Are you tired of the airport security shuffle? The endless unpacking of laptops, kicking off shoes, and fumbling with liquids? If you've invested in TSA PreCheck to streamline your travel experience, you're on the right track! But simply having a Known Traveler Number (KTN) isn't enough; you need to make sure your airline knows about it. This comprehensive guide will walk you through, step-by-step, how to add your TSA PreCheck number to your American Airlines account, ensuring a smoother journey every time.
Let's dive in and get you soaring through security!
The Power of Your KTN: Why Add it to American Airlines?
Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is your key to unlocking the benefits of TSA PreCheck. When this number is associated with your American Airlines reservation, it signals to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that you're eligible for expedited screening. This means:
Keeping your shoes on
Leaving liquids and laptops in your bag
Moving through dedicated, often shorter, security lines
Failing to add your KTN means you'll likely go through standard security, defeating the purpose of having PreCheck!
Step 1: Locate Your Known Traveler Number (KTN)
Before you can add your KTN to your American Airlines account, you need to know what it is! This alphanumeric code is unique to you and is assigned once your TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI) application is approved.
Sub-heading: Where to Find Your KTN
Approval Letter/Email: When your TSA PreCheck application was approved, you received an official letter or email containing your KTN.
TSA Universal Enrollment Services Website: If you can't find your letter, you can look up your KTN online. Visit the official TSA Universal Enrollment Services website (
universalenroll.dhs.gov Back of Your Global Entry Card: If you have Global Entry, your Known Traveler Number is also referred to as your PASSID and can be found on the back of your Global Entry ID card. It usually starts with "15," "98," or "99."
Pro Tip: Write down your KTN in a safe place or save it as a contact in your phone for easy access!
Step 2: Adding Your KTN to Your American Airlines AAdvantage Profile (Recommended)
This is the easiest and most efficient way to ensure your KTN is applied to all future American Airlines bookings. By adding it to your AAdvantage profile, it will automatically populate your reservations as long as you're logged in when booking.
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step for AAdvantage Profile Update
Log In to Your AAdvantage Account:
Go to the official American Airlines website (
aa.com Click on the "Log In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the homepage.
Enter your AAdvantage number or username and password.
Navigate to Your Profile:
Once logged in, hover over your name in the top right corner.
From the dropdown menu, select "Your account" or "My Profile".
Find the "Secure Traveler" Section:
Within your account profile, look for a section labeled "Information and password" or similar.
Scroll down until you find the "Secure Traveler" or "Known Traveler Number" section.
Enter Your KTN:
You'll see a field specifically for your Known Traveler Number (KTN).
Carefully enter your KTN into this field. Double-check for any typos!
If you also have a Redress Number (issued by the Department of Homeland Security if you've faced repeated travel issues), you can enter it here as well.
Save Your Changes:
After entering your KTN, make sure to click "Save Changes" or "Update" to apply the information to your profile.
Important Note: Ensure the name and date of birth in your American Airlines AAdvantage profile exactly match the name and date of birth associated with your TSA PreCheck enrollment. Even minor discrepancies can prevent your PreCheck status from appearing on your boarding pass.
Step 3: Adding Your KTN to an Existing American Airlines Reservation
What if you've already booked a flight but forgot to add your KTN? No worries! You can still add it to an existing reservation.
Sub-heading: Method 1: Through "Manage Trip" Online
Access Your Reservation:
Go to
aa.com Click on "Manage Trip" or "My Trips/Check-in" on the homepage.
Enter your last name and the six-character confirmation code for your flight.
Locate Passenger Information:
Once your trip details appear, look for the "Passenger Information" or "Edit" option next to your name.
Add Security Information:
Within the passenger details, you should find a section for "Security Information" or "Known Traveler Number (KTN)".
Enter your KTN here.
Save and Re-issue Boarding Pass:
Save the changes.
Crucially, if you've already checked in, you'll need to re-issue or reprint your boarding pass (either through the app, online, or at the airport kiosk/check-in counter) for the TSA PreCheck indicator to appear.
Sub-heading: Method 2: Via the American Airlines Mobile App
Open the American Airlines App:
Launch the American Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet.
Access Your Trips:
Log in (if prompted) and navigate to the "Trips" or "My Trips" section.
Select the specific flight reservation you wish to update.
Edit Passenger Details:
Look for an option to "Edit Passenger Information" or "Security Information" within the trip details.
Input KTN:
Enter your Known Traveler Number in the designated field.
Confirm and Refresh:
Confirm the changes.
Refresh your boarding pass in the app or download a new one to see the TSA PreCheck indicator.
