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American Airlines Boarding Groups & Process – Everything You Need To Know

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American Airlines Boarding Groups & Process – Everything You Need To Know

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Conciergekey, group 5 (preferred boarding), boarding notes, priority boarding, preferred boarding, boarding timing, how to build up your american airlines miles balance, final thoughts.

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Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, American Airlines has established itself as the largest airline in the world . Whether you are looking at the number of passengers carried, the number of planes, or the number of destinations served, American Airlines leads the way.

What does this mean for you? Well, it means that as you fly around the U.S. and the rest of the world, you are probably going to end up on an American Airlines plane at some point.

To make your travel smoother, we’re going to take a little time today to go over the details of the boarding procedures that American Airlines uses for its flights.

Like every other airline, American likes to do things its own way — and if you don’t understand the process ahead of time, it can lead to confusion and frustration right at the start of your trip.

We never want to have a frustrating travel day (and we’re guessing you don’t either), so let us clear up the confusion of boarding with American Airlines so you can move on with the rest of your trip.

American Airlines Boarding Groups

A few years ago, American Airlines restructured its boarding process. Instead of preboarding several different groups as it did in the past, it decided to assign each group a number.

The result is a boarding process with a whopping 9 different numbered groups!

If we want to look at the boarding process as a whole, we should point out that American Airlines really has 11 groups.

Even after this restructuring, ConciergeKey elite AAdvantage members have their own group to board before anyone else, and there are also still passengers who can request preboarding.

Here is a description of which passengers are eligible for each boarding group. As long as you have your AAdvantage program number on your reservation, your boarding pass should show your correct elite or priority boarding group.

If it doesn’t, you can see an American Airlines agent before boarding to have it corrected.

  • Passengers needing special assistance
  • Passengers traveling with children under 2 years old
  • ConciergeKey elite AAdvantage members
  • First class passengers
  • Active-duty U.S. military members with military I.D.
  • Business class passengers (only on a 2-class international plane)
  • Executive Platinum AAdvantage members
  • Oneworld Emerald members
  • Business class passengers (only on a 3-class plane)
  • Platinum Pro AAdvantage members
  • Platinum AAdvantage members
  • Oneworld Sapphire members
  • Gold AAdvantage members
  • Oneworld Ruby members
  • AirPass members
  • Premium economy class passengers
  • Citi ® /AAdvantage ® Executive World Elite Mastercard ®  cardmembers
  • Passengers who have purchased priority boarding
  • Eligible corporate travelers
  • Main Cabin Extra passengers (excluding Basic Economy tickets)
  • Eligible AAdvantage credit card members
  • All AAdvantage members
  • Group 7 general boarding
  • Group 8 general boarding
  • Basic Economy class passengers to/from Europe and South America
  • Basic Economy class passengers within the U.S., Canada, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean

American Airlines Credit Cards

For boarding group 5, eligible AAdvantage credit cards include the following:

  • AAdvantage ® Aviator ® Red World Elite Mastercard ®
  • AAdvantage ® Aviator ® Silver Mastercard ®
  • AAdvantage ® Aviator ® World Elite Business Mastercard ®
  • CitiBusiness ® / AAdvantage ® Platinum Select ® Mastercard ®
  • Citi ® / AAdvantage ®  Platinum Select ®  Visa Signature
  • Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Platinum Select ® World Elite™ Mastercard ®

Additionally, for eligible corporate travelers to board with group 5, they must be traveling for business and for an employer that has an active American Airlines Corporate Travel Agreement. Tickets must be booked through the Agency of Record for the company, and the passenger’s AAdvantage number must be included in the reservation. Passengers with Basic Economy tickets will not receive group 5 boarding even if they are otherwise eligible as corporate travelers.

Priority vs. Preferred Boarding

If you want to up your level in the American Airlines boarding hierarchy, there are a couple of things you can do to change your boarding group number.

Priority privileges are available for purchase during online check-in, at the airport during check-in, or through reservations prior to your flight.

Priority boarding is only one of the items that the priority privileges package comes with — it also includes priority lines at check-in counters and priority security lines when available at certain airports.

For boarding, priority boarding gives you access to group 4, which is not one of the first groups — there are still several groups of passengers who will be boarding ahead of or with you.

Hot Tip: Although the priority privileges package sounds good, remember that you already receive this priority treatment if you are flying in a premium cabin (first class, business class, or premium economy), if you have elite status with AAdvantage or Oneworld, or if you carry the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card.

Preferred boarding gets an entire group of its own in the American Airlines boarding process: boarding group 5.

You can’t purchase preferred boarding, but it is fairly easy to qualify for by simply holding one of the co-branded credit cards listed above.

Since the preferred boarding group 5 gets on the plane right after the priority boarding group 4, it makes little sense to purchase priority privileges unless you really want priority check-in for some reason.

Hot Tip: American Airlines flight attendants are notoriously bad at getting the benefits correct when doing their inflight credit card pitches. No matter what they say, you should remember that the cards they are talking about will only give you preferred group 5 boarding. They will not give you priority boarding in group 4 or let you board the plane first, as many flight attendants like to say. The only card that gives you group 4 boarding as a benefit is the AAdvantage Executive World Elite card, which is never the card that flight attendants are pitching during a flight.

According to American Airlines, most of its flights begin boarding between 30 to 50 minutes before departure , with the exact time depending on your destination and plane type.

Boarding doors will typically close 10 minutes prior to departure, and you will not be allowed to board if you arrive at the gate after that time.

Your flight’s boarding time will be listed on your boarding pass, but you cannot always believe the time that is shown.

Here are the official boarding times for American Airlines flights, from an internal American document, depending on the destination and aircraft. “D” refers to the departure time, so a “D-50” boarding time would mean that the flight boards 50 minutes prior to departure.

In its endless quest to hit D-zero (zero minutes delayed), American Airlines gate agents sometimes get a bit ahead of themselves. It is not unusual to arrive at the gate 5 minutes before scheduled boarding and find them already on group 6.

Because of this, when flying American Airlines, it’s in your best interest to spend a little less time in the lounge and get to the gate a few minutes earlier than you would with other airlines.

