How to Add TSA Precheck to Your Airline Ticket (2024)

If you’ve recently acquired TSA PreCheck membership through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), congratulations! Now it’s time to make the most of this program’s benefits. However, airlines are not automatically informed of your PreCheck status, so it’s essential to ensure your TSA PreCheck information gets added to your future flight bookings.

By doing so, you can enjoy the convenience of dedicated security lanes at many airports. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to add TSA PreCheck to your airline ticket for major carriers. First let’s take a look at what TSA PreCheck means and how you can apply.

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a membership-based trusted traveler program that offers airline passengers expedited security screening benefits at airport security checkpoints. Some airports have dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes for additional convenience. With PreCheck, you skip the hassle of removing your shoes, belt, and light jackets and can keep electronics and liquids in your carry-on bag during security screening at participating airports.

“TSA PreCheck is ideal for frequent travelers, business travelers, digital nomads, or anyone looking to streamline their airport experience. It’s available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents,” says Giovanni Hashimoto, travel expert and owner at Travelspill.com.

But you don’t have to be a frequent traveler to enjoy the advantages of TSA PreCheck, says Kendyl Grender, a travel coach and owner at Kendyl Travels.

How to sign up for TSA PreCheck

To become a TSA PreCheck member, you’ll need to pay an $85 application fee, undergo a background check, and attend an in-person interview. The membership is valid for five years, which averages to just $17 per year. After the initial application, you’ll need to renew your TSA PreCheck membership every five years, which costs $70 if completed online. To enroll, start by going to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.

1. Fill out the online form from your computer or smart phone.
2. Schedule an appointment at a TSA enrollment center.
3. At your appointment, TSA will verify your information, scan and validate your documents, take your fingerprints and photograph, and collect payment.
4. Your application will be submitted to TSA, and most applicants will receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days. Sometimes applications could take up to 60 days.

If you are an international traveler, Grender suggests signing up for the Global Entry program as well, which also includes TSA PreCheck.

“If you’re going for TSA PreCheck, I’d recommend adding Global Entry to your application if you travel internationally. While many travelers stand in line for 1-1.5 hours at customs and immigration upon arrival to the US you can instead do it in a matter of minutes for just ($15) more.”

Which credit cards cover TSA PreCheck?

It’s worth noting that many travel credit cards provide reimbursem*nt for the TSA application fee, says Grender.

“Most travelers don’t realize they qualify for a TSA PreCheck credit with their travel credit cards, which pays for their membership. For many travelers the program can be seen as essentially free as a benefit of their annual fee. So why not apply?”

We’ve compiled a list of a few business and travel credit cards that may cover some or all the cost of TSA PreCheck. However, be sure to check with your credit card issuer first to confirm this benefit is available for you.

• Bank of America Premium Rewards
• Capital One Venture cards
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Select American Express cards
• Some Citi cards
• Delta SkyMiles
• Diners Club
• Select Mastercard credit cards
• Southwest Rapid Rewards
• Some United credit cards

How to add TSA PreCheck to your airline ticket

While TSA PreCheck benefits are numerous, each airline has its own procedure for adding TSA PreCheck to your flight reservation, boarding pass, or frequent flyer profile. Adding PreCheck to a ticket does not guarantee that your PreCheck number gets applied to your next reservation.

How to add PreCheck to Southwest

Follow these instructions to add your KTN to a new or existing Southwest reservation or to include it in your member profile.

For new Southwest bookings

When booking a new Southwest flight, follow these steps to add your PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN):

1. Select your flight dates and times
2. Enter your name in the “Who’s Flying?” section
3. Below that, find the “Secure Traveler Information” dropdown menu
4. Click the button and enter your PreCheck number in the “Known Traveler Number” field

This ensures your PreCheck number is included along with your information to TSA’s Secure Flight system for processing.

For existing Southwest reservations

Adding TSA PreCheck to an existing Southwest reservation is straightforward. Log in to your Southwest account, where you can edit each flight to add your PreCheck number before check-in. Alternatively, you can call customer service to assist you.