Sub-heading: Method 3: At the Airport (Check-in Counter or Kiosk)
While less convenient, you can still add your KTN at the airport if you're short on time or experiencing online issues.
Visit the American Airlines Check-in Counter:
Speak to an American Airlines agent at the ticket counter.
Provide them with your KTN and ask them to add it to your reservation. They can update your Secure Flight Passenger Data.
Use an American Airlines Kiosk:
At an airport kiosk, you can often retrieve your reservation and find an option to edit passenger details or security information to input your KTN.
After adding it, print a new boarding pass.
Remember: Always allow ample time if you plan to make changes at the airport, especially during peak travel periods.
Step 4: Verifying TSA PreCheck on Your Boarding Pass
This is the most important step! Your KTN is only useful if it actually appears on your boarding pass.
Sub-heading: What to Look For
"TSA PRECHK" or "TSA PRE": You'll typically see these words printed directly on your paper boarding pass, usually near your name.
TSA PreCheck Logo: On mobile boarding passes, look for the distinct TSA PreCheck logo (a stylized checkmark within a circle) usually located near your name or at the top corner of the pass.
If you don't see the indicator after adding your KTN and re-issuing your boarding pass, do not panic.
Troubleshooting: What If TSA PreCheck Doesn't Show Up?
It can be frustrating when your PreCheck isn't displaying. Here are the most common reasons and solutions:
Name/Date of Birth Mismatch: The most frequent culprit! The name and date of birth on your American Airlines reservation and AAdvantage profile must exactly match what's on file with your TSA PreCheck enrollment. Check for missing middle names, initials, or even typos.
Expired KTN: TSA PreCheck memberships are valid for five years. Verify your KTN's expiration date on the TSA Universal Enrollment Services website.
Incorrect KTN Entry: Double-check that you entered your KTN correctly. One wrong digit can make all the difference.
Booking Through a Third Party: Sometimes, when booking through online travel agencies (OTAs) or corporate travel portals, the KTN might not transfer correctly. It's always best to add it directly on the American Airlines website or app.
System Glitch/Random Exclusion: While rare, TSA employs unpredictable security measures. Even with a KTN, you might occasionally be directed to a standard lane. If it happens consistently, contact TSA directly.
Late Addition: If you add your KTN very close to departure, the system might not update in time. Try to add it at least 72 hours before your flight.
Already Checked In: If you've already checked in, the system might not automatically update your boarding pass. You'll need to re-issue it as described in Step 3.
If all else fails, contact:
American Airlines Customer Service: They can manually verify and add your KTN to your reservation.
TSA Contact Center: If you suspect an issue with your KTN itself, contact TSA at 1-866-289-9673.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to check if my TSA PreCheck is active?
You can check the status of your TSA PreCheck enrollment by visiting the TSA Universal Enrollment Services website and using their KTN lookup tool, or by logging into your Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account dashboard.
How to add my TSA PreCheck to a new American Airlines booking?
During the online booking process on aa.com, after entering passenger details, you will typically find a field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "Secure Traveler Information" where you can input your KTN.
How to find my KTN if I forgot it?
You can retrieve your KTN by visiting the TSA Universal Enrollment Services website and using their KTN lookup tool, providing your personal information for verification.
How to ensure my name matches for TSA PreCheck on American Airlines?
Ensure the first name, middle name (if applicable), and last name on your American Airlines profile and reservation are an exact match to the name on file with your TSA PreCheck enrollment and government-issued ID.
How to add TSA PreCheck to my American Airlines reservation after checking in?
If you've already checked in, you can still add your KTN via "Manage Trip" on aa.com or the American Airlines app. After adding, you'll need to re-issue or reprint your boarding pass for the PreCheck indicator to appear.
How to know if TSA PreCheck is on my American Airlines boarding pass?
Look for "TSA PRECHK" or "TSA PRE" printed on your paper boarding pass, or the distinct TSA PreCheck logo on your mobile boarding pass, usually near your name.
How to contact American Airlines about a missing TSA PreCheck indicator?
You can contact American Airlines customer service via their phone number (available on their website) or through their social media channels for assistance.
How to update my AAdvantage profile with my KTN?
Log in to your AAdvantage account on aa.com, go to "Your account" or "My Profile," find the "Secure Traveler" or "Information and password" section, enter your KTN, and save your changes.
How to renew my TSA PreCheck membership?
You can renew your TSA PreCheck membership online through the TSA Universal Enrollment Services website, typically up to six months before its expiration date.
How to get TSA PreCheck if I don't have it yet?
You can apply for TSA PreCheck online through one of the approved providers (Idemia or Telos) and then complete an in-person appointment for fingerprinting and a background check.
