Do you frequently travel internationally and want to make your airport experience smoother and faster? If you've invested in Global Entry, you're already on your way to becoming a savvy traveler! But did you know that to truly unlock the benefits of Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck!), you need to ensure your airline has your Known Traveler Number (KTN) on file?
That's right! Without your KTN linked to your reservation, you won't see that coveted "TSA PreCheck" indicator on your boarding pass, and you'll be stuck in the regular security lines. This lengthy guide will walk you through, step-by-step, how to add your Global Entry number to American Airlines, ensuring you breeze through security and customs every time.
Seamless Journeys: Adding Your Global Entry Number to American Airlines
Adding your Global Entry number, also known as your Known Traveler Number (KTN) or PASSID, to your American Airlines profile or individual bookings is a crucial step to unlocking expedited airport processing. It's a simple process that can save you significant time and stress, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed travel experience.
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| How To Add My Global Entry Number To American Airlines |
Step 1: Find Your Global Entry Number (PASSID)
Before you can add your Global Entry number to American Airlines, you need to know what it is! Your Global Entry number is a unique 9-digit number that is also your Known Traveler Number (KTN). It typically starts with 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 50, 70, 80, 95, 98, or 99.
Engage User: Do you have your Global Entry card handy? Or perhaps your approval letter from the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website? If not, no worries! Let's find it together.
Sub-heading: Where to Locate Your PASSID:
On Your Global Entry Card: Look for the PASSID on the back of your physical Global Entry card, usually in the upper-left corner.
Through Your TTP Account:
Go to the official Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website (ttps.dhs.gov).
Log in to your account.
Your PASSID (Known Traveler Number) will be displayed on your dashboard or profile page.
On Your Global Entry Approval Letter: When you were initially approved for Global Entry, you received an approval letter. Your PASSID is prominently displayed on this document.
Important Note: Your Global Entry membership also includes TSA PreCheck. Therefore, your Global Entry PASSID is the number you'll use as your KTN for TSA PreCheck benefits.
Step 2: Adding Your Global Entry to Your American Airlines AAdvantage Profile (Recommended!)
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This is the most efficient way to ensure your KTN is always applied to your bookings. By adding it to your AAdvantage profile, it will automatically populate for any future reservations you make while logged into your account.
Sub-heading: Via the American Airlines Website:
Log In: Go to the official American Airlines website (aa.com) and log in to your AAdvantage account.
Navigate to Your Account: Once logged in, look for a section like "Your account," "Profile," or "Information and Password." The exact wording might vary slightly, but it's generally found in the main navigation or a dropdown menu under your name.
Find "Secure Traveler" or "Known Traveler Number": Within your account settings, you'll need to locate the "Secure Traveler" section or a field specifically labeled "Known Traveler Number (KTN)" or "PASSID."
Enter Your KTN: Carefully enter your 9-digit Global Entry PASSID into the designated KTN field.
Crucial Tip: Ensure your name, date of birth, and gender in your AAdvantage profile exactly match the information on your Global Entry application. Even a small discrepancy can prevent the KTN from being recognized.
Save Changes: Don't forget to click "Save," "Update," or "Confirm" to apply the changes to your profile. You should receive a confirmation that your information has been updated.
Sub-heading: Via the American Airlines Mobile App:
While the website often offers the most comprehensive options, you might be able to update your profile through the American Airlines mobile app as well.
Open the App & Log In: Launch the American Airlines app on your smartphone and log into your AAdvantage account.
Access Profile/Settings: Look for your profile icon or a "Settings" menu.
Find KTN Field: Navigate through your profile details to find a section related to "Known Traveler Number" or "Secure Traveler Information."
Input and Save: Enter your Global Entry PASSID and save the changes.
Step 3: Adding Your Global Entry to an Existing American Airlines Reservation
What if you've already booked a flight but forgot to add your KTN? No problem! You can still add it to individual reservations.
Sub-heading: Online Through "Manage Trip":
Go to aa.com: Visit the American Airlines website.
Access "Manage Trip": On the homepage, find the "Manage Trip" or "My Trips" section.
Retrieve Your Reservation: Enter your last name and the 6-character record locator (confirmation code) for your flight.
Edit Passenger Details: Once your reservation details appear, look for an option to "Edit Passenger Details," "Modify Passenger Information," or a similar link.
Locate KTN Field: Find the "Known Traveler Number (KTN)" field within your passenger information.
Enter KTN and Save: Input your Global Entry PASSID and save the updated information.
Sub-heading: By Calling American Airlines Customer Service:
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If you prefer to speak with someone or are having difficulty with the online process, you can always call American Airlines.
Have Your Details Ready: Before calling, have your Global Entry PASSID, your American Airlines record locator, and your AAdvantage number (if applicable) ready.
Call the General Reservations Line: Dial American Airlines' reservations number (usually found on their website under "Contact Us").
