Do you have Global Entry and are you ready to breeze through airport security and customs like a VIP? Excellent! Having Global Entry is a game-changer for frequent travelers, offering both expedited customs clearance upon international arrival and the benefits of TSA PreCheck for domestic flights. To make the most of it, you need to ensure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) – which is your Global Entry PASSID – is correctly linked to your American Airlines reservations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience.
Adding Global Entry to American Airlines: Your Ultimate Guide
Let's get your Global Entry connected to your American Airlines profile and upcoming flights!
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| How To Add Global Entry To American Airlines |
Step 1: Locate Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) / PASSID
Before you do anything else, you need to have your Known Traveler Number (KTN) handy. For Global Entry members, your KTN is actually your PASSID. This is a 9-digit alphanumeric ID number issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after your Global Entry application is approved.
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Where to find it:
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On your Global Entry card: Your PASSID (KTN) is typically found on the back of your Global Entry ID card, usually in the top left-hand corner. It often starts with "15," "98," or "99."
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Online via the TTP website: If you don't have your physical card, you can log in to your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account at
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Check your approval letter: When you were approved for Global Entry, you likely received an approval letter that also contained your PASSID.
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Engagement Moment: Take a moment right now and grab your Global Entry card or log into your TTP account. Do you have your 9-digit PASSID ready? Fantastic! Let's move on to making it work for your American Airlines flights.
Step 2: Adding Your KTN to Your American Airlines AAdvantage Profile (Recommended!)
This is the most efficient way to ensure your Global Entry benefits are applied to all future American Airlines bookings. By adding your KTN to your AAdvantage profile, American Airlines will automatically include it in your reservations when you are logged in.
Sub-heading: Adding via the American Airlines Website
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Log in to your AAdvantage Account:
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Go to the official American Airlines website (
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Click on "Login" or "My Account" in the top right corner.
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Enter your AAdvantage number or email and password.
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Navigate to Your Profile:
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Once logged in, hover over your name in the top right corner.
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Click on "Account" or "Your Account" from the dropdown menu.
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Look for a section like "Edit account" or "Information and password."
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Locate the "Secure Traveler" Section:
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Within your account profile, you'll find various sections. Look for "Secure Traveler," "Known Traveler Number," or "TSA PreCheck®." This is where you'll input your KTN.
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American Airlines often combines Global Entry and TSA PreCheck information here, as Global Entry includes PreCheck benefits.
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Enter Your KTN (PASSID):
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Carefully type your 9-digit KTN (PASSID) into the designated field.
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Double-check for accuracy! Even a single misplaced digit can prevent your benefits from applying.
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Ensure that the name, date of birth, and gender on your American Airlines profile exactly match the information on file with your Global Entry (CBP). Discrepancies are a common reason for KTN not appearing on boarding passes.
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Save Your Changes:
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Click "Save," "Update," or "Confirm" to apply the changes to your AAdvantage profile.
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You should receive a confirmation that your information has been updated.
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QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
Sub-heading: Adding via the American Airlines Mobile App
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Open the American Airlines App:
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Launch the American Airlines mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.
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Log in:
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Log in to your AAdvantage account if you aren't already.
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Access Your Profile:
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Tap on your profile icon or name (usually in the bottom navigation bar or top corner).
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Look for "Profile," "Account," or "Information."
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Find Security Information:
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Scroll down and look for a section related to "Security Information," "TSA PreCheck," or "Known Traveler Number."
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Input Your KTN:
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Enter your 9-digit KTN (PASSID) into the correct field.
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Verify that all personal details (name, DOB, gender) match your Global Entry records.
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Save:
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Tap "Save" to ensure your KTN is linked to your profile.
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Step 3: Adding Your KTN to an Existing American Airlines Reservation
What if you already booked a flight before you added your KTN to your AAdvantage profile, or if you're not an AAdvantage member? No problem! You can still add your Global Entry information to individual reservations.
Sub-heading: Via the American Airlines Website
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Go to "Manage Trips":
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On the American Airlines homepage (aa.com), click on the "Manage trips/Check-in" tab.
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Retrieve Your Reservation:
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Enter your last name and the 6-character confirmation number (record locator) for your flight. Click "Find Trip."
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Access Passenger Information:
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Once your reservation details appear, look for a section like "Passenger Information," "Edit Passenger Details," or "Security Information."
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You might need to click "Edit" next to your name.
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Add Your KTN:
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Find the field labeled "Known Traveler Number" (KTN) or "TSA PreCheck."
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Enter your 9-digit KTN (PASSID) here.
