Having a Known Traveler Number (KTN) can be a game-changer for your airport experience, especially when flying with American Airlines. It allows you to breeze through security with TSA PreCheck, avoiding long lines and the hassle of removing shoes, liquids, and laptops. But what if you've got your KTN and can't quite remember where to find it or how to ensure it's linked to your American Airlines reservation? Don't worry, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to find your KTN and ensure a smooth journey with American Airlines.
Your Passport to Expedited Security: Finding Your KTN on American Airlines
Ready to unlock faster airport security? Let's get started on finding that elusive Known Traveler Number and making sure it's linked to your American Airlines flights. This isn't just about a number; it's about reclaiming your time and peace of mind at the airport!
Step 1: Do You Already Have a KTN? Let's Confirm!
Before we dive into how to find it, let's confirm if you even have one. A KTN is issued to individuals approved for a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler Program. These programs include:
TSA PreCheck® Application Program: This is the most common way people get a KTN. Your KTN will typically be 9 or 10 digits long and often starts with "TT" (if you enrolled through IDEMIA) or "TE" (if you enrolled through Telos).
Global Entry: If you're a Global Entry member, your KTN is actually your 9-digit PASSID. This number can usually be found on the back of your Global Entry card in the upper-left corner and often starts with 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 50, 70, 80, 95, 98, or 99.
NEXUS or SENTRI: Similar to Global Entry, your PASSID from these programs serves as your KTN.
Take a moment to recall if you've enrolled in any of these programs. If not, you'll need to apply for one to receive a KTN. If you're unsure, or you know you have one but can't find the physical card or email, proceed to the next steps.
Step 2: Retrieving Your KTN – The Official Sources
The most reliable way to find your KTN is through the official channels of the program you enrolled in.
Sub-heading 2.1: For TSA PreCheck® Application Program Members
Visit the Official TSA KTN Lookup Tool: The TSA provides a dedicated online tool for TSA PreCheck Application Program members to look up their KTN.
Go to the official TSA PreCheck KTN Lookup page (a quick search for "TSA PreCheck KTN lookup" will get you there, or try
tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/ktn-lookup).You will be asked to enter your Legal Name (First, Middle, Last) and Date of Birth exactly as you provided them during enrollment.
Once you submit this information, your KTN should be displayed.
Sub-heading 2.2: For Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI Members
Log in to the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) Website: Your PASSID (which is your KTN) can be found by logging into your account on the official TTP website.
Go to
ttp.cbp.dhs.gov.Log in with your GOES ID and password.
Once logged in, your PASSID will be displayed on your dashboard or profile summary. This is your KTN!
Check Your Card: As mentioned earlier, your PASSID is also printed on the back of your Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI card.
Step 3: Adding Your KTN to Your American Airlines Profile (Highly Recommended!)
Once you have your KTN, the smartest thing to do is to add it to your AAdvantage® profile on American Airlines. This way, it will automatically populate for all future bookings you make while logged into your account. This saves you time and ensures you don't forget it!
Sub-heading 3.1: Via the American Airlines Website (aa.com)
Log In: Go to
aa.comand log in to your AAdvantage® account.Access Your Profile: Once logged in, click on your name in the top right corner of the screen (or navigate to "Your account").
Find "Secure Traveler" or "Personal Information": Look for a section like "Secure traveler" or "Personal information" within your profile.
Enter Your KTN/PASSID: You should see a field specifically labeled "Known Traveler Number (KTN)" or "KTN/PASSID." Enter your 9 or 10-digit KTN (or your 9-digit PASSID if you're a Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI member) exactly as it appears from the official source.
Save Changes: Be sure to save your changes to update your profile.
Sub-heading 3.2: Via the American Airlines Mobile App
Open the App & Log In: Launch the American Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet and log in to your AAdvantage® account.
Navigate to Profile: Look for a "Profile" or "Account" section (often accessible via a menu icon or your profile picture).
Find "Secure Traveler" or Similar: Similar to the website, locate a section related to "Secure traveler," "Personal details," or "Passenger information."
Input KTN: Find the "Known Traveler Number" field and enter your KTN/PASSID.
Save: Don't forget to save your changes!
Step 4: Adding Your KTN to an Existing American Airlines Reservation
Forgot to add your KTN when you booked, or added it to your profile after booking? No problem! You can still add it to an existing reservation.
Sub-heading 4.1: Online Through "Manage Trips"
Go to
aa.comand "Manage Trips": On the American Airlines homepage, click on "Manage trips" or "Check in."Find Your Trip: Enter your Last Name and Confirmation Code (also known as a record locator) to pull up your reservation.
Edit Passenger Information: Once your trip details are displayed, look for an option to "Edit" or "Modify" passenger information. This is often under a "Passenger Summary" or "Security Information" section.
