American Airlines·oneworld
American Check-in Times & Boarding Cutoffs
American Check-in Times & Boarding Cutoffs — Summary
When American check-in opens, airport and bag drop cutoffs for domestic and international flights, and how early the gate closes.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- When online check-in opens: 24 hours before departure on aa.com or the American app..
- Domestic airport cutoff: 45 minutes before departure..
- International airport cutoff: 60 minutes before departure, and 90 minutes at some international stations..
- Bag drop deadline: 45 minutes domestic, 60 minutes international..
When online check-in opens
24 hours before departure on aa.com or the American app.
Domestic airport cutoff
45 minutes before departure.
International airport cutoff
60 minutes before departure, and 90 minutes at some international stations.
Bag drop deadline
45 minutes domestic, 60 minutes international.
Boarding and gate closure
Doors close 15 minutes before departure. American boards in nine groups; Basic Economy is group 9.
Doing it in the app
aa.com and the American app handle rebooking, seat changes, refund requests and bag tracking. The Refunds page is genuinely self-service and avoids a phone queue entirely.
American check-in & boarding — common questions
When does American check-in open?
24 hours before departure on aa.com or the American app.
How early do I need to be at the airport for American?
Domestic: 45 minutes before departure. International: 60 minutes before departure, and 90 minutes at some international stations. Bags: 45 minutes domestic, 60 minutes international.
How long before departure does the American gate close?
Doors close 15 minutes before departure. American boards in nine groups; Basic Economy is group 9.
More American help
Booking American? Talk to a US travel consultant.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.