Have you ever arrived back in the US after an amazing international trip, only to be met with dreadfully long lines at customs? Or perhaps you've been rushing to catch a domestic flight, wishing there was a quicker way through airport security? If so, then Global Entry is about to become your new best friend, and integrating it with your Southwest Airlines bookings will make your travel experience even smoother!
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. The best part? It includes TSA PreCheck® benefits, which means faster security screening for domestic flights too!
Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to add Global Entry to your Southwest Airlines profile and reservations, ensuring you maximize your travel efficiency.
Step 1: Secure Your Global Entry Membership (If You Haven't Already!)
Before you can add Global Entry to Southwest, you absolutely need to have Global Entry. If you're already a member, feel free to skip to Step 2! But if not, let's get you set up for stress-free travel.
Sub-heading 1.1: Understanding the Benefits
Why go through the effort?
Expedited U.S. Customs Clearance: Say goodbye to long lines when returning from international trips. You'll use automated kiosks or the Global Entry app for a quick verification.
Included TSA PreCheck®: This is a HUGE perk! For domestic flights, you'll get access to dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes, meaning you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and your liquids and laptops in your bag. This saves a significant amount of time and hassle at security checkpoints.
Reduced Wait Times: Both at customs and security, Global Entry members consistently experience shorter wait times.
Sub-heading 1.2: The Global Entry Application Process
The application process involves a few key stages:
Create a Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) Account:
Navigate to the official CBP TTP website (
https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/ Click on "Get Started" and follow the prompts to create your account. Ensure all information matches your government-issued ID exactly.
Complete the Online Application:
Log in to your newly created TTP account.
Select "Global Entry" and meticulously fill out the application form. This will require detailed personal information, including your addresses and employment history for the past five years, and your international travel history.
Accuracy is key here! Any discrepancies can cause delays or even denial.
Pay the Application Fee:
A non-refundable fee of $100 is required. Many premium travel credit cards offer a statement credit to cover this fee, so check your card benefits before paying out of pocket!
Wait for Conditional Approval:
After submitting your application and payment, you'll enter a "Pending Review" status. This can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on current processing times.
CBP will conduct a thorough background check.
Schedule an Interview:
Once conditionally approved, you'll receive an email notification instructing you to log back into your TTP account to schedule an interview.
Interview slots can be highly competitive, especially at popular airports. Be persistent in checking for new openings, or consider "Enrollment on Arrival" (EoA) if you have an upcoming international trip. EoA allows you to complete your interview upon re-entry to the U.S. at participating airports without a prior appointment.
Attend the Interview:
Go to your chosen Global Entry Enrollment Center.
What to bring: Your valid passport(s) (all of them, if you have more than one), and one other form of government-issued ID (like a driver's license). You may also need proof of residency.
The interview is usually brief (10-15 minutes). A CBP officer will verify your information, ask about your travel history, and collect your fingerprints and a photo.
Receive Final Approval and Your Global Entry Card:
If approved, you'll receive an email notification, and your Global Entry card will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days.
Important: While the card is useful for land/sea border crossings and as an additional ID, your Known Traveler Number (KTN), also known as your PASSID, is the crucial element for air travel benefits. This 9-digit number typically starts with "10", "13", "14", "15", "16", "50", "70", "80", "95", "98", or "99" and can be found on the back of your Global Entry card or by logging into your TTP account.
Step 2: Access Your Southwest Airlines Account
Now that you have your Global Entry KTN/PASSID, it's time to link it to your Southwest Airlines profile. This is the most efficient way to ensure your benefits are applied to all your future bookings.
Sub-heading 2.1: Logging In
On a Desktop/Laptop:
Open your web browser and go to the official Southwest Airlines website: Southwest.com.
Click on the "Login" button, usually located in the top-right corner of the homepage.
Enter your Rapid Rewards account number or username and password to log in.
On the Southwest Mobile App:
Open the Southwest Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet.
Tap on the person icon (often in the top right corner or bottom navigation bar).
Log in using your Rapid Rewards credentials.
Step 3: Add Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to Your Southwest Profile
This is the core step to ensure your Global Entry benefits are automatically applied to your future Southwest flights.
Sub-heading 3.1: Via Desktop/Laptop
Once logged in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, click on your "Profile" or "My Account" (often found by clicking on your name in the top right corner).
Look for a section related to "Traveler Information," "Secure Traveler," or "Add traveler info."
You should find a field specifically labeled "Known Traveler Number (KTN)".
Carefully enter your 9-digit Global Entry PASSID into this field.
Double-check for accuracy! Ensure your name and date of birth in your Southwest profile exactly match what is on file with your Global Entry membership. Even a minor discrepancy can prevent your TSA PreCheck benefits from appearing on your boarding pass.
Click "Save" or "Update Profile" to confirm the changes.
