub.

Additional Information
Air carrier authorization forms for escorting minors, the elderly, etc. will still be available and valid for passage through security checkpoints. For more information regarding unaccompanied minors, please refer to our Traveling With Children page.

Further information regarding clearing the security checkpoint can be found at www.aa.com/checkpoints.

Premium Security Checkpoints

At various airports, AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum® and AAdvantage Gold® members, AAirpass® holders, as well as First or Business Class customers may have access to special security checkpoints entrances.

To confirm availability of this service, we suggest that you inquire at the airport upon arrival.

Premium security checkpoint access varies based in part on local TSA staffing constraints. Local operators at some airports may also restrict access to these checkpoint entrances.