That way you’ll beat the overly ambitious gate agents and still be able to get on the plane with your scheduled boarding group.

In addition to beginning boarding early, not all American Airlines gate agents respect all 9 boarding groups. Especially on flights from smaller airports or on smaller planes, you will often hear gate agents combine a few of the boarding groups together .

This means you need to pay attention! Just because you are in boarding group 6, that doesn’t mean there will be 5 separate groups ahead of you (it might only be 2 or 3).

If you spend a lot of time taking paid flights on American Airlines, you will naturally see your AAdvantage mileage balance grow. However, if you fly a mix of award flights and inexpensive connecting flights, you won’t be earning very many miles.

Luckily, there are other ways to earn lots of miles for your American Airlines AAdvantage account.

American Airlines is unique in that it offers a selection of co-branded credit cards from not just 1, but 2 different banks (this is a result of residual contracts left over from the merger of US Airways and American Airlines several years ago).

What it means for you is twice as many opportunities for sign-up bonuses, spending bonuses, and credit card benefits with American Airlines.

With ~10 domestic hubs and thousands of flights worldwide each day, it’s only a matter of time until you find yourself standing at an airport gate waiting to get on an American Airlines plane.

At first glance, its boarding process looks overly detailed — but even with 9 numbered groups, the boarding process is usually pretty easy.

Sure, you will still get plenty of people from groups 8 or 9 standing right in front of the boarding lines when you’re trying to get on the plane with group 3 … but that happens with every airline.

By holding the right credit card and paying attention during boarding, it is fairly easy to ensure you have plenty of time to get on the plane and get settled, and you will always have overhead space for your carry-on bag.

Since the American Airlines boarding process is standardized throughout its network worldwide, you’ll know what to expect and can start your trip outright. Maybe we’ll even see you on board!

The information regarding the AAdvantage ® Aviator ® Red World Elite Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.  The information regarding AAdvantage ® Aviator ® Silver Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding AAdvantage ® Aviator ® World Elite Business Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the CitiBusiness ® / AAdvantage ® Platinum Select ® Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Platinum Select ® World Elite™ Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many boarding groups are there on american.

American Airlines has 9 numbered boarding groups. There are also certain passengers who are allowed to preboard, including ConciergeKey elite AAdvantage members, those needing special assistance, and those traveling with children under 2 years of age.

Are American Airlines flights assigned seating?

Yes, American Airlines flights have assigned seating. You can choose your seat at any time between when you book and when you check in for your flight. Gate agents can assist with seating assignments or changes after check-in.

Who is in group 1 on American?

Boarding group 1 on American Airlines includes first class passengers, Executive Platinum members, active-duty U.S. military members with military I.D., and business class passengers when the flight is on a 2-class international plane.

Who is in group 2 on American?

Boarding group 2 on American Airlines includes Platinum Pro AAdvantage members, Oneworld Emerald members, and business class passengers (on a 3-class plane).

Who is in group 3 on American?

Boarding group 3 on American Airlines includes Platinum AAdvantage members and Oneworld Sapphire members.

Who is in group 4 on American?

Boarding group 4 on American Airlines includes Gold AAdvantage members, Oneworld Ruby members, AirPass members, premium economy passengers, AAdvantage Executive World Elite cardmembers, passengers who have purchased priority boarding, and eligible corporate travelers. Group 4 is also known as priority boarding.

Who is in group 5 on American?

Boarding group 5 on American Airlines includes Main Cabin Extra passengers (excluding Basic Economy tickets) and eligible AAdvantage credit card members. Group 5 is also known as preferred boarding.

Who is in group 6 on American?

Boarding group 6 on American Airlines includes all AAdvantage members.

Who is in group 7 on American?

Boarding group 7 on American Airlines includes general boarding for passengers who do not hold any elite status with AAdvantage or Oneworld and do not carry any of the eligible co-branded American Airlines credit cards.

Who is in group 8 on American?

Boarding group 8 on American Airlines includes general boarding for passengers who do not hold any elite status with AAdvantage or Oneworld and do not carry any of the eligible co-branded American Airlines credit cards. Group 8 also includes Basic Economy class passengers traveling to and from Europe and South America.

Who is in group 9 on American?

Boarding group 9 includes Basic Economy class passengers traveling within the U.S., Canada, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Who is allowed to preboard on American?

Passengers needing special assistance and passengers traveling with children under 2 years old are allowed to preboard on American Airlines. In addition, ConciergeKey elite AAdvantage members are allowed to board prior to the numbered boarding groups.

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About Jeff Brownson

Since discovering miles and points in 2010, Jeff has traveled to over 35 countries, flying in first class, business class, and sometimes even in coach. Whether he’s staying in a hostel dorm, or in a luxury suite at a 5 star hotel, Jeff is constantly looking for the best deal to make travel as close to free as possible.

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American Airlines Boarding Groups and How You Can Upgrade

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Table of Contents

The 9 American Airlines boarding groups

How are american airlines boarding groups assigned, how to get preferred boarding on american airlines flights, how to get priority boarding on american airlines, american airlines boarding groups, recapped.

American Airlines has a boarding process with a whopping nine boarding groups. And despite the occasional sighs and eye rolls from passengers who feel their boarding group may never be called, everyone does eventually get on the airplane.

Having so many American Airlines boarding groups can be confusing, but you can use the sheer quantity of boarding groups to your advantage. Simply learn how these groups are assigned, and you can figure out how to score priority boarding for your next flight.

american airlines group travel website

While officially there are nine boarding groups, in reality there's a 10th — preboarding — which happens before groups 1-9.

Preboarding is reserved mainly for travelers needing special assistance and passengers with a child under age 2. Members of the airline's invitation-only, top-tier ConciergeKey elite status also get to preboard.

After preboarding, the nine official boarding groups board in order.

For this guide, we’re going to focus on Groups 5 and lower (considered priority and preferred) since boarding in any of these groups comes with interesting upsides.

american airlines group travel website

Priority boarding (Groups 1 - 4)

The groups are split into two boarding lanes. Groups 1 through 4 board through the priority lane, while Groups 5 through 9 board through the main lane.

