You've just checked in for your American Airlines flight, and suddenly that familiar oh-no feeling hits you – you forgot to add your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN)! Don't panic. While it's always ideal to add your KTN during the booking process, it's often still possible to add it even after you've checked in, ensuring you can still enjoy those speedy, hassle-free security lines.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of adding your TSA PreCheck to your American Airlines reservation after checking in, offering various methods and helpful tips to ensure a smooth journey.
Seamless Travel: Adding TSA PreCheck After Check-In
Getting through airport security quickly and efficiently is a dream for most travelers. TSA PreCheck, with its expedited screening benefits (keeping your shoes and light jackets on, leaving laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in your bag), makes that dream a reality. But what happens if you've already completed your online check-in and realized your KTN isn't on your boarding pass? Let's fix that!
Step 1: Don't Panic – Assess Your Situation!
First things first, take a deep breath. It's a common oversight, and American Airlines, like many other carriers, offers several ways to rectify it. Your ability to add your KTN after checking in often depends on how close you are to your departure time and if you've already printed your boarding pass.
Have you downloaded your mobile boarding pass or printed a physical copy? If so, you'll likely need to generate a new one after successfully adding your KTN.
How much time do you have before your flight? The closer you are to departure, the more limited your options might become, making a phone call or airport assistance more necessary.
Step 2: Utilizing American Airlines' Online Platforms
The most convenient way to add your KTN post-check-in is usually through American Airlines' website or mobile app.
Sub-heading 2.1: Through the American Airlines Website
Access Your Trip:
Go to the official American Airlines website (
aa.com Click on the "Manage trips/Check-in" tab on the homepage.
You'll need to enter your first name, last name, and your 6-character confirmation code (Record Locator) for your reservation. Click "Find Trip."
Locate Passenger Information:
Once your trip details are displayed, look for a section related to "Passenger Information" or "Edit Passenger Details." This might be under a "Security Information" heading as well.
Click on the option to add or edit information for the passenger to whom the KTN applies.
Enter Your Known Traveler Number (KTN):
Within the passenger details, you should find a dedicated field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN."
Carefully enter your KTN here. Double-check that it is accurate, as even a single incorrect digit can prevent the TSA PreCheck indicator from appearing. If you have a Global Entry membership, your PASSID (found on the back of your Global Entry card) serves as your KTN.
Save Your Changes:
After entering your KTN, be sure to save the changes to your reservation. There will typically be a "Save" or "Update" button.
Re-generate Your Boarding Pass:
This is a crucial step! For the TSA PreCheck indicator to appear, you will need a new boarding pass. If you've already checked in, the system might automatically offer to send you a new mobile boarding pass, or you can go back to the check-in section and re-issue it.
Verify that "TSA PRECHK" or the TSA PreCheck logo is clearly visible on your new boarding pass.
Sub-heading 2.2: Using the American Airlines Mobile App
The American Airlines app offers a very similar and often more streamlined experience.
Open the App and Find Your Trip:
Launch the American Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet.
Log in to your AAdvantage account if you haven't already. Your upcoming trip should be visible on the home screen under "Your Trips." If not, use the "Find Trip" option with your confirmation code and last name.
Access Passenger Details:
Tap on your specific flight.
Look for a section to "Edit" or "Manage" your passenger information. This might be found by tapping on your name or the passenger details.
Input Your KTN:
Navigate to the "Security information" or "Known Traveler Number" field.
Enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN) with precision.
Confirm and Save:
Tap "Save changes" or "Update."
Refresh/Re-issue Boarding Pass:
The app should automatically refresh your boarding pass. Check for the TSA PreCheck indicator to ensure the update was successful. If not, try tapping "View Boarding Pass" and see if a new one is generated. You might also need to re-check-in if the option appears.
Step 3: Contacting American Airlines Customer Service
If you encounter any issues with the online methods, or if you're very close to your departure time, calling American Airlines customer service is your next best bet.
Prepare Your Information: Have your confirmation code, full name, date of birth, and your KTN ready before you call. This will speed up the process.
Dial American Airlines: The general customer service number for American Airlines can usually be found on their website under the "Contact Us" section. Explain clearly that you've already checked in but need to add your TSA PreCheck KTN to your reservation.
Verify Information: The agent will ask for your details and KTN. Ensure all information matches exactly what is on file with the TSA.
Request New Boarding Pass: Once the agent confirms they've added your KTN, request that they re-send your boarding pass to your email or confirm it will update in the app. Always verify the PreCheck indicator is present.
Step 4: At the Airport – Last Resort Options
While not ideal, if all else fails, you can try to add your KTN at the airport. This should be considered a last resort, as it can be time-consuming and may not always guarantee the PreCheck benefits if the system can't process the update in time.