Another option is to add your PreCheck Known Traveler Number to your Southwest Rapid Rewards member profile. This allows your information to be automatically sent to TSA when booking reservations while logged in.

How to add TSA PreCheck to American Airlines

Add your PreCheck Known Traveler Number to your AA member profile or add it to new or existing reservations.

Update your AAdvantage profile

The simplest way to add PreCheck to your American Airlines ticket is by updating your AAdvantage profile.

1. Log in to your account
2. Click on “Information and Password”
3. Add your PreCheck number in the Known Traveler Number field within the “Secure Traveler” section

For new AA bookings

When booking a new American Airlines flight, follow these steps:

1. Choose your flight date and time
2. Enter your passenger details
3. If you’re not logged in to your AAdvantage account, enter your PreCheck number in the “Known Traveler Number” field

For existing AA reservations

You can also add PreCheck to an existing American Airlines reservation. Go to “Manage Trip” for each reservation, then click “Add/Edit Passenger Information” to include your PreCheck number. The online self-service option is generally quicker, but you can call customer service for assistance.

How to add PreCheck to Delta flights

You can add your PreCheck number to your SkyMiles account or update new or existing flight information.

Updating Your Delta SkyMiles Account

To add TSA PreCheck to Delta, follow these steps after you’ve received your Known Traveler Number:

1. Log in to your Delta SkyMiles account
2. Navigate to the “Personal Details” section
3. Locate the TSA PreCheck/Known Traveler ID field
4. Enter your PreCheck number

For New Delta Bookings

To add your PreCheck KTN to a new Delta reservation, first log in to your Delta SkyMiles account. This will automatically populate most of your personal information, including your PreCheck number, during the booking process. If you’re not logged in, you can enter your Known Traveler Number when entering your passenger information.

For Existing Delta Reservations

You can also add TSA PreCheck to an existing Delta reservation. Find your reservation on Delta’s website, then edit your passenger details to update your information.

How to add TSA PreCheck to United Airlines

Update your United Airlines member profile with your KTN or add it to new or existing boarding passes.

For new United bookings

When booking a new United reservation, follow these steps:

1. Your PreCheck number will automatically populate when you’re logged in to your United MileagePlus account
2. Alternatively, add your PreCheck number during the booking process by entering it in the “Known Traveler Number/PASS ID” field

How to add PreCheck to United after booking

To update your existing reservation with your PreCheck number on United Airlines:

1. Go to “Edit Traveler Information” in the “Manage Reservations” section on the website, at an airport kiosk, or in the United app
2. Add your PreCheck Known Traveler Number

What to remember when adding PreCheck

While TSA PreCheck offers convenient benefits, it’s important to note that your benefits aren’t automatically applied to your flight reservations. You must update your existing flights and your airline loyalty program profiles to use dedicated airport security lanes for PreCheck members.

Don’t forget to reprint your boarding passes if they don’t display the “TSA PreCheck” indicator. If your boarding pass lacks this stamp, you won’t be eligible for TSA PreCheck security lanes.

For future reservations, always log in to your airline account before booking flights. This ensures your PreCheck number is automatically added to your reservations or allows you to enter it yourself.

With these steps, you can navigate the process of adding PreCheck to your airline ticket and enjoy the convenience of expedited airport security screening.

FAQ

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a membership-based program that allows travelers to use expedited screening at airport security checkpoints. Eligible passengers get to take advantage of a dedicated TSA precheck lane at participating airports.

Who is eligible for TSA’s PreCheck?

Travelers who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents are eligible for the TSA PreCheck program. However, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), “Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.”

How much does TSA PreCheck cost?

The initial application fee for TSA PreCheck is $85 and lasts for five years. If you have certain travel or business credit cards, you may qualify to have some or all of your application fee covered.

How does TSA PreCheck compare to Clear, Clear Sports, and Global Entry?

View Article Sources

1. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) — TSA PreCheck
2. American Airlines — TSA PreCheck
3. Southwest Airlines — TSA PreCheck
4. Delta Air Lines —TSA PreCheck
5. United Airlines — TSA PreCheck

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