One benefit of priority boarding (Groups 1 through 4) is skipping the line if you arrive at the gate in the midst of boarding. Just walk up the priority lane, and the gate agent will hold the main boarding group lane to admit you to your flight.

You'll also be eligible to board with Group 4 by holding the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® . This card has an annual fee of $595 ) and is currently offering a welcome bonus: Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

american airlines group travel website

Photo courtesy of JT Genter

Preferred Boarding (Group 5)

American Airlines preferred boarding (Group 5) includes Main Cabin Extra passengers and certain American Airlines credit cardholders.

Main Cabin Extra passengers are those sitting in economy who have paid for a slightly upgraded experience, which includes seats with extra legroom, complimentary snacks and drinks (including alcoholic drinks), and free movies and TV shows. Depending on the destination, an upgrade to a Main Cabin Extra seat starts at $20.

Holding an eligible American Airlines credit card offers another way to board in Group 5. There are two current credit cards that offer Group 5 boarding privileges. These are their annual fees and current welcome offers:

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® (annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $99 ): Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® (annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $99 ): Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.

» Learn more: Which American Airlines credit card should you choose?

American passengers are put in the highest group for which they qualify. For example, basic economy passengers are typically assigned to Group 9. However, if a passenger with AAdvantage Gold elite status books a basic economy ticket, they will get upgraded to Group 4.

Similarly, a basic economy passenger with Platinum elite status will be upgraded to Group 3. And if a passenger requests a first-class upgrade and it clears, their boarding group will be elevated to Group 1.

That means there are a number of ways to upgrade your boarding position.

» Learn more: Redeem your American Airlines miles for your dream trip — Here's how

Right after passengers holding tickets with priority boarding (Groups 1 through 4) get on the plane, Group 5 (preferred boarding) goes next. To board in Group 5, you either need to purchase a main cabin extra upgrade or hold an eligible American Airlines credit card.

If you have the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® , Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® and the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® , you will board with all Group 5 passengers.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards

Priority boarding on American Airlines includes Groups 1-4. There are several ways you can get priority privileges — from having elite status to holding certain credit cards. Here are all of your options.

Fly in a premium cabin

All passengers flying in a premium cabin get priority boarding. But the group you’ll be assigned to depends on which class of service you’re flying.

Passengers in the front cabin board with Group 1. This includes any cabin labeled first class — from first class on domestic flights to Flagship First Class on long-haul international flights. Group 1 also includes business class on international flights that don’t have a first-class cabin. You’ll find this on the Airbus A330-200 and on American’s Boeing 777-200 and 787 aircraft.

Group 2 is mostly reserved for elite members. However, Flagship Business class passengers board during Group 2 if they’re flying on a three-class aircraft. This is the case on American’s Airbus A321T and its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Premium economy passengers also get priority boarding. If you book a premium economy ticket on one of American's internationally configured aircraft, you’ll get to board in Group 4 — unless you qualify for a higher tier through another method.

Hold AAdvantage, Oneworld or JetBlue elite status

Most of the early American Airlines boarding groups are reserved for American Airlines, JetBlue and Oneworld elite members. No matter what tier of elite status you have, you’ll get to board the flight during priority boarding — even if you’re flying in economy.

Executive Platinum members can board in Group 1, while Platinum Pro (and Oneworld Emerald) members may board in Group 2. Mid-tier elites (American Airlines Platinum and Oneworld Sapphire) get at least Group 3.

And the lowest-tier elites (American Airlines Gold and Oneworld Ruby) are assigned to Group 4.

However, this is the lowest boarding position you’ll get as an elite member. You’ll get to board in a higher group if you request an upgrade and it clears.

» Learn more: Guide to American Airlines elite status

Board as military

Members of the U.S. military who are on active duty and carrying a military ID can board in Group 1. This military boarding perk is the airline’s way of honoring those who serve.

Carry the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

One of the benefits of the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is priority boarding. Cardholders get at least Group 4 boarding — which is the last group of priority boarding. Still, this should get you on the plane early enough to find space in the overhead for your carry-on and not feel rushed by other economy passengers.

Join AirPass or fly for qualifying business trips

AirPass and corporate travelers get Group 4 priority boarding privileges. Anyone can sign up for AirPass . Well, at least anyone who can drop $5,000-plus to pre-purchase airfare.

As part of the AirPass program, members get fixed-rate airfare pricing, elite status, Admirals Club membership and more. AirPass members get at least Group 4 priority boarding.

Alternatively, you can get Group 4 priority boarding by being an “eligible corporate traveler,” meaning passengers traveling on company business for an employer with an American Airlines Corporate Travel Agreement. The ticket has to be booked and paid through the corporate travel portal to qualify.

If you’re unable to take advantage of any of the above ways, there’s one last way to get priority boarding: Pay for it. Economy passengers, including those with basic economy fares, can purchase a priority boarding add-on to enter the plane with Group 4.

You can’t purchase this upgrade during the initial booking process, so you’ll need to add it during check-in, online or at the airport.

There are nine boarding groups on American Airlines. These range from Group 1 — reserved for premium class passengers and elite flyers — to Group 9 — reserved for basic economy passengers within the U.S., Canada, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Note that on flights to/from Europe or South America, there are only eight boarding groups, with basic economy passengers board in Group 8.

Group 5 is not priority boarding on American Airlines, but Preferred boarding. This group includes passengers that pay for Main Cabin Extra perks, as well as those who hold co-branded AAdvantage airline credit cards. Eligible cards includes American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp℠ Card, Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® and AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®.

Groups 1 through 4 are considered priority boarding on American Airlines.

Group 4 is considered priority boarding on American Airlines. Eligible passengers include elite flyers holder AA Gold or Oneworld Ruby status, as well as AirPass travelers, premium economy ticket holders, travelers who bought priority boarding and eligible corporate travelers. Notably, Group 4 priority boarding is also an included perk of the airline's premium Citi/AAdvantage Executive card, which has an annual fee of $450.

American Airlines’ boarding process has several boarding groups as well as preboarding. It may seem convoluted, but American is using these boarding groups to motivate travelers to take actions that make the airline more money — from flying enough to get elite status, to getting certain credit cards, to upgrading to a premium cabin.