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Again, confirm that the name, date of birth, and gender on the reservation exactly match your Global Entry profile.
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Save Changes:
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Click "Save" or "Update" to finalize the addition of your KTN to this specific reservation.
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Sub-heading: Via the American Airlines Mobile App
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Open the App and Find Your Trip:
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Launch the American Airlines app.
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Go to "My Trips" and select the reservation you wish to modify.
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Edit Passenger Details:
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Look for an "Edit" option within the passenger information section of your trip details.
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Navigate to "Security information" or a similar heading.
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Input Your KTN:
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Enter your KTN (PASSID) into the designated field.
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Ensure all details match your Global Entry record.
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Confirm and Save:
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Tap "Save Changes."
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Step 4: Verifying Your Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Status on Your Boarding Pass
This is the crucial final step to ensure your Global Entry benefits will be recognized at the airport.
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Check Your Boarding Pass:
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After adding your KTN, check your digital or printed boarding pass.
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You should see the "TSA PreCheck" indicator (often a small logo or text like "TSA PRECHK" or "TSA Pre✓") next to your name.
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If you don't see it, something might be wrong.
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What if it's not there?
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Double-check your KTN: Did you enter it correctly? Is it truly your PASSID?
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Name Match: Are the exact full name, middle name (if applicable), date of birth, and gender on your American Airlines reservation identical to what CBP has on file for your Global Entry? Even a minor discrepancy can cause issues.
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Timing: While usually instant, sometimes it can take a few hours for the system to update.
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Membership Status: Is your Global Entry membership still active and not expired? You can check this on the TTP website.
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Random Exclusion: On rare occasions, even with a KTN, TSA may randomly exclude you from PreCheck for a specific flight. This is uncommon but can happen.
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Contact American Airlines: If you've checked all of the above and the PreCheck indicator still isn't on your boarding pass, contact American Airlines customer service before you head to the airport. They can verify your KTN and try to manually apply it.
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Tip: Look for examples to make points easier to grasp.
Step 5: At the Airport with Global Entry
Once your boarding pass has the TSA PreCheck indicator, you're ready for expedited screening!
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TSA PreCheck Lane: At the security checkpoint, look for the dedicated TSA PreCheck lane. This allows you to keep on your shoes, light jackets, and belts, and allows laptops and liquids (3-1-1 rule compliant) to remain in your carry-on bag.
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Global Entry Kiosks (International Arrivals): Upon returning to the U.S. from an international trip, head to the Global Entry kiosks. Scan your passport, submit your fingerprints, and complete your customs declaration. You'll then proceed directly to a CBP officer, or in some airports, directly to baggage claim and exit.
Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about adding Global Entry to American Airlines:
How to Confirm if My Global Entry is Active?
You can confirm your Global Entry status by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account at
How to Find My Global Entry PASSID if I Lost My Card?
Your Global Entry PASSID (which is your KTN) can be found by logging into your TTP account online at
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
How to Add Global Entry to My American Airlines Profile for Future Flights?
Log in to your AAdvantage account on aa.com, go to "Your Account" > "Information and password," and add your KTN (PASSID) in the "Secure traveler" section. Save your changes.
How to Add Global Entry to an Existing American Airlines Reservation?
Go to "Manage trips" on aa.com or the American Airlines app, retrieve your reservation, find the "Passenger Information" or "Security Information" section, and enter your KTN (PASSID). Remember to save.
How to Ensure My Name on the Reservation Matches My Global Entry?
When booking or updating your reservation, ensure your full name (first, middle, last), date of birth, and gender exactly match the information on your Global Entry application and passport.
How to Fix My Boarding Pass if TSA PreCheck Isn't Showing?
First, double-check your KTN entry and ensure your personal details match. If it's still not appearing, contact American Airlines customer service or the TSA (1-866-289-9673) for assistance.
QuickTip: Repetition reinforces learning.
How to Get TSA PreCheck Benefits with Global Entry?
Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck benefits. Once your KTN (PASSID) is added to your airline reservation, the TSA PreCheck indicator should appear on your boarding pass.
How to Use Global Entry for International Arrivals?
Upon returning to the U.S. from an international trip, follow signs to the Global Entry kiosks, scan your passport, provide fingerprints, and proceed for expedited customs clearance.
How to Renew My Global Entry Membership?
You can renew your Global Entry membership online through your TTP account at
How to Contact American Airlines Customer Service for KTN Issues?
You can find American Airlines customer service contact information on their website (aa.com) under "Contact Us" or by calling their main reservations number. Be ready with your AAdvantage number, confirmation code, and KTN.
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