Flying is exciting, but airport security can sometimes feel like a daunting hurdle. If you've got a Known Traveler Number (KTN) from TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you're already halfway to breezing through those lines! But what if you booked your American Airlines flight before you got your KTN, or simply forgot to add it? Don't worry, it's a common scenario, and thankfully, it's an easy fix.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through, step-by-step, how to add your KTN to an American Airlines booking after the fact, ensuring you enjoy all the benefits of expedited security. Let's get you on that faster path to your gate!
Understanding Your Known Traveler Number (KTN)
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly clarify what a KTN is and why it's so valuable.
A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a unique 9- or 10-digit alphanumeric ID assigned to individuals who have been approved for a Trusted Traveler Program, such as:
TSA PreCheck: This program allows eligible travelers to experience expedited security screening at over 290 U.S. airports. You typically don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets.
Global Entry: This program offers expedited customs clearance for international arrivals into the U.S. and includes TSA PreCheck benefits. Your Global Entry "PASS ID" serves as your KTN.
NEXUS and SENTRI: These programs also offer expedited entry into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, respectively, and include TSA PreCheck benefits. Like Global Entry, your PASS ID is your KTN.
When you add your KTN to your flight reservation, it signals to the airline and the TSA that you're an approved trusted traveler, enabling the "TSA PreCheck" indicator to appear on your boarding pass. This is your golden ticket to the dedicated PreCheck lanes.
Step 1: Identify Your KTN and Confirm its Validity
Before you do anything else, you need to have your KTN readily available and ensure it's still active.
Sub-heading: Where to Find Your KTN
*TSA PreCheck Enrollment: If you enrolled directly through TSA PreCheck, your KTN is typically 9 or 10 digits long and often begins with "TT." You would have received it via email or can look it up on the Universal Enroll website (universalenroll.dhs.gov).
*Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI: If you're a member of one of these programs, your KTN is your 9-digit "PASS ID." This number is usually found on the back of your Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI card, usually in the upper-left corner. You can also find it by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account online (ttp.dhs.gov).
Sub-heading: Verify Your KTN's Status
It's crucial that your KTN is active and that the name and date of birth on your airline reservation exactly match the information associated with your KTN. Even a minor discrepancy can prevent TSA PreCheck from appearing on your boarding pass.
You can check the status of your KTN on the TSA's website or through your TTP account.
If you've recently changed your name (e.g., due to marriage) or any other personal information, you'll need to update it with the TSA before it will work with your airline reservations. You can usually do this by contacting TSA PreCheck support.
Step 2: Adding Your KTN to an Existing American Airlines Reservation (Online)
This is the most common and often the easiest method.
Sub-heading: Option A: Via American Airlines Website
Go to the American Airlines Website: Open your web browser and navigate to aa.com.
Access "Manage Trips/Check-in": On the homepage, look for a tab or section typically labeled "Manage trips/Check-in," "My Trips," or similar. Click on it.
Find Your Reservation: You'll be prompted to enter your reservation details. You'll typically need your:
First Name
Last Name
Six-character Confirmation Code (Record Locator)
Enter these details precisely as they appear on your booking confirmation.
Locate Passenger Information: Once your trip details load, look for a section related to "Passenger Information," "Edit Passenger Details," or "Secure Traveler Information."
Enter Your KTN: Within this section, you should find a dedicated field for "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN." Carefully type in your KTN. Double-check for accuracy!
Save Your Changes: After entering your KTN, be sure to click "Save," "Update," or "Confirm" to apply the changes to your reservation.
Sub-heading: Option B: Via American Airlines Mobile App
Open the American Airlines App: Launch the American Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet.
Access "My Trips": Tap on the "My Trips" or "Trips" section, usually found at the bottom of the screen.
Select Your Trip: Choose the specific flight reservation you wish to update.
Find Passenger Details: Look for an option to "Edit Passenger Information" or "Security Information" within your trip details.
Input Your KTN: Locate the "Known Traveler Number" field and carefully enter your KTN.
Confirm and Save: Tap "Save" or "Update" to finalize the changes.
Step 3: Adding Your KTN to Your AAdvantage Profile (Recommended for Future Travel)
This step is highly recommended as it saves you the hassle of manually adding your KTN to every future American Airlines booking. Once added to your AAdvantage profile, your KTN will automatically populate for any new reservations made while you are logged into your account.
Log In to Your AAdvantage Account: Go to aa.com and log in to your AAdvantage frequent flyer account.
Navigate to Your Profile: Once logged in, click on your name or "My Account" (usually in the top right corner) to access your account dashboard.
Find "Information and Password" or "Account Information": Look for a section like "Information and password," "Personal Information," or "Edit Account."
