American Airlines has launched a free app for iPhone and iPod touch. Users who download the app will be able to use the app to check their flight status and gate information, check-in for flights and save their mobile boarding pass (at participating airports), monitor the standby list and view maps of airport terminals (so far, DFW, JFK, LAX, LGA, MIA and ORD). Frequent flyers will be able to enroll in AAdvantage and manage their AAdvantage account with the app, including tracking their progress to elite status and their 500-mile upgrades. While waiting for your flight, you can pass the time by playing a game of Sudoku, which is another feature included with the app. And if you are one of those people who wander the parking lot in search of your car upon your return, with this app you can snap a photo of where you parked to save as a reminder to help you find your car. The airline says this app was developed with input from American AAdvantage members who were able to test the program as it was being created and to discuss the features they found most useful.

Bottom line: American reports this is the first version of this app so look for more functionality in the future. There have been many complaints about the functionality thus far such as older AAdvantage membership numbers (those with numbers only) were not being accepted by the app, the need to input the locator number for your flight instead of the app being able to view reservations information and time zones not being automatically updated as well as incorrect gate information. However, it’s a start and many AAdvantage members are very happy to have the app.