I am traveling on from SFO to LAX with America West in a couple of weeks. Can you tell me if I have to check in, or just head straight to the departure lounge for the flight. Thanks in advance
Are you taking baggage? If so, yes.
If not, you can check-in online and print your own boarding pass 24 hours ahead of your flight. You do not need to visit a check-in desk providing you have this print out.
Without it, or if you're carrying hold baggage, yes - you'll need to see the desk.
Gone are the days of heading straight through security without a BP (whether self-printed or airline stock). In fact, those days went around 5 years ago...