Request KTN Addition: Inform the representative that you wish to add your Known Traveler Number (Global Entry PASSID) to your existing reservation. They will guide you through the process.
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Sub-heading: At the Airport Check-in Counter:
As a last resort, you can also add your KTN when you check in for your flight at the airport.
Inform the Agent: When you get to the American Airlines check-in counter, inform the agent that you have a Global Entry number (KTN) and would like to add it to your reservation.
Provide Your PASSID: Provide them with your 9-digit Global Entry PASSID.
Verify Boarding Pass: Always check your boarding pass after they process it to ensure the "TSA PreCheck" indicator is present.
Step 4: Verify Your Boarding Pass for TSA PreCheck
This step is absolutely critical! Adding your KTN doesn't guarantee TSA PreCheck on every flight, though it significantly increases your chances. Sometimes, even with a KTN, TSA may conduct random additional screening.
Look for the Indicator: Before you head to security, always check your boarding pass for the "TSA PreCheck" indicator. This could be a symbol (like a green checkmark or a star) or the words "TSA PRE" printed on it.
Digital Boarding Passes: If you're using a digital boarding pass on your phone, ensure the indicator is visible there as well.
No Indicator? If you don't see the indicator, and you've followed all the steps above, you may need to:
Reconfirm your KTN is correctly entered in your AAdvantage profile and on your reservation.
Check for any name discrepancies between your Global Entry profile and your American Airlines booking.
Speak to an American Airlines agent at the check-in counter to troubleshoot.
Important Considerations & Troubleshooting Tips:
Name Match is Paramount: Your name on your American Airlines reservation (and your AAdvantage profile) must exactly match the name on your Global Entry account. This includes your full first, middle (if applicable), and last name. Even a missing initial or a slight misspelling can cause issues.
Booking Through Third Parties: If you booked your American Airlines flight through a third-party online travel agency (like Expedia, Priceline, etc.), you might need to contact them or American Airlines directly to add your KTN, as some third-party sites have limited options for post-booking modifications.
Children and Global Entry: Each traveler, including children of any age, must have their own Global Entry membership (and thus their own KTN) to receive TSA PreCheck benefits. While children 12 and under may sometimes accompany a TSA PreCheck adult through the lane, it's best for them to have their own KTN if they travel frequently.
Timeliness: While you can often add your KTN up to the time of check-in, it's always best to add it at least 72 hours before your flight to ensure it processes correctly.
Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Remember, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits. You only need your Global Entry PASSID (which functions as your KTN) to receive both. Do not apply for TSA PreCheck separately if you have Global Entry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if my Global Entry number is already on my American Airlines profile?
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Log in to your AAdvantage account on aa.com, go to your "Profile" or "Information and Password" section, and check the "Known Traveler Number (KTN)" or "Secure Traveler" field. Your PASSID should be entered there.
How to add my Global Entry number to a flight booked through a travel agent?
You can usually add it via the "Manage Trip" section on aa.com using your record locator, or by calling American Airlines customer service directly. The travel agent might also be able to do it for you.
How to ensure my children get TSA PreCheck with my Global Entry?
Each child needs their own Global Entry membership and KTN to consistently receive TSA PreCheck. While children 12 and under may pass with an adult who has PreCheck, it's not guaranteed without their own KTN.
How to find my American Airlines record locator?
Your record locator is a 6-character alphanumeric code (e.g., ABC123) found in your booking confirmation email from American Airlines or on your itinerary within your AAdvantage account.
How to know if my Global Entry is active?
You can check the status of your Global Entry membership by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account at ttp.dhs.gov. It will show whether your membership is active.
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How to correct a name mismatch between Global Entry and American Airlines?
You must ensure your name on both accounts exactly matches the name on your passport. If there's an error, you may need to contact American Airlines to correct your booking/profile name, or in some cases, update your Global Entry information via the TTP website (though name changes in Global Entry often require an in-person visit).
How to use Global Entry for international arrivals and TSA PreCheck for domestic flights?
Once your Global Entry PASSID (KTN) is linked to your American Airlines booking, you automatically qualify for TSA PreCheck on domestic legs of your journey and can use the Global Entry kiosks/lanes upon re-entry into the U.S. from international travel.
How to get help if my KTN isn't working on my American Airlines flight?
First, double-check your KTN entry and name match. If still an issue, contact American Airlines customer service or speak to an agent at the airport check-in counter. They can verify the information and try to manually apply it.
How to renew my Global Entry so it continues working with American Airlines?
You can renew your Global Entry membership through your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account online, usually up to one year before its expiration. Once renewed, your KTN remains the same, so no further action is typically needed with American Airlines unless your KTN somehow changes (which is rare).
How to add my KTN if I don't have an AAdvantage account?
If you don't have an AAdvantage account, you'll need to manually enter your KTN into the designated field each time you book a flight on the American Airlines website or app. Alternatively, you can create a free AAdvantage account and add your KTN there for future convenience.
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