You've got your TSA PreCheck, you're flying American Airlines, and now you want to make sure you actually get those sweet, sweet expedited security benefits. Excellent decision! There's nothing worse than having PreCheck and still ending up in the regular line. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to ensure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is properly linked to your American Airlines reservation, saving you time and hassle at the airport.
How to Show TSA PreCheck on American Airlines: Your Ultimate Guide
Are you ready to breeze through airport security? Fantastic! The key to unlocking your TSA PreCheck benefits with American Airlines lies in ensuring your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is accurately associated with your flight reservation. Let's get started.
Step 1: Confirm You Have a Valid Known Traveler Number (KTN)
Before you do anything else, you need to make sure you actually have a valid KTN. This is the unique identifier that tells the TSA you're a trusted traveler.
Sub-heading: What is a KTN?
A KTN is a 9-digit alphanumeric ID number issued by the TSA once your application for TSA PreCheck (or another Trusted Traveler Program like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI) is approved. It typically starts with the letters "TT" for TSA PreCheck members, or is your 9-digit PASSID for Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI members (often starting with "15," "98," or "99").
Sub-heading: Where to Find Your KTN
TSA PreCheck Application Program: If you applied directly for TSA PreCheck, you can usually find your KTN by logging into the Universal Enroll website or checking your approval email/letter.
Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI: Your KTN is your PASSID. You can find this by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account on the DHS website. It's also printed on the back of your Global Entry ID card.
Important Note: If you've forgotten your KTN, do not despair! You can usually retrieve it online through the respective program's website by providing your personal details.
Step 2: Adding Your KTN to Your American Airlines Profile (Highly Recommended!)
This is the easiest and most efficient way to ensure your KTN is applied to all your future American Airlines bookings. By adding it to your AAdvantage profile, American Airlines will automatically try to link it every time you book a flight while logged in.
Sub-heading: Adding KTN to Your AAdvantage Profile Online
Log in to your AAdvantage account: Go to
aa.comand log in with your AAdvantage number or username and password.Navigate to "Your Account" or "My Profile": Once logged in, look for your name in the top right-hand corner. Hover over it or click on it, and select "Your Account" or "My Profile."
Find the "Secure Traveler" or "Information and Password" section: Within your account settings, look for a section related to "Secure Traveler Information" or "Information and Password."
Enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN): Locate the field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN/PASSID" and carefully enter your KTN. Double-check for any typos!
Save your changes: Make sure to click "Save" or "Update" to ensure your KTN is stored.
Sub-heading: Why This is a Game-Changer
Automatic Application: Once saved, your KTN should automatically populate for future bookings made while you're logged into your AAdvantage account. This saves you the repetitive step of adding it for each new reservation.
Consistency: It helps maintain consistency across all your American Airlines travel.
Step 3: Adding Your KTN During the Booking Process (For New Reservations)
If you're booking a new flight and haven't already saved your KTN to your AAdvantage profile, or if you're not logged in, you can add it directly during the reservation process.
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step During Online Booking
Select your flights and proceed to passenger details: After choosing your desired flights and times, you'll reach the passenger information section.
Locate the "Known Traveler Number" field: Look for a designated field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN/PASSID" when entering your personal details (name, date of birth, etc.).
Enter your KTN: Input your KTN accurately into this field.
Complete your booking: Continue through the booking process, ensuring all information is correct before finalizing.
Sub-heading: What to Watch Out For
Make absolutely sure your name, date of birth, and KTN on the reservation exactly match what is on file with TSA PreCheck. Even a small discrepancy can prevent the PreCheck indicator from appearing on your boarding pass. This includes middle names – ensure consistency!
Step 4: Adding Your KTN to an Existing American Airlines Reservation
Forgot to add your KTN when you booked? No problem at all! American Airlines makes it relatively easy to add it after the fact.
Sub-heading: Through the American Airlines Website
Go to "Manage Trips" on aa.com: On the American Airlines homepage, click on the "Manage trips/Check-in" tab.
Retrieve your reservation: Enter your first name, last name, and the confirmation number (record locator) for your reservation.
Locate passenger information: Once your trip details load, look for a section like "Passenger Information," "Edit Passenger Details," or "Security Information."
Add/Edit KTN: Find the "Known Traveler Number" field and enter or update your KTN.
Save changes: Don't forget to save!
Sub-heading: Using the American Airlines Mobile App
Open the American Airlines app and log in: Access your existing trips.
Select your trip: Tap on the specific flight reservation you want to modify.
Find passenger details: Look for an option to "Edit Passenger Details" or "Security Information" within your trip summary.
Input your KTN: Enter your KTN in the appropriate field.
Confirm and update: Save the changes.
Sub-heading: Contacting American Airlines Customer Service
If you're having trouble online or via the app, or if you booked through a third-party site (like Expedia or Priceline) that doesn't allow KTN modifications directly, you can always call American Airlines customer service. Provide them with your record locator and your KTN, and they can add it for you. It's generally recommended to do this at least 72 hours before your flight.