If any of these make sense for your travels, American is happy to reward you with priority privileges.

The information related to CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Citibank Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ MasterCard® Credit Card

on Citibank's application

1x Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.

70,000 Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

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Frugal Traveler

To Protect Your Miles, Be Careful How You Book

American Airlines recently announced new restrictions on point allocation based on how you book a flight. What does that mean for loyalty members?

A commercial airplane with red and blue stripes on its tail and the word "American" in large blue letters on the side of the aircraft, takes off from an airport runway.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

Earlier this month, American Airlines announced that beginning May 1, it will require travelers to book directly with the airline, partner airlines or “preferred travel agencies” in order to receive points in its loyalty program.

The unprecedented move confused many travelers eager to protect their mileage currency, prompting posts like this one on X: “@AmericanAir your news about earning miles/loyalty points is a bit concerning — we’re loyal to you no matter who we book through!”

In an email, a representative of the airline said that the approved list of travel agencies would not be published until April.

While there is much to be determined about the new policy, a battle for customers between the airline and third-party ticket sellers, which includes online travel agencies like Orbitz, has emerged. Here’s what travelers should know before booking their next flight.

What are the new points rules at American?

Currently, the biggest domestic carriers — including Delta Air Lines , United Airlines , Southwest Airlines and American — award points and miles to members of their loyalty programs on most tickets regardless of where they are sold.

American’s new rules state that in order to receive miles and points, travelers must book through its website, a Oneworld partner airline or approved travel agencies (with exceptions for those enrolled in its business program, which targets small companies, or with a corporate contract).

Also beginning May 1, fliers booking basic economy fares, the airline’s cheapest fares, may only earn points by booking through American’s website or its airline partners.

What’s behind the switch?

According to analysts, this is largely a behind-the-scenes fight over technology.

Travel agencies have long used distribution systems like Sabre and Amadeus to sell airline tickets. But many airlines are interested in using an emerging channel developed by the International Air Transport Association called New Distribution Capability . It offers airlines a more direct means of communicating with passengers, whom they can target with personalized fares or bundled offers not available in the traditional systems, providing opportunities to sell more services.

The “preferred” agencies that American said it will announce in April will be those making a substantial number of bookings on the new platform.

“American is dead set on being a more efficient airline and reducing its cost of sales, so they have issued this new edict and travel agents who choose not to follow along will find themselves on the losing end of the battle,” said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst and the founder of the Atmosphere Research Group.

Many travel agents object to the speed of adopting a technology they say still has bugs. In a recent letter to the 18,000 member agencies of the American Society of Travel Advisors , the president and chief executive of the trade organization Zane Kerby called it “an underdeveloped technology,” with “basic servicing” issues that include problems with cancellations, booking multiple people on the same itinerary and rebooking.

Mr. Kerby cited a heightened risk to most business travelers using external agencies to make their bookings. “It feels like American Airlines is disenfranchising or willing to disenfranchise its most profitable and lucrative segment, which is the frequent business traveler,” he said.

In American’s new requirement that basic economy fliers book directly with the airline to earn miles, Brian Sumers, who writes the Airline Observer newsletter, sees a play for greater loyalty from thrifty travelers at a time when many airlines have abandoned them. Delta , for instance, no longer awards points to its basic economy passengers. United restricts basic economy fliers to one personal item carried aboard when flying domestically.

American wants those basic economy passengers, Mr. Sumers said. “The end goal is to get people so excited about having AAdvantage points and using them all the time, because that’s where they’re making money.”

How should I book to ensure I’m awarded miles for American flights?

If you are accustomed to booking online with the airline directly, earning miles is not endangered.

If you use a travel agency, including online sites like Expedia or Orbitz, check the list of approved agencies when it is published in April.

But even for travelers who are accustomed to D.I.Y. bookings, the new American policy poses some threat to earning miles. If you use a travel agent to plan a more complicated trip — say, an African safari or a trek to Machu Picchu in Peru — make sure the agent is approved by American or be prepared to make the booking yourself to earn miles.

“American is counting on the fact that travelers engaged with AAdvantage will want to remain engaged, so that if their travel agent is not onboard, the customer will find a different travel agent or opt to book directly,” Mr. Harteveldt said.

Will other airlines follow suit?

Experts say commercial aviation is a copycat industry; if a policy is successful, others are likely to follow. But it may not happen quickly in this case.

“There are some very expensive tickets that go through using the older system,” Mr. Sumers said, describing other airlines as “taking a watch-and-wait approach” to see if any defections from former American customers boost their business.

“By no means has this play reached its conclusions,” Mr. Harteveldt said. “We are in the first part of the first act.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

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  • Three-year agreement supports the purchase of one million gallons annually for 2021-2023
  • Represents the largest publicly announced SAF agreement by volume between an airline and corporate customer for reducing emissions for employee business travel
  • Both American Airlines and Bank of America are anchor partners of Breakthrough Energy Catalyst , committed to provide capital to help accelerate the development of climate-smart technologies including SAF
  • Neste’s SAF is made from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue materials.
  • The sustainable aviation fuel from Neste is 75% less harmful to the environment on average than fossil fuel.
  • Neste is the world’s largest producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) refined from waste and residues.
  • We are allocating a portion of the carbon reduction benefit we generate through our use of sustainable aviation fuel to Kuehne+Nagel.
  • We hope to expand this collaboration model to reflect the demand for SAF, build the market and accelerate the industry’s transition to more sustainable fuel alternatives .
  • Kuehne+Nagel is one of the world’s leading logistics companies, with a focus on sea, air and road logistics and developing integrated logistics solutions.
  • This agreement pioneers how certificates that allocate the emissions reduction value of SAF can benefit companies seeking to reduce their business travel emissions.
  • In an industry-first transaction, this SAF emissions agreement reduces the life cycle emissions from aviation by 3,050 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
  • Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500 ® companies.
  • Three primary carbon reduction projects are currently supported when our customers purchase offsets through Cool Effect: The Tri-City Forest Project in Massachusetts, For Peat’s Sake in Indonesia and Mirador Clean Cookstoves in Honduras.
  • More than 90% of each dollar donated goes directly to helping support carbon reduction.
  • Cool Effect is a nonprofit organization that sources high-quality, verified carbon reduction projects across the globe and is recognized for rigorous vetting and full pricing transparency.
  • one world ® is the first global airline alliance to unite behind a common target to achieve carbon neutrality.
  • Each airline is developing their individual approach to reach this target through efficiency measures, investments in sustainable aviation fuels and more fuel-efficient aircraft, reduction of waste, carbon offsets and more .

