Flying with TSA PreCheck on Southwest Airlines can truly transform your airport experience, making security a breeze. No more fumbling with shoes, laptops, or liquids! But to enjoy these benefits, you need to ensure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is properly linked to your Southwest reservation. Don't worry, it's a straightforward process, and we'll guide you through it step-by-step.
Your Path to a Smoother Airport Experience Starts Now!
Are you ready to ditch those long security lines and enjoy a more relaxed start to your journey? Let's get your TSA PreCheck linked up with Southwest!
Step 1: Locate Your Known Traveler Number (KTN)
Before you can add your TSA PreCheck to Southwest, you need to have your KTN readily available. Think of it as your special VIP pass for expedited screening.
Sub-heading: Where to find your KTN
Approval Letter/Email: When you were approved for TSA PreCheck (or Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, as your PASS ID serves as your KTN), you received an official letter or email containing your KTN. This is usually the easiest place to find it.
TSA Website: If you can't find your letter, you can always look up your KTN on the official TSA website. Simply search for "TSA KTN lookup" and follow the prompts. You'll need to provide some personal information to verify your identity.
Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) Website: For Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI members, your KTN is your 9-digit PASS ID. You can find this on the back of your program card or by logging into your TTP account online.
Remember, your KTN is a unique alphanumeric code, typically starting with "TT" for TSA PreCheck enrollees, or numbers like "15", "98", or "99" for Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI PASS IDs.
Step 2: Adding Your KTN to Your Southwest Rapid Rewards Profile (Recommended for Future Bookings)
This is the most efficient way to ensure your TSA PreCheck is applied to all your future Southwest flights. By saving it to your Rapid Rewards profile, you typically won't have to add it manually each time.
Sub-heading: Online via Southwest.com
Log In: Go to Southwest.com and click on the "Login" button in the top-right corner. Enter your Rapid Rewards account number or username and password. If you don't have a Rapid Rewards account, it's highly recommended to create one – it's free and offers many benefits beyond just KTN storage.
Navigate to My Account: Once logged in, click on "My Account" in the upper right corner.
Access My Preferences: Scroll down to the "My Preferences" section.
Go to Security: Click on the "Security" link, which usually has a lock symbol next to it.
Enter KTN: Locate the "Known Traveler Number" field. Carefully enter your KTN here. Ensure there are no typos, as even a small discrepancy can prevent your PreCheck from being recognized.
Save Changes: Click the yellow "Save" button to confirm your entry.
Pro Tip: Double-check your name and date of birth in your Southwest profile to ensure they exactly match the information on your TSA PreCheck application. This is a common reason why PreCheck doesn't show up on a boarding pass.
Step 3: Adding Your KTN to an Existing Southwest Reservation
What if you've already booked a flight but forgot to add your KTN, or just received it? No problem! You can still add it to an existing reservation.
Sub-heading: Online via Manage Reservations
Go to Manage Reservations: On Southwest.com, hover over "Flight" and then click on "Manage Reservations" or go directly to the "Add Secure Traveler Information" page.
Retrieve Your Trip: You'll need your confirmation number, first name, and last name used for the reservation. Enter these details to access your booking.
Locate KTN Field: Once you've retrieved your reservation, look for a section related to "Secure Traveler Information" or "Known Traveler Number."
Enter KTN and Save: Input your KTN into the designated field and save the changes.
Important Note: If you've already checked in for your flight, you might not be able to add your KTN online. In such cases, proceed to Step 4.
Sub-heading: Via the Southwest Mobile App
The Southwest mobile app also allows you to manage your reservations and add your KTN.
Open the App and Log In: Launch the Southwest app on your mobile device and log into your Rapid Rewards account.
Access Your Trip: Tap on your upcoming trip.
Edit Passenger Information: Look for an option to edit or modify passenger details. This might be next to your name or within a "Secure Traveler" section.
Add KTN: Enter your KTN and save the changes.
Step 4: What to Do if You're Close to Departure or Issues Arise
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your TSA PreCheck might not appear on your boarding pass. Don't panic! There are still solutions.
Sub-heading: At the Airport Ticket Counter
Before Security: If you're at the airport and notice your boarding pass doesn't have the "TSA Pre" indicator, go directly to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. Explain the situation to an agent, provide your KTN, and they should be able to add it to your reservation and reprint your boarding pass. Be sure to allow extra time for this, especially during peak travel periods.
Self-Service Kiosk: Some self-service kiosks at the airport may also allow you to update your KTN and reprint your boarding pass. Look for an option to edit your reservation or secure traveler information.