Step 5: Verifying TSA PreCheck on Your Boarding Pass
This is the most crucial step to confirm that your efforts have paid off! Your boarding pass is your golden ticket to the TSA PreCheck lane.
Sub-heading: What to Look For
When you check in (online, via the app, or at the airport kiosk), your boarding pass should clearly display a "TSA PreCheck" indicator. This can be:
The words "TSA PreCheck"
The "TSA Pre✓" logo
A green checkmark symbol (especially on mobile boarding passes)
It's typically found near your name or above the barcode.
Sub-heading: What to Do if it's Missing
Don't panic! If you don't see the indicator, it doesn't necessarily mean you won't get PreCheck.
Double-check your KTN: Log back into your AAdvantage profile or your reservation to ensure your KTN is entered correctly and that your name and date of birth match exactly what TSA has on file.
Re-issue your boarding pass: If you've just added or corrected your KTN, you will need to get a new boarding pass for the PreCheck indicator to appear. Try checking in again online or through the app, or visit an American Airlines check-in counter at the airport.
Contact American Airlines: If, after re-checking and re-issuing, it's still missing, contact American Airlines customer service immediately. They can verify your KTN on the reservation.
Contact TSA (if necessary): In rare cases, if American Airlines confirms your KTN is properly linked but it's still not appearing, there might be an issue with your TSA PreCheck enrollment itself. You can contact TSA's customer service (via phone, Twitter @AskTSA, or Facebook Messenger).
Remember: Even with TSA PreCheck, the TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and no one is guaranteed expedited screening every single time. However, ensuring your KTN is linked significantly increases your chances.
Step 6: At the Airport – Head to the PreCheck Lane!
With your boarding pass clearly showing the "TSA PreCheck" indicator, you're all set!
Sub-heading: Using the Dedicated Lane
Look for the TSA PreCheck lane: At the security checkpoint, follow the signs for "TSA PreCheck." These lanes are typically shorter and move faster.
Enjoy the benefits: When it's your turn, you generally won't need to remove:
Your shoes
Belts
Light jackets
Laptops from your bag
3-1-1 liquids from your bag
Present your boarding pass and ID: Have your boarding pass (paper or mobile) and a valid government-issued ID ready for the TSA officer.
Sub-heading: Accompanying Travelers
Children 12 and under traveling with a parent or guardian who has TSA PreCheck can usually use the PreCheck lane without needing their own KTN.
Children 13-17 may join a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck in the PreCheck lane only if the PreCheck indicator appears on the child's boarding pass. If it doesn't, they'll need to go through standard screening.
Adults 18 and older must have their own KTN and the PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass to use the PreCheck lane.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Apply for TSA PreCheck?
You can apply for TSA PreCheck online through one of the approved enrollment providers (Idemia or Telos). The process involves completing an online application, paying a fee (typically around $78-$85 for 5 years), and attending a brief in-person appointment for fingerprinting and document verification.
How to Renew TSA PreCheck?
Most TSA PreCheck renewals can be done online up to six months before your current membership expires. The online renewal fee is often slightly lower than the initial application.
How to Find My Known Traveler Number (KTN)?
If you're a TSA PreCheck member, you can find your KTN on the Universal Enroll website by entering your personal details. If you're a Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI member, your KTN is your PASSID, which you can find by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account or on the back of your program card.
How to Check My TSA PreCheck Application Status?
You can check the status of your TSA PreCheck application by visiting the website of the enrollment provider you used (Idemia or Telos) and entering your personal information.
How to Tell if My Flight is Eligible for TSA PreCheck?
If you've properly added your KTN to your reservation, and your airline participates in TSA PreCheck (American Airlines does!), your boarding pass will display the TSA PreCheck indicator. This is your confirmation.
How to Add KTN to My American Airlines Profile for Future Flights?
Log in to your AAdvantage account on aa.com, go to "Your Account" or "My Profile," find the "Secure Traveler" section, and enter your KTN there. Save your changes, and it should apply to future bookings made while logged in.
How to Add KTN to an Existing American Airlines Reservation?
Go to the "Manage Trips" section on aa.com or in the American Airlines app, retrieve your reservation using your confirmation number, navigate to the passenger or security information section, and enter your KTN. Remember to save any changes and re-issue your boarding pass.
How to Fix a Missing TSA PreCheck Indicator on My Boarding Pass?
First, double-check that your KTN is correctly entered on your reservation and that your name and date of birth exactly match your TSA PreCheck enrollment. If you made any changes, re-issue your boarding pass. If it's still missing, contact American Airlines customer service.
How to Get TSA PreCheck if I Have Global Entry?
If you have Global Entry, you already have TSA PreCheck! Your Global Entry PASSID is your KTN. Simply use this PASSID when booking your American Airlines flights or adding it to your AAdvantage profile.
How to Contact American Airlines Customer Service for KTN Issues?
You can typically find American Airlines customer service contact information on their official website (aa.com) under the "Contact Us" section. Having your record locator and KTN ready will help expedite the process.