SimpleFlying

American Airlines' Boarding Groups Explained

F or most passengers worldwide, the boarding process is often stressful as many wait anxiously at the departure gate, wondering when they'll be called and hoping not to be the last few to board the aircraft. To avoid this, passengers may choose better cabin and fare classes or perhaps increase loyalty status over time to be classed under a higher-priority boarding group.

While such a strategy would generally work with most carriers, it might seem awkward for airlines such as American Airlines . Standing out against its competitors with an overwhelming nine boarding groups, passengers flying with the Fort Worth-based carrier tend to be understandably confused, so here's a guide to untie these confusions.

What are the different boarding groups?

Before diving into each boarding group, it's worth noting that it was only just some years ago when American Airlines decided to restructure its boarding process because previously, the airline was allowing the pre-boarding of many different groups - which probably led to slightly more chaos and a longer boarding process. After the restructuring, the airline developed the nine numbered groups we'll go into today.

Although some passengers might argue there are officially 10 or 11 boarding groups with American Airlines, the differences only concur between the additional one or two groups with allowed pre-boarding and those with pre-boarding requests. But still, with no less than nine boarding groups available, passengers might be uncertain where their membership status or cabin ticket might land them. Fret not, as below is a table listing all the groups and who's to be included.

Want answers to more critical questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here !

Are there any other differences?

Having settled the different boarding groups, the subsequent confusion for passengers is often on the difference between preferred boarding and priority boarding - under the common misassumption that both terms are the same thing, only to see a sign or being told during boarding that it's two different boarding lanes and feeling disappointed. One primary difference is that priority boarding can be bought, while preferred boarding is entirely up to whether or not the passenger is a cardholder of any co-branded American Airlines credit card.

Also of note, American Airlines considers boarding groups 1 through 4 under priority boarding, including priority queue lines at check-in counters and security lines (subject to availability). While these passengers do get priority boarding, the boarding process, of course, begins with group 1 - so for passengers in group 4, especially those who bought the priority boarding access, it may feel like a negligible win since there are already a few boarding groups ahead.

As some passengers will qualify for preferred boarding in group 5, which boards immediately after group 4 is completed, many might feel that purchasing priority boarding may or may not be worth the additional expense unless it's genuinely necessary to have priority check-in and to feel better walking through the priority lane instead of the preferred boarding lane.

What is the boarding process?

Regardless of what boarding groups passengers are under, American Airlines highlights that most of its flights begin the boarding process anywhere between half an hour to 50 minutes before departure, with the specific time being dependent on the destination and aircraft type. This information can usually be found on the boarding pass.

The oneworld alliance member also emphasizes that boarding usually closes 10 minutes before departure, and passengers cannot board if they arrive at the gate after that time. This means that priority boarding group passengers, even those in group 1, will not commence boarding any earlier than the stated timing and are subject to rejection if they are fashionably late.

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American Airlines

IATA/ICAO Code: AA/AAL

Airline Type: Full Service Carrier

Hub(s): Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport, New York JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Year Founded: 1926

Alliance: oneworld

CEO: Robert Isom

Country: United States

Airline Group: American Airlines Group

Region: North America

Loyalty Program: AAdvantage

Participating Airlines: American Airlines

Owner: American Airlines

Countries: United States

Established Date: 1981-05-01

American Airlines' Boarding Groups Explained

What to know about airline policy changes on baggage fees, earning loyalty points and miles

American Airlines first announced updates last Tuesday.

Delta made waves last year when it announced sweeping policy changes to its loyalty program , and now more airlines are following suit making changes that will impact everything from how travelers earn frequent-flyer points to how much they pay for checked bags.

United Airlines raises checked bag fees

United Airlines is the latest carrier to raise the checked bag fee by $5, which comes on the heels of American Airlines announcing  increased costs for checked bags both online and at the airport.

As of Feb. 24, customers who book United economy on domestic flights will pay $40 for the first checked item, but if they prepay online at least 24 hours before departure the same bag is just $35. A second checked item will now cost $50 at the airport, or $45 if paid for in advance. Both options mark a $5 increase from the previous cost.

While the changes will apply to most flights throughout North America, certain credit card holders and frequent flyers with elite status, as well as active military and travelers in top-tier classes can still check a bag for free.

JetBlue Airways recently upped its checked-bag fee to $45 and $60 for the first and second checked bags, respectively, which is up $10 from the former base rate.

Alaska Airlines also raised its bag fees to $35 this year.

PHOTO: In this Aug. 7, 2023 file photo, passengers stand in line to check in luggage at an American Airlines ticket baggage counter at O'Hare International Airport, in Chicago.

American Airlines new bag fees

In a push to get more flyers to book directly with American Airlines, the carrier has also updated "the way customers earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points on flights, depending on where they book."

Vasu Raja, American's chief commercial officer, said in a statement that "the best fares" will come when booking directly with the airline, adding that the shift in policy will be most rewarding for members of its AAdvantage program.

PHOTO: In this March 6, 2022 filre photo, American Airlines baggage handlers load luggage on an airplane at the O'Hare International Airport (ORD), in Chicago.

Previously, a passenger's first checked bag on domestic flights cost $30. The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier has raised that fee to $35 when purchased online, or $40 when purchased at the airport. A second checked item will cost $45, another $5 increase, both online and at the airport.

The changes will go into affect for flights booked on or after Feb. 20 for travel within the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean .

There are a few exceptions: Passengers with status in the AAdvantage loyalty program, those who use an American-branded credit card, and those who buy a premium-class ticket will continue to receive complimentary bags on domestic and international flights.

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American also offers complimentary bags to active-duty U.S. military personnel on all American flights.

