Do you want to glide through airport security like a seasoned traveler, leaving long lines and the hassle of unpacking your belongings behind? If you've invested in TSA PreCheck, you're just a few steps away from enjoying those benefits on your American Airlines flights. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to add your TSA Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your American Airlines reservation, whether you're booking a new flight or have an existing one.
Let's get started and make your next airport experience a breeze!
How Do I Add My TSA Number to My American Airlines Flight?
Adding your TSA KTN to your American Airlines flight is a crucial step to ensure you receive the expedited security screening benefits you've earned. There are a few ways to do this, catering to different scenarios. We'll cover each method in detail.
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| How Do I Add My Tsa Number To My American Airlines Flight |
Step 1: Locate Your Known Traveler Number (KTN)
Before you can add your KTN to your American Airlines flight, you need to know what it is! Your KTN is a unique 9- or 10-digit alphanumeric code assigned to you when you're approved for TSA PreCheck or a related Trusted Traveler Program like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI.
How to Find Your KTN:
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TSA PreCheck Application Program: If you enrolled directly through the TSA PreCheck Application Program, your KTN typically starts with "TT" followed by numbers and letters. You can retrieve it by visiting the
TSA PreCheck KTN Lookup -
Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI: For these programs, your KTN is actually your PASSID. This is a 9-digit number usually found on the back of your Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI card in the upper-left corner. You can also log in to your
Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account
Remember: The KTN you enter on your American Airlines reservation must exactly match the one on file with the TSA or DHS. Even a small discrepancy can prevent you from receiving TSA PreCheck benefits.
Step 2: Adding Your KTN During New Flight Booking
This is the easiest and most straightforward way to ensure your TSA PreCheck benefits are applied. When you're booking a new flight on American Airlines' website or app, you'll have the opportunity to enter your KTN as part of your passenger details.
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
Sub-step 2.1: Online Booking on AA.com
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Select Your Flights: Go through the normal process of searching for and selecting your desired American Airlines flights on aa.com.
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Proceed to Passenger Information: Once you've chosen your flights and are ready to input passenger details, look for a section related to "Traveler Information" or "Passenger Details."
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Locate the KTN Field: Within this section, you should find a specific field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "TSA PreCheck / Known Traveler Number."
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Enter Your KTN: Carefully type your KTN (or PASSID) into this designated field. Double-check for accuracy!
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Complete Booking: Continue with the rest of the booking process, including payment. Your KTN will be associated with this reservation.
Sub-step 2.2: Booking via the American Airlines App
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Open the App and Start a New Booking: Launch the American Airlines app on your mobile device and begin the process of booking a new flight.
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Input Passenger Information: As you progress through the booking steps, you'll reach the screen where you enter passenger details (name, date of birth, etc.).
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Find the KTN Option: Look for an option to add "Known Traveler Number" or "TSA PreCheck." This might be under a "Security Information" or "Traveler Details" section.
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Input Your KTN: Enter your KTN accurately.
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Finalize Reservation: Complete your booking.
Step 3: Adding Your KTN to an Existing American Airlines Reservation
Forgot to add it when you booked? No problem! American Airlines allows you to add your KTN to an existing reservation.
Sub-step 3.1: Through the American Airlines Website ("Manage Trips")
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Go to AA.com and "Manage Trips": Visit the American Airlines website (aa.com). On the homepage, click on the "Manage trips/Check-in" tab.
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Retrieve Your Reservation: Enter your first name, last name, and the six-character confirmation number (record locator) for your flight. Click "Find trip."
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Access Passenger Information: Once your trip details are displayed, look for a section like "Add/Edit Passenger Information" or "Edit Traveler Details." This is often found within the "Passenger Summary" or "Security Information" area.
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Enter or Update KTN: You'll see a field for "Known Traveler Number." Enter your KTN there or update an existing incorrect number.
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Save Changes: Crucially, make sure to save your changes to apply the KTN to your reservation.
Sub-step 3.2: Via Your AAdvantage Account (Recommended for Frequent Flyers)
This is perhaps the most convenient method if you're an AAdvantage member, as it saves your KTN to your profile, automatically applying it to future bookings you make while logged in.
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Log in to Your AAdvantage Account: Go to aa.com and log in to your AAdvantage account.
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Access Your Profile: Click on your name in the top right-hand corner (or a similar profile icon) and select "Account" or "Your Profile."
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Edit Account Information: Look for an option like "Edit account," "Information and password," or "Secure traveler."
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Add KTN to "Secure Traveler" Section: Find the "Known Traveler Number" field within the "Secure Traveler" or "Personal Information" section.
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Enter and Save KTN: Enter your KTN and save your profile changes.
Once saved, your KTN should automatically populate for any new American Airlines bookings made while you are logged into your AAdvantage account. You can still manually verify it or add it to existing reservations if needed.
