Seamless Travel Starts Here: Your Guide to Adding Your Known Traveler Number to American Airlines
Tired of those long security lines that seem to stretch for miles? Imagine breezing through airport security, keeping your shoes on, and not having to unpack your liquids or laptop. That's the magic of TSA PreCheck, and it all starts with your Known Traveler Number (KTN). If you've already got your KTN and you're flying American Airlines, you're in luck! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to ensure your KTN is properly linked to your American Airlines reservations, granting you access to those coveted expedited security lanes.
Ready to transform your airport experience? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Locate Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) – Do You Have It Handy?
Before we even touch the American Airlines website, the absolute first thing you need to do is ensure you know your KTN. This unique identifier is what tells the TSA you're a trusted traveler.
Where to find it:
TSA PreCheck Members: Your KTN is typically a 9 or 10-digit alphanumeric code. It often begins with "TT" if you enrolled through IDEMIA, "TE" if through Telos, or "AC" if through CLEAR. You can look up your KTN on the official TSA website if you've forgotten it.
Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI Members: Your KTN is actually your CBP PASS ID. 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 find it by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account online.
U.S. Armed Forces Members: You may be able to use your 10-digit DoD ID number to qualify for TSA PreCheck.
Important Note: Make sure your KTN is active and has not expired! TSA PreCheck memberships are valid for five years.
Once you've got your KTN clearly in hand, we can move on to getting it linked with American Airlines.
Step 2: Adding Your KTN to Your AAdvantage Profile (Recommended for Future Flights)
This is by far 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, you set it and forget it!
Sub-heading 2.1: Logging In to Your AAdvantage Account
Go to the American Airlines website (aa.com).
Look for the "Login" or "Sign In" option, usually located in the top right corner of the homepage.
Enter your AAdvantage number or username and password. Click "Login."
Sub-heading 2.2: Navigating to Your Profile Settings
Once logged in, hover over your name (or "Your Account") in the top right corner. A dropdown menu will appear.
Click on "Your Account" or "Profile".
On your account page, look for a section like "Information and Password" or "Secure Traveler" or "Edit account." The exact wording might vary slightly, but it will be related to your personal details.
Sub-heading 2.3: Entering Your KTN
Within the "Secure Traveler" or similar section, you should find a field specifically labeled "Known Traveler Number (KTN)" or "TSA PreCheck Number."
Carefully enter your KTN (or CBP PASS ID) into this field. Double-check for any typos!
Ensure your full name, date of birth, and gender in your AAdvantage profile exactly match the information on file with the TSA/DHS for your KTN. Mismatches are a common reason for TSA PreCheck not appearing on a boarding pass.
Click "Save Changes" or "Update Profile" to confirm.
Congratulations! Your KTN is now saved to your AAdvantage profile. For any new bookings made while logged into this account, your KTN should be automatically applied.
Step 3: Adding Your KTN to an Existing American Airlines Reservation
Forgot to add your KTN when you booked, or got your KTN after you already made a reservation? No worries! You can still add it to existing bookings.
Sub-heading 3.1: Finding Your Trip
Go to the American Airlines website (aa.com).
On the homepage, look for a section like "Manage Trip," "My Reservations," or "Find your trip."
You'll typically need to enter:
Your last name
Your six-character confirmation code (PNR) for the specific reservation.
Click "Find Trip" or "Manage Trip."
Sub-heading 3.2: Accessing Passenger Information
Once your reservation details appear, look for options to "Add/Edit Passenger Information," "Edit," or "Security Information" within the passenger details section.
Click on this option to expand the fields where you can modify traveler information.
Sub-heading 3.3: Entering Your KTN for the Specific Trip
Locate the field for "Known Traveler Number (KTN)" or "TSA PreCheck Number."
Enter your KTN (or CBP PASS ID) precisely.
Again, verify that your name, date of birth, and gender on the reservation perfectly match the information associated with your KTN.
Click "Save" or "Update."
Pro Tip: After adding your KTN to an existing reservation, it's a good idea to check your updated itinerary or boarding pass (if you've already checked in) to confirm that the TSA PreCheck indicator (often "TSA PRE" or a checkmark) appears. If you already checked in before adding the KTN, you might need to re-check in to generate a new boarding pass with the PreCheck indicator.
Step 4: Adding Your KTN During the Booking Process (For New Flights)
This is the ideal time to add your KTN to ensure a smooth experience from the start.
Sub-heading 4.1: Filling Out Passenger Details
As you proceed through the American Airlines booking process on aa.com or the American Airlines app, you'll reach the stage where you input passenger information (name, date of birth, etc.).
