Transportation
Photo: TOimages — stock.adobe.com
April 7, 2025
American Airlines has disabled the automatic printing of boarding passes at airport check-in kiosks for passengers who have already checked in online or via their mobile app, according to a View from the Wing report. The airline announced the change on April 6, stating the move is intended to encourage the use of digital boarding passes and reduce paper consumption.
According to the airline, this initiative is projected to save approximately $175,000 annually by reducing paper boarding pass printing by an estimated 12.5 million. While the default printing has been eliminated, passengers will still have the option to print a boarding pass from the kiosks through a secondary menu.
This cost-saving measure aligns with CEO Robert Isom’s stated priority of minimizing unnecessary spending. The airline has reportedly emphasized cost reductions to investors, particularly given existing challenges with labor and debt service costs, as well as revenue from premium services.