Sub-heading 4.1: At the American Airlines Check-in Kiosk
Locate a Kiosk: Find an American Airlines self-service check-in kiosk at the airport.
Retrieve Your Reservation: Scan your passport or enter your confirmation code.
Look for Edit Options: Navigate through the menu options to see if there's a way to "Edit Passenger Information" or "Add Known Traveler Number."
Enter KTN and Re-print: If the option is available, enter your KTN and print a new boarding pass. Check for the TSA PreCheck indicator.
Sub-heading 4.2: At the American Airlines Ticket Counter
Speak to an Agent: Approach an American Airlines agent at the ticket counter.
Explain Your Request: Clearly explain that you need to add your KTN to your reservation and get a new boarding pass.
Provide Details: Hand over your identification and KTN. They should be able to make the update and print a new boarding pass for you.
Important Note: While the airline can add your KTN, the final decision for TSA PreCheck eligibility on your boarding pass rests with the TSA. If there's a mismatch in names, dates of birth, or if your KTN is inactive, you may not receive the PreCheck endorsement.
Crucial Considerations for Success:
Accuracy is Key: The name and date of birth on your American Airlines reservation must EXACTLY match the name and date of birth associated with your TSA PreCheck KTN (or Global Entry PASSID). Even a minor typo can prevent the system from recognizing your PreCheck status. This includes your middle name if it's on your KTN application.
Active Status: Ensure your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership is active and has not expired. You can check your KTN status on the TSA's website.
Time Sensitivity: While you can often add your KTN after check-in, the closer you are to your flight, the less time the system has to process the update and for the information to be transmitted to the TSA.
New Boarding Pass: You must have a new boarding pass issued with the "TSA PRECHK" indicator or logo for you to use the TSA PreCheck lane. Simply having your KTN in the system isn't enough; it needs to be reflected on your boarding pass.
AAdvantage Profile: For future convenience, it's highly recommended to add your KTN to your AAdvantage frequent flyer profile. This way, it will automatically populate for all future American Airlines bookings when you're logged in.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my TSA PreCheck is active?
You can check the status of your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry KTN by visiting the TSA's official website and using their KTN lookup tool, entering your personal information as it appears on your application.
How to find my Known Traveler Number (KTN)?
Your KTN is provided to you upon approval of your TSA PreCheck application. It's usually a 9-digit alphanumeric code. If you've forgotten it, you can retrieve it by logging into the website of the enrollment provider you used (e.g., IDEMIA or Telos) or by using the KTN lookup tool on the TSA website. For Global Entry, your PASSID on the back of your card is your KTN.
How to add my KTN to my AAdvantage profile for future flights?
Log in to your AAdvantage account on aa.com, go to "Your Account," then "Information and Password." Find the "Secure Traveler" section and enter your KTN in the designated field, then save your changes.
How to know if my boarding pass has the TSA PreCheck indicator?
Look for "TSA PRECHK" or the TSA PreCheck logo (often a small checkmark within a circle) near your name on your boarding pass, whether it's a printed copy or a mobile boarding pass in your app.
How to update my name or date of birth for TSA PreCheck if it doesn't match my airline reservation?
You will need to contact the TSA directly (usually via their contact center or online form) to update any discrepancies in your name or date of birth on file with your KTN. The airline cannot make these changes to your TSA PreCheck record.
How to get a new boarding pass after adding my KTN?
After updating your KTN online or via the app, return to the check-in section or your trip details to see if a new boarding pass can be generated. If not, try re-checking in online, or ask an airline agent at the airport to print a new one.
How to use TSA PreCheck with family members if they don't have their own KTN?
Children aged 12 and under can typically use the TSA PreCheck lane with an eligible parent or guardian who has a KTN, even if the child's boarding pass does not have the indicator. For teens aged 13-17, they must be on the same reservation as the adult with PreCheck, and the PreCheck indicator must appear on their boarding pass to use the lane. Each adult needs their own KTN.
How to troubleshoot if TSA PreCheck isn't showing on my boarding pass despite adding my KTN?
First, double-check your KTN for accuracy and ensure it matches your ID and TSA records exactly. Verify your TSA PreCheck status online. If it's still not appearing, contact American Airlines customer service and if the issue persists, reach out to the TSA Contact Center for assistance.
How to get TSA PreCheck if I don't have it yet?
You can apply for TSA PreCheck through one of the approved enrollment providers (Idemia, Telos, or CLEAR). The process involves an online application, an in-person appointment for fingerprinting and identity verification, and a fee.
How to ensure my KTN is always applied to future bookings?
The best way is to add your KTN to your AAdvantage frequent flyer profile. When you book flights while logged into your AAdvantage account, your KTN should automatically populate into your reservation. Always double-check during the booking process.