Sub-heading: Contact Southwest Customer Service
For Pre-Check-in Issues: If you're still at home and experiencing trouble adding your KTN online, or if you're very close to your flight time (and haven't checked in yet), call Southwest Customer Service at 1-800-435-9792. Have your confirmation number and KTN ready. They can often add it for you over the phone.
After Check-in (Less Common, But Possible): While it's harder to modify after check-in, a customer service agent might be able to "un-check" you in, add the KTN, and then re-check you. This is less common but worth asking if you're in a pinch.
Step 5: Verify Your Boarding Pass
The ultimate confirmation that your TSA PreCheck is successfully linked is the "TSA PRE" indicator on your boarding pass.
Sub-heading: Where to look for the "TSA PRE" indicator
Printed Boarding Pass: Look for "TSA PRE" printed clearly on your paper boarding pass.
Mobile Boarding Pass: On your mobile boarding pass (via the Southwest app or a screenshot), you should see "TSA Pre" along with a green checkmark, often near the QR code.
If you don't see this indicator, even after following the steps above, do NOT proceed to the regular security line hoping it will work. Go back to a Southwest agent immediately.
Key Considerations for a Smooth TSA PreCheck Experience:
Name Match is CRITICAL: Your name on your Southwest reservation and Rapid Rewards profile MUST EXACTLY MATCH the name associated with your TSA PreCheck KTN. This includes middle names, initials, and suffixes. Even a single letter difference or a nickname versus your legal name can cause issues.
Booking Through Third Parties: If you book your Southwest flight through a third-party website (like Expedia, Kayak, etc.), always verify that your KTN has been added to your reservation on the Southwest website or by contacting Southwest directly. Third-party sites don't always transmit this information accurately.
TSA PreCheck is Not Guaranteed: While having a KTN significantly increases your chances, TSA uses unpredictable security measures. In rare instances, even with a valid KTN, you might be directed to a standard security lane for random additional screening. This is uncommon but can happen.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, all starting with "How to," regarding TSA PreCheck and Southwest Airlines:
How to know if my TSA PreCheck is active?
You can check the status of your TSA PreCheck membership and find your KTN by using the KTN lookup tool on the official TSA website or by logging into your Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) account.
How to find my Known Traveler Number (KTN)?
Your KTN is typically found on your TSA PreCheck approval letter or email. For Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI, it's your 9-digit PASS ID on the back of your card or in your TTP online account. If you can't locate it, use the KTN lookup tool on the TSA website.
How to add my KTN to a Southwest flight I already booked?
You can add your KTN to an existing Southwest reservation online via the "Manage Reservations" section on Southwest.com or through the Southwest mobile app. You'll need your confirmation number and the name used for the booking.
How to ensure TSA PreCheck shows on my Southwest boarding pass?
The most important step is to ensure your name on your Southwest reservation exactly matches the name on your TSA PreCheck account. After adding your KTN, verify that "TSA PRE" appears on your digital or printed boarding pass.
How to fix a missing TSA PreCheck indicator on my boarding pass at the airport?
If "TSA PRE" isn't on your boarding pass at the airport, go to the Southwest ticket counter before security. An agent can add your KTN to your reservation and reprint your boarding pass.
How to add TSA PreCheck to my Rapid Rewards profile for future Southwest flights?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, go to "My Account," then "My Preferences," and select "Security." Enter your KTN in the designated field and save. This should automatically apply to future bookings.
How to use TSA PreCheck once it's on my Southwest boarding pass?
Simply proceed to the dedicated TSA PreCheck security lane at the airport. You typically do not need to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, or 3-1-1 compliant liquids from your carry-on bag.
How to renew my TSA PreCheck membership?
You can typically renew your TSA PreCheck membership online through your chosen enrollment provider's website up to six months before it expires. Some renewals may require an in-person visit.
How to add a child to my TSA PreCheck on Southwest?
Children 12 and under traveling on the same reservation as an adult with TSA PreCheck can typically use the PreCheck lane even if "TSA PRE" is not on their boarding pass. Children 13-17 need "TSA PRE" on their boarding pass to use the lane. Ensure both adult and child are on the same reservation and the adult's boarding pass has the indicator.
How to contact Southwest Airlines customer service for KTN issues?
You can contact Southwest Airlines customer service by calling 1-800-435-9792 for assistance with adding your KTN or any related issues. Have your flight details and KTN ready.
