Have you ever dreamt of breezing through airport security, leaving those long lines and the hassle of removing your shoes, liquids, and laptops behind? If you have a Known Traveler Number (KTN) from programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, that dream can become a reality! Adding your KTN to your American Airlines app is a game-changer for a smoother, faster travel experience.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of adding your KTN to the American Airlines app, ensuring you're ready for expedited screening on your next flight.
Adding Your KTN to the American Airlines App: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are a couple of primary ways to ensure your KTN is linked to your American Airlines travels: by updating your AAdvantage profile for future bookings and by adding it to individual existing trips. We'll cover both in detail.
Step 1: Getting Ready – Gather Your Essentials!
Before we dive into the app, let's make sure you have everything you need. This will make the process incredibly smooth.
Your Known Traveler Number (KTN): This is a unique 9 or 10-digit alphanumeric code. If you have TSA PreCheck, it typically starts with "TT," "TE," or "AC." If you have Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, your KTN is your 9-digit CBP PASS ID, usually starting with "10," "13," "14," "15," "16," "50," "70," "80," "95," "98," or "99." Make sure you have this number handy and written down correctly.
Your American Airlines AAdvantage Login Credentials: You'll need your AAdvantage number or username and password to log in to your account.
The American Airlines Mobile App: Ensure you have the latest version of the American Airlines app installed on your smartphone or tablet.
Pro-Tip: Double-check that the name, date of birth, and gender on your American Airlines profile (or reservation) exactly match what's on file with your KTN program. Even a small discrepancy can prevent TSA PreCheck from appearing on your boarding pass.
Step 2: Updating Your AAdvantage Profile (Recommended for Future Bookings!)
This is the most efficient way to ensure your KTN is automatically applied to all your future American Airlines bookings.
Sub-Step 2.1: Log in to the American Airlines App
Open the American Airlines App: Tap on the American Airlines app icon on your device.
Log In: If you're not already logged in, enter your AAdvantage number or username and your password. Tap "Log In."
Sub-Step 2.2: Navigate to Your Profile
Access Your Profile: Once logged in, look for your name or a profile icon (often a person silhouette or your initial) in the top corner (usually top-left or top-right) of the app screen. Tap on it.
Select "Profile" or "Account": From the menu that appears, look for an option like "Profile," "Your Account," or "Account." Tap on it.
Sub-Step 2.3: Find the "Secure Traveler" Section
Locate "Information and Password" or "Edit Profile": Within your account/profile section, you'll need to find where you can edit your personal information. This is often labeled "Information and password," "Edit Profile," or similar. Tap on it.
Find "Secure Traveler" or "Known Traveler Number": Scroll down the page until you find a section dedicated to "Secure Traveler" information or specifically a field for "Known Traveler Number (KTN)" or "PASS ID."
Sub-Step 2.4: Enter Your KTN and Save
Input Your KTN: Carefully enter your Known Traveler Number into the designated field. Double-check for any typos!
Add Redress Number (If Applicable): If you have a Redress Number (issued by DHS for individuals who have experienced repeated misidentification), you should enter that here as well.
Save Changes: After entering your KTN (and Redress Number if applicable), make sure to tap the "Save" or "Update" button to confirm your changes.
Success! Your KTN is now saved to your AAdvantage profile. Any new American Airlines bookings made while you are logged into your AAdvantage account should automatically include your KTN, making your airport experience seamless.
Step 3: Adding Your KTN to an Existing Trip
What if you've already booked your flight and forgot to add your KTN, or perhaps you just received it? No worries! You can easily add it to an existing reservation.
Sub-Step 3.1: Find Your Trip in the American Airlines App
Open the American Airlines App: Launch the app.
Locate Your Trip: On the home screen, your upcoming trips are usually displayed. If not, you can tap on "Trips" or "Find Reservation/Check In" and enter your confirmation code (PNR) and last name to retrieve your booking.
Select the Specific Trip: Tap on the flight reservation you wish to modify.
Sub-Step 3.2: Access Passenger Information
Navigate to Passenger Details: Within your trip details, look for a section related to "Passenger Information," "Edit Traveler Details," or "Security Information." This is often found by tapping an "Edit" button next to passenger names or a general "Manage Trip" option.
Locate KTN Field: Once in the passenger information section, you should find a field labeled "Known Traveler Number (KTN)" or "PASS ID."