Locate "Secure Traveler" Section: Within your profile, find the "Secure Traveler" section. This is where you manage your passport information, redress number (if applicable), and your KTN.
Add Your KTN: Enter your Known Traveler Number in the designated field.
Save Changes: Don't forget to save! Click "Save Changes" or "Update Profile" to ensure your KTN is permanently stored.
Important Note: Even if you add your KTN to your AAdvantage profile, it's still a good practice to verify that it appears on your boarding pass for each flight. Sometimes, system mismatches can occur.
Step 4: Alternative Methods for Adding Your KTN (If Online Fails)
While the online methods are usually the quickest, sometimes you might encounter issues or prefer to speak with someone.
Sub-heading: Calling American Airlines Customer Service
If you're having trouble adding your KTN online or through the app, don't hesitate to call American Airlines customer service.
Have Your Details Ready: Before calling, have your flight confirmation code, full name, date of birth, and KTN ready.
Dial the Number: You can find American Airlines' customer service number on their official website (
aa.com/contact-us Explain Your Request: Clearly state that you need to add your Known Traveler Number to an existing reservation.
Verify Information: The agent will ask for your booking details and your KTN. Confirm everything carefully.
Request Confirmation: Ask the agent to confirm that the KTN has been successfully added and that it should reflect on your boarding pass.
Sub-heading: At the Airport Check-in Desk
As a last resort, or if you're close to your departure time and haven't been able to add your KTN, you can try at the airport.
Approach the American Airlines Check-in Counter: Head to the American Airlines check-in desk before going through security.
Inform the Agent: Explain to the agent that you need to add your KTN to your reservation.
Provide Details: Give them your KTN, flight details, and identification.
Request a New Boarding Pass: Ask them to re-issue your boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator. Be aware that this method might take longer, especially during peak travel times.
Step 5: Verifying Your Boarding Pass for TSA PreCheck Indicator
This is the final and most important step to ensure you can use the TSA PreCheck lane.
Sub-heading: Check Your Digital Boarding Pass
If you're using the American Airlines app, check your mobile boarding pass. You should see "TSA PreCheck," "TSAPRECHK," or the TSA PreCheck logo (a checkmark inside a circle) near your name or at the top right corner.
Sub-heading: Check Your Printed Boarding Pass
If you print your boarding pass at home or at an airport kiosk, look for the same "TSA PreCheck" designation near your name.
If the TSA PreCheck indicator is not on your boarding pass, even after adding your KTN:
Don't panic. First, re-verify that your name, date of birth, and KTN on your reservation exactly match the information on file with the TSA.
If everything matches, it's possible there's a system delay or a minor issue. You may need to speak with an American Airlines agent at the check-in counter before going to security. They might be able to re-issue your boarding pass.
In rare cases, if you still don't see the indicator, you may need to go through the standard security line. TSA PreCheck is not guaranteed on every flight, even with a valid KTN, though it is highly likely if your information is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions related to adding your KTN to American Airlines, with quick answers:
How to add KTN to American Airlines if I booked through a third-party site? You can usually still add it directly on the American Airlines website (
aa.com/manage-trip How to know if my KTN is active? You can check the status of your TSA PreCheck KTN on the Universal Enroll website, or your Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI PASS ID on the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website.
How to add KTN to American Airlines for a child on my reservation? Children 12 and under traveling with an adult who has TSA PreCheck can typically use the PreCheck lane without their own KTN. For children 13-17, their KTN must be added to their specific boarding pass if they have one.
How to find my American Airlines confirmation code? Your confirmation code (also called a record locator) is a 6-character alphanumeric code typically found in your booking confirmation email.
How to get a new boarding pass after adding my KTN? If you've already checked in, you'll need to re-check in online, use an airport kiosk, or ask an agent at the check-in counter to re-issue your boarding pass.
How to ensure my KTN always applies to American Airlines flights? Add your KTN to your AAdvantage frequent flyer profile. This ensures it's automatically included for future bookings made while logged into your account.
How to troubleshoot if my KTN isn't appearing on my boarding pass? First, verify that your name and date of birth on the reservation exactly match those on your KTN. Then, contact American Airlines customer service or speak to an agent at the airport.
How to add a KTN if I have a flight departing soon? Try the online "Manage Trips" option first. If time is critical, call American Airlines customer service immediately, or be prepared to speak with an agent at the airport check-in desk.
How to tell the difference between a KTN and a Redress Number? A KTN is for expedited screening through Trusted Traveler Programs. A Redress Number is for individuals who have been repeatedly misidentified or delayed during security screening. They are separate numbers used for different purposes.
How to renew my KTN for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry? You can renew your TSA PreCheck online through the IDEMIA or Telos websites, or your Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website. It's recommended to renew several months before expiration.