The airline last raised its bag fees in 2018.

American Airlines lowers fees for oversize, overweight checked bags

In a bright spot for American customers, the airline has introduced its lowest fee ever for checked items that are only a few pounds heavier or a few inches larger than a standard bag, which the airline said can "result in savings of more than $350 for some customers."

American will also reduce the oversize checked baggage limit to 115 linear inches.

For bags over the weight limit between 50-53 pounds, the new fee will be $30, and overweight bags between 53-70 pounds will be charged a fee of $100 to $200. Bags weighing between 70-100 pounds will still be charged $450.

For bags that are over the size limit, between 62-65 linear inches, passengers will be charged a new fee of $30, with bags between 65-115 linear inches charged $150 to $200.

Previously, customers were charged $100 to $200 extra for overweight bags between 50-70 pounds, and all oversize bags between 62-126 linear inches were charged an extra $150 to $200.

Additionally, bags that are both oversized and overweight will now be charged a single fee, rather than two separate fees, ranging from $30 to $450, depending on size and weight.

The lower costs and simpler fee structure for oversize and overweight checked items will go into effect for travel on or after April 17.

PHOTO: A screenshot of the fee changes coming to American Airlines for oversized and overweight checked items.

Additionally, the airline has said it will no longer allow javelins, pole vaults or hang gliders to be checked starting April 17.

American Airlines updates how flyers earn AAdvantage miles, loyalty points

American is also updating the way customers can earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points on flights, which is contingent upon where they book, "starting with tickets issued on May 1, 2024."

How to ensure you're earning miles and Loyalty Points

PHOTO: In this Feb. 5, 2021 file photo, a worker hauls luggage for an American Airlines flight at O'Hare International Airport, in Chicago.

In order to earn points in the AAdvantage loyalty program, American Airlines said most customers will be required to purchase tickets directly from the airline or its eligible partner carriers. Additionally, Basic Economy fare tickets will only earn points when the flight is booked directly with American or its eligible partners.

Customers can book travel anywhere as an AAdvantage Business member or contracted corporate traveler to keep earning points and miles. Corporate travelers won't be affected by this change, the airline stated.

American said it will share a list of eligible preferred agencies on aa.com in late April, for customers who wish to book through those travel agencies to earn miles and points.

American Airlines loyalty members, credit card holder benefits

PHOTO: American Airlines passenger jets are lined up on the gates at Washingtons Reagan National Airport, Feb. 10, 2024, in Arlington, Va.

Certain AAdvantage members and credit card holders will still receive important benefits, such as complimentary bags on American Airlines flights.

AAdvantage members who book directly with the airline will also receive benefits like same-day standby and Trip Credit for canceled flights.

The airline said that booking directly will also help loyalty members reach AAdvantage status and unlock rewards faster.

Finally, for tickets purchased on or after Feb. 20, the pet-in-cabin fee will be $150.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on Feb. 20, 2024.

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American Airlines Is Raising Bag Fees and Changing How Customers Earn Frequent-Flyer Points

American Airlines is raising bag fees and pushing customers to buy tickets directly from the airline if they want to earn frequent-flyer points

Seth Wenig

FILE - American Airlines planes sit on the tarmac at Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport, Jan. 11, 2023, in New York. American Airlines is raising bag fees and pushing customers to buy tickets directly from the airline if they want to earn frequent-flyer points. American said Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, that checking a bag on domestic flights will rise from $30 now to $35 online, and it'll be $40 if purchased at the airport. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

DALLAS (AP) — American Airlines is raising the cost of checking bags and it is making other changes to push customers to buy tickets directly from the airline if they want to earn frequent-flyer points.

The airline said Tuesday that checking a bag on a domestic flight will rise from $30 now to $35 online and $40 if purchased at the airport. The fee for a second checked bag will rise from $40 to $45 both online and at the airport.

American last raised bag fees in 2018.

American, based in Fort Worth, Texas, introduced bag fees in 2008 — $15 back then — to cope with the rising cost of jet fuel. Since then, they have become a steady revenue source for most major U.S. carriers. American easily led the industry by raising $1.4 billion in bag fees in 2022, the last year for which U.S. Transportation Department figures are available.

The airline is also raising bag fees by $5 for short international flights including those to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean — now $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second.

The airline will generally allow customers to check at least one bag free if they hold elite status in American's loyalty program, buy a premium-class ticket or use an American-branded credit card.

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A Maka Indigenous woman puts on make-up before protesting for the recovery of ancestral lands in Asuncion, Paraguay, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. Leader Mateo Martinez has denounced that the Paraguayan state has built a bridge on their land in El Chaco's Bartolome de las Casas, Presidente Hayes department. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)

In January, Alaska Airlines raised its checked-bag fees for most economy passengers from $30 to $35 for a first bag and from $40 to $45 for a second. JetBlue followed this month, raising its fees to $35 and $50.

“Airlines tend to move in herds, so when Alaska recently announced they would be upping their bag fee to $35, there was little doubt other airlines would soon follow,” said Scott Keyes, founder of the travel site Going. “It’s unlikely American will be the last.”

Keyes noted that American's decision to charge customers more if they pay bag fees at the airport instead of when they buy their ticket mimics a tactic used by budget airlines such as Spirit and Frontier.

American will give a break to customers whose bags are slightly overweight or oversized. Instead of being hit with the full extra fee — ranging from $100 to $650 — graduated fees will start at $30 for bags that are no more than 3 pounds (1.36 kg) or three linear inches over the limits.

And it is cutting the cost of transferring points between frequent-flyer accounts.

At the same time, American announced that starting with tickets issued on May 1, customers will have to buy tickets directly from the airline or its partner carriers or from preferred online travel agencies if they want to earn points in its AAdvantage loyalty program. The airline said it will list the preferred travel agencies in late April. Corporate travelers won’t be affected.

About 60% of American's ticket sales are already made directly through the airline, said Scott Chandler, vice president of revenue management.

The changes are part of a long shift by airlines away from using travel agents — and paying them commissions — and bringing ticket sales in-house.