Add Your KTN: Locate the "Known Traveler Number (KTN)" field and enter your KTN/PASSID.
Save and Confirm: Save your changes. It's a good idea to refresh your page or even re-check your reservation to ensure the KTN is now present.
Sub-heading 4.2: Via the American Airlines Mobile App for an Existing Trip
Open App & Select Trip: Open the American Airlines app and navigate to your upcoming trips. Select the specific trip you want to update.
Edit Passenger Details: Look for an option to "Edit passenger details" or "Security information."
Enter KTN: Find the KTN field and input your number.
Save: Tap "Save" or "Done" to apply the changes.
Sub-heading 4.3: Contacting American Airlines Customer Service
If for any reason the online or app methods aren't working, or you're having trouble, don't hesitate to call American Airlines customer service.
Have your confirmation code and your KTN ready.
Explain that you need to add your KTN to your existing reservation.
They will be able to update it for you. Be sure to verify that it's been added before ending the call.
Step 5: Verifying Your KTN on Your Boarding Pass
The ultimate confirmation that your KTN is correctly linked and active for your flight is to see the TSA PreCheck® indicator on your boarding pass.
Look for the "TSA Pre®" or "TSA PreCheck" Logo: This logo typically appears near your name or flight information on your boarding pass.
Reprint or Re-download: If you added your KTN after checking in or printing your boarding pass, you will need to reprint it or re-download your mobile boarding pass from the American Airlines app to see the updated status.
Important Considerations for Your KTN
Name Match is CRITICAL: The name on your American Airlines reservation must exactly match the name you used when enrolling in your Trusted Traveler Program. Even a minor discrepancy (e.g., a missing middle name, a hyphen where there isn't one on file) can prevent your TSA PreCheck benefits from appearing. If there's a mismatch, contact the TSA (for PreCheck) or CBP (for Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI) to update your name on file, and then ensure your American Airlines reservation reflects that exact name.
Date of Birth: Similarly, your date of birth on your reservation needs to match your Trusted Traveler Program profile.
Children and TSA PreCheck: Children aged 12 and under traveling with a parent or guardian who has the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass can usually go through the PreCheck lane with them, even if they don't have their own KTN. However, each individual 13 and older needs their own KTN.
Expiration: Remember that Trusted Traveler Programs (TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, etc.) have expiration dates, typically every five years. Ensure your membership is active and not expired! You can check your status on the respective program's website. If it's expired, you'll need to renew it before your KTN is valid.
Not Guaranteed Every Time: While your KTN makes you eligible for TSA PreCheck, the TSA states that expedited screening is not guaranteed on every flight. However, it's very rare for it not to appear if all your information is correct.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about your KTN and American Airlines:
How to check if my KTN is active?
You can check the status of your TSA PreCheck KTN on the official TSA PreCheck website's KTN lookup tool, or by logging into your Trusted Traveler Program account for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI.
How to add my KTN to an American Airlines booking if I forgot during reservation?
Log in to aa.com or the American Airlines app, go to "Manage Trips," find your reservation, and then select "Edit Passenger Information" or "Security Information" to add your KTN.
How to ensure my name matches my KTN for American Airlines?
Verify that your legal name (first, middle, last) and date of birth on your American Airlines profile and reservation exactly match the information on file with your Trusted Traveler Program (TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, etc.).
How to get TSA PreCheck on my American Airlines boarding pass?
Your TSA PreCheck indicator ("TSA Pre®") will appear on your American Airlines boarding pass if your KTN is correctly added to your reservation and all your personal details match your Trusted Traveler Program profile.
How to find my Global Entry PASSID to use as my KTN on American Airlines?
Your Global Entry PASSID, which serves as your KTN, can be found by logging into your account on the official Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website (ttp.cbp.dhs.gov) or on the back of your Global Entry card.
How to update my KTN on my AAdvantage profile?
Log in to your AAdvantage account on aa.com or the American Airlines app, navigate to your profile settings, find the "Secure Traveler" section, and enter or update your KTN/PASSID.
How to contact American Airlines customer service for KTN issues?
You can call American Airlines reservations or customer service. Have your flight confirmation code and your KTN ready for them to assist you.
How to know if my child can use TSA PreCheck with my KTN on American Airlines?
Children aged 12 and under can generally use the TSA PreCheck lane with a parent or guardian who has the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass. Children 13 and older require their own KTN.
How to re-print my American Airlines boarding pass after adding my KTN?
After adding your KTN to a reservation, you will need to re-access your reservation online or through the app and re-print your boarding pass, or re-download your mobile boarding pass, for the TSA PreCheck indicator to appear.
How to renew my TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to keep my KTN active for American Airlines flights?
Visit the official TSA PreCheck or Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) website to check your program's expiration date and follow the renewal process. Renewals typically occur every five years.