Look for a dedicated field labeled "Known Traveler Number (KTN)" or "TSA PreCheck."
Enter your KTN (or CBP PASS ID) accurately.
Quick Check: If you're logged into your AAdvantage account (where your KTN is already saved), American Airlines should automatically populate this field for you. Always verify it's there and correct before proceeding.
Step 5: Verifying Your TSA PreCheck on Your Boarding Pass
This is the most crucial step to confirm your KTN has been successfully applied.
After adding your KTN and checking in for your flight, whether online or via the American Airlines app, access your boarding pass.
Look for the "TSA PreCheck" indicator. This can be:
"TSA PRE"
A TSA PreCheck logo (often a green checkmark or a symbol)
Sometimes just implied by the absence of the typical security instructions.
If you do NOT see the TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass, do not panic! Here's what to do:
Double-check your KTN: Ensure you entered it correctly and that it hasn't expired.
Verify personal information: Make sure your name, date of birth, and gender on your reservation exactly match what's on file with your KTN program. Even a slight discrepancy can cause an issue.
Re-check in: If you added your KTN after initially checking in, try checking in again to generate a new boarding pass.
Contact American Airlines Customer Service: If all else fails, call American Airlines customer service. They can verify your KTN in your reservation.
Contact TSA: If American Airlines confirms the KTN is in your reservation but it's still not appearing, you might need to contact the TSA directly (1-866-289-9673 or via their online contact form).
Step 6: Consider TSA PreCheck Touchless ID (Optional, for an Even Smoother Experience)
American Airlines offers a feature called TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which allows for an even more expedited security experience at select airports.
Requirements:
Active TSA PreCheck.
Valid passport information uploaded to your AAdvantage profile.
Opt-in to the program.
How to Opt In:
Log in to your AAdvantage account.
Ensure your passport and KTN are saved to your profile.
Look for the "TSA PreCheck Touchless ID" option in your profile, during app check-in, or in the Ready to Fly hub.
If eligible and opted in, look for the Touchless ID symbol on your boarding pass and proceed to the designated security lane.
By following these steps, you'll significantly increase your chances of enjoying the benefits of TSA PreCheck every time you fly with American Airlines. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions (Starting with 'How to') and Quick Answers:
How to find my Known Traveler Number (KTN) if I forgot it?
You can usually retrieve your KTN by visiting the official website of the program you enrolled in (e.g., TSA PreCheck KTN lookup tool, or by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account for Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI).
How to ensure my name on my American Airlines reservation matches my KTN?
Ensure your first name, middle name (if applicable), last name, and date of birth on your American Airlines reservation exactly match the information you provided when you applied for your Known Traveler Program. Even minor discrepancies can prevent TSA PreCheck from appearing.
How to add my KTN to an American Airlines reservation after I've already checked in?
You can typically add your KTN to an existing reservation even after checking in. After adding it through "Manage Trip," you may need to re-check in online or via the app to generate a new boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator.
How to know if my TSA PreCheck is active and hasn't expired?
You can check the status and expiration date of your TSA PreCheck membership on the official TSA PreCheck website's KTN lookup tool or by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs account.
How to get TSA PreCheck for my children when flying with me on American Airlines?
Children aged 12 and under traveling with an enrolled parent or guardian who has the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass can generally use the TSA PreCheck lane. For children 13-17, they must have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their own boarding pass, meaning they also need to be enrolled.
How to resolve an issue if my TSA PreCheck isn't showing up on my boarding pass?
First, verify your KTN and personal information match exactly. Try re-checking in. If it still doesn't appear, contact American Airlines customer service. If they confirm the KTN is in your reservation, contact the TSA Contact Center for assistance.
How to add a KTN to a reservation booked by a travel agent?
You can still add your KTN to such a reservation by using the "Manage Trip" function on the American Airlines website with your confirmation code and last name, or by contacting American Airlines customer service directly.
How to add my Global Entry PASS ID as my KTN on American Airlines?
Your Global Entry PASS ID is your Known Traveler Number. Simply enter this 9-digit number into the KTN field when managing your profile or a reservation.
How to use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID with American Airlines?
Opt-in via your AAdvantage account, ensuring your passport and KTN are saved. Check-in via the American Airlines app, and if eligible, you'll see the Touchless ID symbol on your boarding pass, allowing you to use designated lanes.
How to contact American Airlines customer service for KTN issues?
You can typically find American Airlines customer service contact numbers on their official website under the "Contact Us" or "Customer Service" sections. Be prepared with your reservation details and KTN.
