• How do mobile boarding passes work and can I use one at my airport?
AA offers mobile boarding passes for flights departing certain airports that are equipped with barcode scanners at security lines and boarding gates. The mobile boarding pass consists of a two-dimensional barcode, as well as printed passenger information (name, date, flight, seat, etc.), and can be saved to a mobile device such as a smartphone or PDA. Mobile boarding passes can be accessed directly via AA moble apps, or received via email when checking in at AA.com.
N.B.: It is advisable to save a the mobile boarding pass directly to your mobile device, in case you lose internet access at the security line or the gate. AA also recommends maximizing the brightness of your display for scanning.
At the check-in area, if you are checking bags, the mobile boarding pass can be used at self-service kiosks in the Bag Drop area.
At security, show the mobile boarding pass to the contractor who monitors the entrance to the line for access. When you reach the TSA agent checking IDs, provide your ID and scan your barcode using the scanner embedded in the podium. It is advisable to lock the screen orientation on your mobile device so that the image does not switch between portrait and landscape view. You may then be provided with a laminated card in lieu of a hard copy boarding pass to provide to the TSA agent at the metal detector, since mobile devices obviously cannot be carried through.
At the boarding gate, scan your barcode using the scanner mounted on top of the boarding pass reader. Again, it is advisable to lock the screen orientation on your mobile device so that the image does not switch between portrait and landscape view.
AA.com:
Mobile Boarding Passes
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Mobile boarding pass info and airport list (consolidated)
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AA mobile boarding pass - Blackberry tips / issues
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AA mobile boarding pass - Apple iPhone tips / issues