Holiday travel this season has been a snap thanks to American Airlines`
host of convenient check- in options. Passengers taking to the sky during
the traditionally heavy December holiday traffic season can once again get
through the airport more quickly thanks to AA Self-Service Check-In(R)
machines and Curbside units at airports and Flight Check-In at AA.com.
Customers who have never checked in at AA.com or American`s automated
airport check-in locations should not let 2003 slip away without learning
how to simplify the travel experience.

More than 47 million customers have taken advantage of American`s self-
service options to better manage their travel experience. This year alone,
American`s Self-Service Check-In usage has tripled, with more than 20
million passengers checking in at machines—in less than 90 seconds.
Today, customers can check in, check bags, change seats and upgrade
flights at more than 700 Self Service Check-In machines and more than 330
Curbside units at more than 90 locations across the country. And this year
when the whole family travels, checking in is even easier because up to
nine passengers can check in on one itinerary at Self-Service Check-In
machines. American`s airport agents are also available to answer
questions, handle complex ticketing issues and walk customers through the
automated check in process.
“The success of our Thanksgiving holiday travel is due in large part to
our customers` ability to choose the check-in options that best suit
them,” said Maya Leibman, managing director - Airport Automation at
American. “That`s why we are encouraging long-time and first-time
travelers to use our check-in alternatives and make their trip through the
airport a breeze during the remainder of the December holiday season.”

Flight Check-In at AA.com achieved record high usage during the recent
Thanksgiving travel week with a 31 percent increase in use. “Because any
customer with a domestic e-ticket can check in and get a boarding pass at
AA.com up to 30 hours before their scheduled flight, more customers
getting their boarding pass online are coming back to AA.com time and time
again,” said Rob Friedman, managing director - Interactive Marketing at
American.
American`s focus on electronic ticketing is one factor for the airline`s
success in automated check-in options for its customers. Today, 95 percent
of American passengers originating at domestic airports use electronic
tickets, as do more than 50 percent of those whose trips begin at
International points.
“From customers` homes to the airport terminal, American`s customer
technology is sure to make the remainder of the holiday travel season easy
for customers because it saves time and puts them in control of their trip
through the airport,” said Leibman. “And best of all, our airport agents
are available to help customers with questions or complex transactions. So
this year, we`re encouraging customers who have never tried checking in at
Self- Service, Curbside or online to give it a try. Ask our agents for
help—they are eager and available to walk customers through these
automated tools.”
American`s airport agents also recommend the following holiday travel tips
to make the holiday trip through the airport a breeze:
—Pack light.—Leave gifts unwrapped.—Remember to bring photo IDs.
—Visit AA.com for more holiday travel information.

American Airlines is the world`s largest carrier. American, American Eagle
and the AmericanConnection regional carriers serve more than 250 cities in
over 40 countries with more than 3,900 daily flights. The combined network
fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American`s award-winning Web site,
AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus
personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a
founding member of the oneworld Alliance.

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