It's fantastic that you're looking to streamline your travel experience by adding your Global Entry to your American Airlines booking! This small step can make a huge difference in saving you time and hassle at the airport, especially when navigating security and customs. Let's get you set up for smoother journeys.
The Power of Global Entry: More Than Just Faster Customs
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly recap why Global Entry is so valuable. It's a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. But here's the best part: Global Entry membership automatically includes TSA PreCheck® benefits! This means you get to enjoy faster security screening at U.S. airports, often without needing to remove your shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids from your bags. It's a game-changer for frequent flyers!
Your Global Entry membership comes with a Known Traveler Number (KTN), also sometimes called a PASSID. This is the crucial piece of information you'll need to link your Global Entry benefits to your American Airlines reservations.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Global Entry to American Airlines
Let's walk through the process, whether you're managing an existing booking or planning a future adventure.
Step 1: Find Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) – Let's Get Started!
Alright, traveler, your first mission, should you choose to accept it, is to locate your KTN. This is the key to unlocking those expedited airport benefits.
Sub-heading: Where is my KTN/PASSID?
On Your Global Entry Card: Look on the back of your Global Entry ID card. You'll typically find a 9-digit number in the upper left-hand corner. This is your PASSID, which serves as your KTN. It often starts with "15," "98," or "99."
Through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) Website: If you don't have your card handy or prefer digital access, log in to your account on the official TTP website:
https://ttp.dhs.gov/. Once logged in, your PASSID (KTN) should be displayed on your dashboard or profile page.Pro Tip: Ensure your status shows "Approved" on the TTP website. If it's expired or pending renewal, you won't receive the benefits. Global Entry is valid for five years.
Step 2: Adding Your KTN to Your American Airlines AAdvantage Profile (Recommended!)
This is the most efficient way to ensure your Global Entry benefits are applied to all future American Airlines bookings. By adding it to your profile, you'll rarely have to input it manually again, as long as you're logged into your AAdvantage account when booking.
Sub-heading: Via the American Airlines Website
Log In to Your AAdvantage Account: Go to
AA.comand log in using your AAdvantage number or username and password.Navigate to Your Profile: Once logged in, click on your name, typically in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Look for options like "Account," "Profile," or "Manage Profile."
Find the "Secure Traveler" Section: Within your profile settings, you'll need to locate a section dedicated to "Secure Traveler" information or similar. This is where you enter details like your full name (as it appears on your ID), date of birth, gender, and your KTN.
Enter Your KTN: Find the "Known Traveler Number" field and carefully enter your 9-digit KTN (PASSID).
Accuracy is paramount! The name, date of birth, and KTN you provide to American Airlines must exactly match what the TSA and CBP have on file for your Global Entry. Even a minor discrepancy can prevent your TSA PreCheck® indicator from appearing on your boarding pass.
Save Your Changes: Don't forget to click "Save" or "Update" to apply the changes to your AAdvantage profile.
Sub-heading: Why an AAdvantage Profile Update is Best
Future-Proofing: Any new bookings made while logged into your AAdvantage account will automatically pull your KTN, saving you repeated entry.
Consistency: Reduces the chance of errors, as the data is stored in one central place.
Step 3: Adding Your KTN to an Existing American Airlines Reservation
What if you've already booked a flight but forgot to add your Global Entry? No problem at all! You can still add your KTN to individual reservations.
Sub-heading: Online Through "Manage Trips"
Go to "Manage Trips/Check-in" on AA.com: On the American Airlines homepage, locate the "Manage trips/Check-in" tab.
Retrieve Your Reservation: Enter your first name, last name, and the 6-character confirmation code (record locator) for your flight.
Access Passenger Information: Once your reservation is displayed, look for an option to "Add/Edit Passenger Information" or a similar link within the "Passenger Summary" tab.
Input Your KTN: Find the "Known Traveler Number" field and enter your KTN.
Confirm and Save: Ensure all details are correct and save your changes.
Sub-heading: Via the American Airlines Mobile App
Open the American Airlines App: Log in to your AAdvantage account or retrieve your trip using the confirmation code.
Select Your Trip: Tap on the specific trip you want to update.
Edit Passenger Details: Look for an option to modify passenger details or add/edit secure flight information.
Enter KTN: Locate the KTN field and input your number.
Update Reservation: Save the changes to apply them to your booking.
Sub-heading: By Calling American Airlines Customer Service
If you encounter any issues or prefer speaking to someone directly, don't hesitate to call American Airlines customer service. They can manually add your KTN to your reservation. Have your confirmation code and KTN ready. The general customer service number for American Airlines is +1-800-433-7300.