Sub-heading 3.2: Via Southwest Mobile App
After logging into your Rapid Rewards account on the Southwest app, tap on the person icon (usually in the top right).
Tap "Edit contact information" or "Profile."
Look for "Add / edit traveler info".
Locate the "Known Traveler Number (KTN)" field.
Enter your Global Entry PASSID.
Again, verify that your name and date of birth match your Global Entry record precisely.
Tap "Save" to apply the changes.
Important Note on Data Matching:
The TSA and CBP systems are very strict about data matching. If your name, date of birth, or gender in your Southwest profile does not precisely match the information associated with your Global Entry KTN, you will likely not receive TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass. This includes middle names, hyphens, or suffixes. If you have any variations, it's best to contact Southwest customer service to ensure your profile is updated to match your Global Entry record.
Step 4: Verify on New and Existing Bookings
Once your KTN is added to your Rapid Rewards profile, Southwest states that it should automatically apply to any previously booked reservations linked to your account and all new reservations booked while logged in. However, it's always good practice to verify!
Sub-heading 4.1: For New Bookings
When booking a new flight on Southwest.com or the app while logged into your Rapid Rewards account, your KTN should auto-populate into the "Known Traveler Number" field during the passenger details step.
After completing the booking, always check your confirmation email or trip details to see if "TSA PreCheck" or "TSA PRE" is indicated.
Sub-heading 4.2: For Existing Reservations
Log in to your Southwest Airlines account.
Go to "My Trips" or "Manage Reservations."
Select the specific reservation you wish to check.
Look for an option to "Add/Edit Passenger Information" or similar.
You should see your KTN listed there if it was successfully applied from your profile. If not, you may be able to manually enter it here.
If you have trouble, it's advisable to call Southwest Airlines customer service directly and ask them to add your KTN to your existing reservation.
Step 5: Check Your Boarding Pass
The ultimate confirmation that your Global Entry (and thus TSA PreCheck) is active for your flight is on your boarding pass.
Sub-heading 5.1: What to Look For
Physical Boarding Pass: Look for "TSA PRE" or "TSA PreCheck" printed directly on your boarding pass. It's often near your name or flight details.
Mobile Boarding Pass: On the Southwest mobile app, you'll typically see "TSA Pre" along with a green checkmark or an indicator near the QR code.
If you don't see this indicator, even after adding your KTN, do not panic. First, double-check your KTN in your Southwest profile and ensure it matches your Global Entry information exactly. If everything seems correct, contact Southwest Airlines customer service before heading to the airport. While they can sometimes add it at the check-in counter, it's best to resolve it beforehand.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Expedited Journey!
Adding Global Entry to your Southwest Airlines profile is a straightforward process that unlocks significant time-saving benefits for both domestic and international travel. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to breezing through airport security and customs, making your travel experience with Southwest Airlines even more enjoyable. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to Apply for Global Entry?
You apply for Global Entry online through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website, complete an application, pay a fee, and then schedule and attend an in-person interview.
How to Find My Known Traveler Number (KTN) for Global Entry?
Your KTN (also known as your PASSID) is a 9-digit number found on the back of your Global Entry card. You can also find it by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account online.
How to Add My Global Entry KTN to an Existing Southwest Flight?
Log into your Southwest Airlines account, go to "My Trips," select your reservation, and look for an option to "Add/Edit Passenger Information" to manually enter or verify your KTN. If you have difficulty, call Southwest customer service.
How to Ensure TSA PreCheck Shows Up on My Southwest Boarding Pass?
Ensure your KTN is added to your Southwest profile, and that your name, date of birth, and gender in your Southwest profile exactly match the information on your Global Entry record.
How to Renew My Global Entry Membership?
You can renew your Global Entry membership online through your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account up to 364 days before its expiration date. You may or may not be required to have another interview.
How to Get Global Entry for Free?
Some premium travel credit cards offer a statement credit that reimburses the Global Entry application fee. Pay the fee with one of these eligible cards to get it covered.
How to Use Global Entry at the Airport?
Upon international arrival in the U.S., you'll proceed to Global Entry kiosks, scan your passport or permanent resident card, provide fingerprints, and complete a customs declaration. Some airports also allow use of the Global Entry mobile app.
How to Differentiate Between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?
Global Entry includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck (expedited domestic airport security) plus expedited U.S. customs clearance for international arrivals. If you travel internationally, Global Entry is the better choice as it covers both.
How to Handle a Name Change After Getting Global Entry?
If you have a legal name change, you must update your information with CBP by visiting a Global Entry Enrollment Center in person. No appointment is usually necessary for this type of update.
How to Find Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) Locations?
A list of airports offering Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. EoA allows conditionally approved applicants to complete their interview upon re-entry to the U.S. from an international trip without a prior appointment.