“The old way of booking a ticket relied on agents having a ton of experience and understanding product attributes,” Chandler said in an interview. “The old technology doesn't let us explain things very well, and it is a little more confusing for customers when we introduce new products.”

Chandler likened it to the way that Amazon.com explains features that it sells on the site.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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American Airlines Increases Its Baggage Fee and Updates How Loyalty Members Earn Miles — What to Know

The increased bag fee went into affect on Feb. 20 while the airline's new rewards-earning method goes into effect in May.

american airlines group travel website

Courtesy of American Airlines

Passengers flying American Airlines will need to pack lighter or be ready to pay, the carrier announced Tuesday of its increased bag fees along with an array of other customer-facing changes.

For travel booked after Feb. 20, a passenger's first checked bag. purchased in advance, will cost $35, up from $30, for domestic flights (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). A traveler's first checked bag paid for at the airport will cost $40.

A second checked bag paid for in advance is also $40, while one purchased at the airport is $45.

For Canada and short-haul international flights, the fee is a flat $35 for first checked bags, regardless of where it’s purchased. 

Passengers who hold elite status, certain AAdvantage credit card members, and those who are booked in premium cabins on domestic and international flights will continue to receive complimentary bags. 

The airline also announced upcoming restrictions on earning AAdvantage miles and status-eligible Loyalty Points. It’s a move that the airline hopes will encourage passengers to book directly with the airline. 

“Not only does booking directly with American provide the best possible experience, it's also where we offer the best fares and it's most rewarding for our AAdvantage members,” Vasu Raja, American's Chief Commercial Officer, said in a statement.  

Starting on May 1, American will require passengers to book directly with the airline or on an eligible partner carrier to earn redeemable miles and Loyalty Points for status. Booking as an AAdvantage Business member, a contracted corporate traveler, and via a soon-to-be-announced list of “preferred travel agencies” will also be eligible for mileage earnings, except for basic economy fares.  This is the first move by a major U.S. airline to restrict mileage earnings based on where a flight was booked. American promises to release the list of “preferred travel agencies” in late April. Come early May, mileage-savvy travelers will want to pay even closer attention to where they’re booking their flights.

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  • AAdvantage ® program

Earning on flights

Book directly with american.

Starting with tickets issued on May 1, 2024, the only flights that earn AAdvantage ® miles and Loyalty Points are those booked directly with American, eligible one world ® and partner airlines, and preferred travel agencies.

Flights booked through non-preferred travel agencies will not earn miles or Loyalty Points, unless the customer is registered with the AAdvantage Business ™ program or has a contracted corporate agreement with American.

Booking with us provides a better travel experience. You can manage your trip online, receive travel credit for canceled trips and more. Plus, you’ll continue to earn miles and Loyalty Points through our non-airline partners and on eligible purchases with an AAdvantage ® credit card.

Eligible travel

You must book directly to earn on flights. ‘Booking directly’ includes travel booked through American or our partner airlines’:

  • Reservations and airport teams
  • Ticket sales centers

You can also earn miles and Loyalty Points on most flights:

  • As an AAdvantage Business ™ member, anywhere you book
  • As part of a contracted corporate agreement with American, anywhere you book
  • Through our preferred travel agencies

Plus, all flights booked as part of an American Airlines Vacations ™ package will continue to be eligible.

Basic Economy tickets

The only way to earn on Basic Economy fare tickets is if you book through American or our eligible airline partners’ websites, apps, Reservations and airport teams, or ticket sales centers.

Ineligible travel

You’ll no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points on:

  • Basic Economy fares that are not booked directly through American or our partner airlines
  • Basic Economy fares not booked directly through American as an AAdvantage Business ™ member or as part of a contracted corporate agreement
  • Any trip booked through non-preferred travel agencies, unless you’re registered with the AAdvantage Business ™ program or have a contracted corporate agreement with American

Unsure if your trip will earn miles?

For corporate travel, check with your company travel manager.

If you’re booking through a travel agency, check with them once this change begins. We will also have more information about preferred agencies by the end of April 2024.

Preferred travel agencies

All agencies on a 2024 contracted incentive agreement issued by American are eligible to qualify into the preferred agency program at American's sole discretion.

Learn about program and qualification criteria Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Have questions?

Yes, you’ll still earn AAdvantage ® miles and Loyalty Points on the eligible tickets you buy before May 1, 2024.

Tell your company to sign up for the AAdvantage Business ™ program -- it's fast and free to join. You’ll continue to earn miles and Loyalty Points anywhere you book, except on Basic Economy fare tickets. If you book directly through American, your company earns additional miles for future travel, and you earn additional Loyalty Points toward status and rewards.

Register now Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

No matter where you book, you’ll earn miles and Loyalty Points if you include the AAdvantage Business ™ account number in your booking before departure. The exception is Basic Economy fare tickets, which must be booked directly through American.

To earn additional Loyalty Points on business travel through the AAdvantage Business ™ program, you must book directly through American. This helps accelerate your path to AAdvantage ® status and your business can earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on eligible travel.

There are no changes to miles or Loyalty Points earned on trips before May 1, 2024.

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COMMENTS

  1. Group & Meeting Travel − Customer service − American Airlines

    Any American Airlines or oneworld ® destination; Benefits include: Flexible ticketing schedule; 1 free name change per ticket; Flexible commitment timeline; You can block space up to 11 months in advance. Request a group rate Contact Group & Meeting Reservations. Call us (U.S. or Canada): 800-221-2255. Group & Meeting reservations desk:

  2. Group Fares

    For groups of 10 or more traveling from different places to the same one. For a multi-origin group with 10 or more traveling from 2 or more originations, we'll guarantee fares from various geographical zones of departure to a common destination. Zone fares are valid for travel originating in the United States or Canada to North America ...

  3. Fly.AA.com

    Travel resources for our partners who have travel benefits on American. Manage non-revenue travel on American and American Eagle flights. Manage ZED travel on other airlines.

  4. American Airlines Group − Customer service − American Airlines

    At American Airlines, our purpose is to care for people on life's journey. Together with our American Eagle regional partners, we offer thousands of flights daily to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries. American has hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and ...