Sub-Step 3.3: Enter Your KTN and Save
Input Your KTN: Carefully type in your Known Traveler Number into the provided field. Verify it meticulously to avoid errors.
Add Redress Number (If Applicable): If you have a Redress Number, enter it in its respective field.
Save Changes: Tap the "Save" or "Update" button to apply the KTN to your reservation.
Important Note: After adding your KTN to an existing reservation, it's a good idea to check your boarding pass closer to your travel date (or re-issue it if you've already checked in). The TSA PreCheck indicator (often "TSA PRE" or a checkmark logo) should appear on your boarding pass if successful. If it doesn't, proceed to the troubleshooting steps below.
Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the KTN might not appear on your boarding pass. Don't fret! Here's what to do:
Sub-Step 4.1: Verify Your Information
Exact Match is Key: The most common reason for KTN not appearing is a mismatch. Double-check that your full name (first, middle, last), date of birth, and gender on your American Airlines reservation and AAdvantage profile precisely match the information you provided when applying for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Even a hyphen or an apostrophe in a name can cause an issue.
Correct KTN: Ensure you've entered the KTN correctly. One wrong digit or letter will invalidate it. You can look up your KTN on the TSA website if you've forgotten it.
Sub-Step 4.2: Re-Issue Your Boarding Pass
If you added your KTN after checking in for your flight, you will need to get a new boarding pass. Often, simply going back into the app and selecting "Check-in" again will allow it to re-issue with the updated information.
Sub-Step 4.3: Contact American Airlines Customer Service
If you've verified all the details and re-issued your boarding pass without success, it's time to contact American Airlines directly.
Call their Reservations Line: Explain that you've added your KTN but it's not appearing on your boarding pass. They can manually verify and apply it to your reservation.
Use the App's Chat Feature: Some versions of the American Airlines app offer a chat feature, which can be a convenient way to get assistance.
Sub-Step 4.4: Contact TSA (If Issues Persist)
If American Airlines confirms everything is correct on their end and you're still not seeing the TSA PreCheck indicator, you may need to contact the TSA directly. They can verify the status of your KTN and help troubleshoot.
Related FAQ Questions
How to: Confirm if my KTN is active?
You can confirm your KTN's active status by visiting the official TSA website's KTN lookup tool (universalenroll.dhs.gov/workflows?workflow=service-status).
How to: Find my Known Traveler Number if I forgot it?
If you forgot your KTN, you can retrieve it from the website of the program you enrolled in (e.g., TSA PreCheck's KTN lookup tool or the Trusted Traveler Programs website for Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI).
How to: Add KTN to an American Airlines booking during initial reservation?
When booking a flight on the American Airlines website or app, there's typically a field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "PASS ID" in the passenger information section where you can enter it at the time of booking.
How to: Add KTN to multiple passengers on the same reservation?
Each passenger on a reservation who has a KTN must have their individual KTN entered into their respective passenger information section. A single KTN will not apply to all travelers on a booking.
How to: Know if TSA PreCheck is applied to my boarding pass?
Look for "TSA PRE" or the TSA PreCheck logo directly on your American Airlines boarding pass (digital or printed).
How to: Handle a name mismatch between my KTN and my American Airlines ticket?
If there's a name mismatch, contact American Airlines customer service immediately. They can often make small corrections to align your reservation name with your KTN. Significant changes may require rebooking or further verification.
How to: Get TSA PreCheck if I don't have a KTN?
To get a KTN, you need to apply for a Trusted Traveler Program like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry through the official Department of Homeland Security (DHS) websites.
How to: Use my Global Entry PASS ID as my KTN for American Airlines?
Yes, your 9-digit CBP PASS ID from Global Entry is your KTN for all airlines, including American Airlines. Enter this number in the KTN field.
How to: Deal with TSA PreCheck not appearing at the airport?
If TSA PreCheck isn't on your boarding pass at the airport, first re-check your KTN entry and name match. If still an issue, speak to an American Airlines agent at the check-in counter; they may be able to assist or re-print your boarding pass.
How to: Add a Redress Number to my American Airlines app?
The field for a Redress Number is typically found alongside the KTN field in the "Secure Traveler" section of your AAdvantage profile or within the passenger information details of an individual reservation.