Step 4: Verifying Your Global Entry Benefits on Your Boarding Pass
This is the ultimate confirmation that your efforts have paid off!
Sub-heading: Look for the TSA PreCheck® Indicator
Online Boarding Pass/Mobile Boarding Pass: When you check in for your flight (online or via the app), your boarding pass should display the TSA PreCheck® indicator. This is usually a "TSA Pre®" logo or text printed directly on the boarding pass, often near your name.
Printed Boarding Pass: If you print your boarding pass at a kiosk or check-in desk, the TSA PreCheck® indicator will also be visible.
If you don't see the indicator, even after adding your KTN, do not panic. Double-check that your name and date of birth on the reservation exactly match what's on file with Global Entry. If everything seems correct and the indicator is still missing, contact American Airlines customer service before heading to the airport. Sometimes it can take a little time for the system to update.
Step 5: Enjoying the Benefits at the Airport
With your Global Entry (and thus TSA PreCheck®) linked, you're ready for a smoother airport experience!
Sub-heading: At Security Checkpoints
Look for TSA PreCheck® Lanes: At the airport security checkpoint, follow the signs for "TSA PreCheck®." These lanes are typically much shorter and faster.
Expedited Screening: You'll generally not need to remove:
Shoes
Belts
Light jackets
Laptops from their bags
3-1-1 liquids from your carry-on
Always follow the instructions of the TSA officers, as procedures can vary.
Sub-heading: At U.S. Customs (International Arrivals)
Global Entry Kiosks: Upon returning to the U.S. from an international trip, head for the Global Entry kiosks.
Facial Recognition Technology: Many kiosks now use facial recognition, but some may still require you to scan your passport and fingerprints.
Expedited Clearance: Answer a few quick questions on the screen, and you'll typically be on your way much faster than through traditional customs lines.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions related to adding Global Entry to American Airlines, with quick answers to help you navigate any further queries:
How to find my Known Traveler Number (KTN)?
You can find your KTN (also known as a PASSID) on the back of your Global Entry ID card, usually in the upper left corner, or by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account at https://ttp.dhs.gov/.
How to add Global Entry when booking a new American Airlines flight?
During the online booking process on AA.com, after entering your personal details, there will be a field for "Known Traveler Number" (KTN) or "Secure Flight Passenger Data" where you can input your 9-digit Global Entry PASSID. If you're logged into your AAdvantage account with your KTN saved, it should auto-populate.
How to verify if my Global Entry is on my American Airlines boarding pass? Look for the "TSA Pre®" indicator or logo on your printed or mobile boarding pass. This confirms that your Global Entry (and thus TSA PreCheck® benefits) have been applied to that specific flight.
How to update my name or date of birth if it doesn't match my Global Entry? If your name or date of birth on your American Airlines reservation doesn't exactly match what's on your Global Entry record, you'll need to contact American Airlines customer service to have them update your reservation or AAdvantage profile. You may also need to update your information with the TSA/CBP if the discrepancy is on their end.
How to ensure my children get TSA PreCheck® benefits with my Global Entry? Children aged 12 and under traveling on the same reservation as an adult with a KTN (like from Global Entry) can typically use the TSA PreCheck® lane without having their own KTN. However, policies can vary, so always confirm with TSA or the airline if unsure.
How to renew my Global Entry membership?
You can renew your Global Entry membership online through your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account at https://ttp.dhs.gov/. It's recommended to apply for renewal at least a year before expiration, as processing can take time.
How to contact American Airlines customer service for KTN issues?
You can call American Airlines customer service at +1-800-433-7300 (for English, within the U.S.). Have your reservation details and KTN ready for faster assistance.
How to use Global Entry for international arrivals? Upon returning to the U.S. from an international trip, proceed to the Global Entry kiosks in the customs area. Follow the on-screen prompts, which may include facial recognition, passport scanning, and quick questions, for expedited customs clearance.
How to know if my Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck®? Yes, all Global Entry memberships automatically include TSA PreCheck® benefits. You do not need to apply for TSA PreCheck® separately if you have Global Entry.
How to resolve issues if my TSA PreCheck® isn't showing on my boarding pass? First, double-check your KTN, full name, and date of birth in your American Airlines reservation and AAdvantage profile for exact matches with your Global Entry record. If everything is correct, contact American Airlines customer service to investigate the issue. Sometimes, an agent may need to manually verify it in the system.