  5. American Airlines Group

    Deutsch English (UK) English Español Français Italiano Português. Login >. Register for Groups account >

  6. American Airlines Launches New Digital Platform for Group Travel

    by Donald Wood. Last updated: 2:22 PM ET, Thu October 15, 2020. American Airlines has launched a new digital platform designed to make it easier for travel advisors to book and manage group travel. The American group booking experience will provide more visibility into every aspect of booking, as well as the ability to manage group travel and ...

  7. Vacation Packages and Deals

    Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a cultural city break, or an adventurous outdoor trip, American Airlines Vacations has something for you. Browse our vacation packages to over 320 destinations and resorts, and enjoy exclusive benefits as an AAdvantage® member. Book your flight and hotel together, and save more with our best deals and last minute offers.

  8. PDF American Airlines Group & Meeting Travel

    o All passengers in the group must travel together on at least 1 common flight segment, and if the itinerary for the group includes an outbound international segment (excluding any U.S. - Canada segment), the group must travel together on that segment. All originating outbound travel for the initial minimum group

  9. American Airlines Boarding Groups & Process

    Boarding group 4 on American Airlines includes Gold AAdvantage members, Oneworld Ruby members, AirPass members, premium economy passengers, AAdvantage Executive World Elite cardmembers, passengers who have purchased priority boarding, and eligible corporate travelers. Group 4 is also known as priority boarding.

  10. American Airlines Boarding Groups Explained

    Executive Platinum members can board in Group 1, while Platinum Pro (and Oneworld Emerald) members may board in Group 2. Mid-tier elites (American Airlines Platinum and Oneworld Sapphire) get at ...

  11. American Airlines

    American Airlines Vacations Official Site, offering cheap and discounted all inclusive vacation packages, beach vacation packages and family vacation packages with American Airlines flights. ... *Child's age at time of travel. Child 1* Child 2* Child 3* Child 4* Room 2. Adults. Children *Child's age at time of travel. Child ...

  12. Booking directly with American Airlines and its airline partners makes

    When booking directly with American Airlines, customers enjoy the best possible travel experience. Starting with tickets issued on May 1, 2024, American will update the way customers earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points on flights, depending on where they book.

  13. Book flights

    Cruises , Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines. Book with miles; Travel deals and offers; Flight schedules and notifications; Find the latest travel requirements , Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

  14. PDF American Airlines Group & Meeting Travel

    American Airlines, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with its principal place of business at 1 Skyview Drive, MD 8B200, Fort Worth, Texas 76155 ("American"), and the travel agency that is completing the registration ("Agent," ... which shall apply to the Group bookings made on American's Group travel website), establishes the terms and

  15. American Airlines

    American Airlines is one of the major US-based airlines headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.It is the largest airline in the world when measured by scheduled passengers carried, revenue passenger mile, and fleet size. American, together with its regional partners and affiliates, operates an extensive international and domestic network with almost 6,800 ...

  16. American Airlines Vacations

    When you book with American Airlines Vacations you can take advantage of flexibility and unparalleled benefits among vacation providers, such as: 100% bulk air. 24-hour hold, exclusive for travel agents. Low deposit option, another travel agent exclusive. Exclusively for AAdvantage members.

  17. American Airlines Changes How Miles Are Accrued. What You Need to Know

    Beginning May 1, American Airlines will require travelers to book directly with the airline, partner airlines or "preferred travel agencies" in order to receive loyalty points.

  18. Group Booking Platform

    Our online booking platform makes it easier for our agency partners to book group travel. The new platform provides real-time visibility into every aspect of a group's itinerary and access to modify bookings 24/7. Platform features include: Enhanced search for availability and pricing for simple, multi-sector and multi-origin itineraries.

  19. American Airlines' Boarding Groups Explained

    Also of note, American Airlines considers boarding groups 1 through 4 under priority boarding, including priority queue lines at check-in counters and security lines (subject to availability).

  20. Boarding process − Travel information − American Airlines

    Most flights start boarding 30 - 50 minutes before scheduled departure, but the exact time depends on your destination and plane. Boarding ends 15 minutes before departure. If you're not on board, we may reassign your seat to another passenger. You will not be allowed to board once the doors close. To allow enough time, review our recommended ...

  21. What to know about American Airlines' new policy changes: Checked bag

    American will also reduce the oversize checked baggage limit to 115 linear inches. For bags over the weight limit between 50-53 pounds, the new fee will be $30, and overweight bags between 53-70 ...

  22. Retiree Site

    Pay information. Former U.S. and Canada-based team members can view historical paycheck information for up to 36 months after leaving the company. Here's how: U.S.-based team members. All workgroups: Pay Portal. Canada-based team members. April 9, 2021 and later: Current payroll system. Prior to April 9, 2021: ePost.

  23. American Airlines

    Earn 50,000 bonus miles. Plus, first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries. Terms apply. Book low fares to destinations around the world and find the latest deals on airline tickets, hotels, car rentals and vacations at aa.com. As an AAdantage member you earn miles on every trip and everyday spend.

  24. American Airlines Is Raising Bag Fees and Changing How Customers Earn

    American, based in Fort Worth, Texas, introduced bag fees in 2008 — $15 back then — to cope with the rising cost of jet fuel. Since then, they have become a steady revenue source for most ...

  25. American Airlines Increases Its Baggage Fee and Updates How ...

    The increased bag fee went into affect on Feb. 20 while the airline's new rewards-earning method goes into effect in May. Passengers flying American Airlines will need to pack lighter or be ready ...

  26. American Airlines

    Choose your flights with American Airlines, the best way to travel across the U.S. and the world. You can select your preferred dates, times, airports, and cabin classes, and review your itinerary before booking. If you are an AAdvantage member, you can also earn and redeem miles on your flights.

  27. Earning on flights − AAdvantage program − American Airlines

    Home; AAdvantage ® program; Earning on flights; Earning on flights Book directly with American. Starting with tickets issued on May 1, 2024, the only flights that earn AAdvantage ® miles and Loyalty Points are those booked directly with American, eligible oneworld ® and partner airlines, and preferred travel agencies.. Flights booked through non-preferred travel agencies will not earn miles ...