Do you need a passport to book an international flight on american airlines

Do you need a passport to book an international flight on american airlines

Flying American Airlines internationally?

Make sure you download the airline's mobile app to save a little time at the airport.

American on Wednesday introduced passport chip scanning to the app, which will eliminate the need to have an American agent scan the passport at the airport.

The carrier said it is the first airline to use near field communication (NFC) technology to securely transmit passport information. It is the same technology behind cashless payment systems like Apple Pay. Initially it will only be available for trips with one person on the reservation. It will eventually be expanded to reservations with multiple travelers, including families.

Here's how it works: Travelers checking in for an international flight on the American app will be asked to enter some basic passport information and then use their smartphone or other iOS or Android mobile device to scan the chip on the back page of the passport.

The passport will still need to be shown at the airport during boarding, but it won't have to be open and scanned, saving passengers and employees time, the airline says. 

"Our customers want it (the self-scanning), but our team members do, too,'' said Maya Leibman, American's chief information officer.

Kevin MacFarland, managing director of digital customer experience for American, said the new feature will especially help with cases where passports weren't scanned on the domestic leg of an international trip with a connection, say Albuquerque to Santiago, Chile, via Dallas Fort Worth.

Sometimes passengers are pulled out of the boarding line before the international flight after agents discover their passports haven't been checked. The airline says as many as 50 passengers on a wide-body jet have to have their passports checked before they board their connecting flight. 

"It reduces that stress at the gate,'' MacFarland said.

Travelers who check in on American's website or at the ticket counter, sky cap or kiosk instead of the app will still need to have their passports checked at the airport.

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Do you need a passport to book an international flight on american airlines

Flying international can be a hassle, especially when you’re dealing with passports and visas. That’s why we’re always looking for the next tool to make foreign travel a bit easier. For some, that just means using Mobile Passport Control or the right ride share app after landing.

American Airlines is also hoping to make this experience easier through the new passport features on their mobile app.

At the end of 2019, American Airlines added a feature that will allow you to scan your passport within the actual app. The change would eliminate any need for the passport to be scanned by an agent at the airport.

How It Works

To use this feature for your next foreign getaway, make sure you download the American Airlines app before heading to the airport.

The app uses a chip scanner to scan your passport directly into the app. While it may not be the iPhone’s replacement for passports that’s been rumored, the technology acts much like that used for Apple Pay.

When you check into your flight on the app (which you should do 24 hours before the flight), you will be prompted to enter your passport information.

After inputing this info, you can scan the last page on your passport. The last page is key for all foreign travel as it holds an NFC (Near-Field Communication) chip with all your passport information on it. Once you scan it, all the information will be sent to American Airlines.

Once you get to the airport, you will still need to present your passport to an agent upon boarding the plane. But, with help from the app, the agent doesn’t need to scan your passport at all.

This small step can save a lot of time in boarding and make international travel a little less stressful.

Right now, this feature can only be used if there’s one person on the reservation. American Airlines plans to expand this feature for groups, families, etc. in the future.

American Airlines is the first airline to offer this feature on their mobile app.

Need A Passport?

If you are traveling to an international destination outside of the United States, you always need to have a valid passport. That document is official proof validating your U.S. citizenship. All passports are issued by the Department of State.

If you are traveling with children, you also need to make sure that they have official passports as well to exit and re-enter the country.

When it comes to obtaining required travel documents, it’s always best to plan ahead. Although it is possible to rush order your passport and get it on the same day you’re applying, it is best to apply for your passport at least three months before your expected travel date.

Once you obtain an official passport, it will be valid for 10 years. After those 10 years are over, you need to apply to renew your passport to continue to travel internationally.

Do you need to get a passport or visa for your upcoming travel plans? Passport Health can help. Give us a call at or take a look at any of our other passport and visa services.

Written for Passport Health by Kaitlyn Luckow. Kaitlyn is a freelance writer, photographer and English teacher in Milwaukee. She has a passion for capturing and writing other people’s stories. You can find her at sayhellostory.com.

What information do you need to book an international flight?

Flight and passenger details.
Trip details..
Personal information – Full names (to be spelled exactly as it is in your ID or passport), date of birth, country of residence..
ID number..
Ideal departure times and length of flights (do you prefer a direct flight or are you happy with connections?).
Preferred cabin class..

Does American Airline require passport?

You'll need a valid photo ID accepted by the TSA (like a driver's license or other government-issued ID) for domestic travel and a valid passport or visa, and any travel documents required by your international destination. Acceptable forms of identification.

Does American Airlines require 6 month passport rule for Mexico?

Entry Requirements for Mexico There is no special visa required to enter Mexico, though your passport should show at least 6 months' validity, and one blank page for the entry stamp.

Why can't I check in online American Airlines International?

You might not be able to check in using the app, if: Your first flight is not operated by American Airlines. You're traveling with a pet, weapon or firearm. You're an unaccompanied minor.