American Airlines Uses AI to Predict Missed Flights
Technology is making travel on American Airlines easier and more reliable this summer. From planning a trip to reaching your destination, digital innovation is now at the core of every step in the journey. american airlines ai missed flights
As part of this transformation, American Airlines is harnessing artificial intelligence to tackle one of the most frustrating parts of modern air travel: missed flights. Through predictive analytics, generative AI, and smarter mobile tools, the airline is rethinking how it manages disruptions and helps customers stay one step ahead of delays.
“User-friendly technology is part of our daily life and should extend into what our customers experience when they travel on American,” said Ganesh Jayaram, American’s Chief Digital and Information Officer.
“With our renewed focus on the customer experience, we’ve ramped up our digital capabilities throughout the travel journey so our customers can focus on what matters most: getting to their destination.”
Predicting Missed Connections Before They Happen
The company recently revealed that it’s using AI to identify passengers at risk of missing their next flight due to delays or tight layovers—particularly at major hub airports like Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). In such cases, the AI system can alert operations teams and, in some cases, hold a connecting flight briefly to allow affected passengers to board.
This marks a shift from traditional airline operations that largely react to disruptions after they occur. With AI in place, American Airlines can now analyze incoming data in real time, assess passenger movement across terminals, and flag potential problems before they escalate. The result is a smoother travel experience and fewer headaches for passengers—and potentially fewer costs associated with delays and rebookings for the airline.
Generative AI Powers a New Mobile Experience
Beyond predicting missed flights, American Airlines has also launched a redesigned mobile app that incorporates generative AI capabilities. The updated app offers a more intuitive interface and includes features that help travelers manage their trips during irregular operations. For instance, if a flight is delayed or canceled due to weather, the app’s AI assistant can offer real-time guidance and rebooking options without requiring customers to wait in long queues or call customer service.
Infrastructure Overhaul: Tech Investment Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes, the airline is undertaking a major modernization of its IT infrastructure. American Airlines has increased its technology budget by 20% this year to support new tools and platforms that are faster, more secure, and more resilient. These include upgraded check-in kiosks at airports that allow travelers to check in and drop bags in under two minutes—a significant time-saver for frequent flyers.
The airline’s chief digital and information officer, Maya Leibman, emphasized that this transformation isn’t just about adopting new technologies but also about building a sustainable and secure foundation. According to the airline, it’s focusing heavily on responsible AI governance to ensure data privacy, transparency, and ethical use of automation across its operations.
AI for Operations, Not Just Passengers
AI is also playing a growing role in American Airlines’ internal processes. From helping engineers write code more efficiently to uncovering root causes of flight disruptions, the technology is streamlining operations in ways that extend well beyond the passenger experience.
More Airports, More AI: What’s Next?
American’s rollout of AI-based flight connection predictions will expand this summer, adding more airports to the program. It’s a sign that the airline sees AI not just as a trendy tool but as a core part of how it operates and competes.
As air travel rebounds and becomes more complex, American Airlines’ investment in predictive AI, real-time data systems, and user-friendly digital experiences signals a broader industry shift—one where anticipating problems becomes just as important as solving them.
Smarter Tools Make Summer Travel Smoother
This summer, American Airlines is introducing a wave of new technologies designed to make travel more convenient and less stressful, besides the already mentioned AI. From upgraded digital tools to faster airport check-ins, the airline is focused on creating a seamless experience from start to finish.
Redesigned App Delivers Real-Time Insights and Seamless Check-In
The redesigned American Airlines mobile app now offers a more intuitive interface with real-time flight updates via iOS Live Activities, helping travelers stay informed every step of the way. Whether it’s gate changes, boarding times, or flight status, the app keeps critical information front and center.
Under the hood, a new app platform allows American to roll out updates faster and add new features more efficiently. One recent enhancement: seamless check-in and boarding pass downloads for select oneworld partner flights, helping streamline multi-airline journeys.
Speedier Airport Check-Ins with Modern Kiosks
Travelers departing from major hubs like Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), and Phoenix (PHX) can now access newly upgraded airport kiosks. These units are designed to process check-in and bag drop transactions in under two minutes, and even faster when customers prepay for baggage online.
The system-wide rollout of these kiosks reflects America’s broader goal of reducing wait times and enhancing the airport experience through smart, self-service solutions.