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
Sub-step 3.3: Contacting American Airlines Customer Service
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If you encounter any difficulties with the online methods, or if your flight was booked through a third-party site (like Expedia or Priceline) that doesn't allow direct KTN modification, you can always call American Airlines Customer Service.
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Gather Your Information: Have your flight confirmation number, full name, date of birth, and your KTN ready.
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Call American Airlines: Dial American Airlines' customer service number. You can find this on their website under "Contact Us."
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Explain Your Request: Inform the agent that you need to add your Known Traveler Number to an existing reservation.
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Verify Information: The agent will ask for your details and KTN. Confirm everything carefully.
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Request Confirmation: Ask the agent to confirm that the KTN has been successfully added to your reservation and that the TSA PreCheck indicator should appear on your boarding pass.
Step 4: Verify TSA PreCheck on Your Boarding Pass
After adding your KTN, the final and most important step is to verify that it has been successfully applied to your boarding pass.
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Check Your Boarding Pass: When you check in for your American Airlines flight (online, via the app, or at the airport kiosk/counter), look for the "TSA PreCheck" logo or the letters "TSA PRE" directly on your boarding pass.
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If Not Present: If the indicator is not on your boarding pass:
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Double-check your KTN: Ensure the KTN entered on your reservation exactly matches your official KTN.
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Name and Date of Birth Match: Confirm that your full name and date of birth on your American Airlines reservation precisely match the information you used when enrolling in TSA PreCheck. Even a minor difference can cause issues.
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Consider a New Boarding Pass: If you added your KTN after initially checking in, you may need to re-check-in or get a new boarding pass issued to reflect the change.
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Contact American Airlines or TSA: If all information seems correct and you still don't see the indicator, contact American Airlines customer service or the TSA directly for assistance. Remember, while having a KTN makes you eligible, the TSA still has the final say on who receives expedited screening for any given flight.
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Important Note: TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening every time, even with a valid KTN. However, having your KTN correctly linked significantly increases your chances.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about adding your TSA PreCheck number to American Airlines flights, with quick answers:
How to check if my TSA PreCheck is active?
You can check the status of your TSA PreCheck enrollment by visiting the
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
How to know if my name on the flight reservation matches my TSA PreCheck?
Your name on your flight reservation (first, middle, and last) and your date of birth must exactly match the information you provided when you enrolled in TSA PreCheck or your Trusted Traveler Program. Verify this against your enrollment documents or by using the KTN lookup tool.
How to add TSA PreCheck if I booked through a third-party site (e.g., Expedia)?
If you booked through a third-party site, it's often best to directly contact American Airlines Customer Service with your American Airlines confirmation number (record locator) and your KTN. Some third-party sites may have limited functionality for editing passenger details after booking.
How to ensure my child gets TSA PreCheck when traveling with me?
Children aged 12 and under traveling with a TSA PreCheck-eligible adult on the same reservation generally do not need their own KTN and can use the PreCheck lane. Children aged 13-17 on the same reservation may also be eligible if "TSA PRE" appears on their boarding pass; if not, they may need their own KTN for consistent eligibility.
How to find my American Airlines confirmation number?
Your American Airlines confirmation number (also called a record locator) is a six-character alphanumeric code typically found in your booking confirmation email from American Airlines. It's also visible when you view your trip on aa.com or the American Airlines app.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
How to get a new boarding pass after adding my KTN?
If you added your KTN after already checking in, you might need to re-check-in online or via the app, or visit an American Airlines kiosk or check-in counter at the airport to get a new boarding pass issued that displays the "TSA PreCheck" indicator.
How to resolve issues if my TSA PreCheck doesn't appear on my boarding pass?
First, ensure your KTN, full name, and date of birth on your reservation exactly match your TSA PreCheck enrollment. If they do, re-check-in or obtain a new boarding pass. If the issue persists, contact American Airlines customer service or the TSA Contact Center for assistance.
How to save my KTN to my American Airlines AAdvantage profile?
Log in to your AAdvantage account on aa.com, go to your "Account" or "Profile" settings, navigate to "Information and password" or "Secure Traveler," and enter your KTN in the designated field. Save your changes. This will automatically apply your KTN to future bookings made while logged in.
How to know if I have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. It includes TSA PreCheck benefits. TSA PreCheck is an expedited airport security program that allows travelers to move more quickly through security at participating U.S. airports. If you have Global Entry, your PASSID serves as your KTN for TSA PreCheck.
How to contact TSA if I have questions about my KTN or eligibility?
You can contact the TSA directly through their website (tsa.gov/contact) or by calling the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673. For specific TSA PreCheck enrollment issues, you can call 855-DHS-UES1 (855-347-8371).
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