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.

For domestic travel within the United States in 2026, American Airlines passengers must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another federally accepted identification, such as a U.S. Passport, U.S. Military ID, or a DHS Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry/TSA PreCheck). This requirement follows the full implementation of the REAL ID Act. If a traveler does not have a REAL ID, they may be required to use the TSA ConfirmID process for an additional fee to verify their identity at the checkpoint. For international flights, a valid passport is mandatory for all passengers, regardless of age. Some destinations also require a visa or an electronic travel authorization (like an eTA or ETIAS), which American Airlines agents will verify during the "Document Check" at the gate. It is vital that the name on the ID matches the name on the boarding pass exactly; even a minor discrepancy can lead to boarding delays or a requirement to visit the ticket counter for a manual PNR name correction before passing through security.