Yes, you can add your TSA PreCheck number to a flight you have already booked

You do not have to rebook your ticket. Once you have your TSA PreCheck number, you can add it to your existing reservation through the airline's website or by calling their reservations line. The airline will update your booking record, and the TSA will see your PreCheck status when you check in at the airport. This works whether you booked directly with the airline or through a travel site like Expedia or Kayak.

The process takes just a few minutes and costs nothing. You will need your confirmation number and your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN), which is the nine-character code the TSA sends you after you complete your PreCheck appointment and background check.

Key Takeaways

  • Add your TSA PreCheck number through the airline's website by finding your booking and entering your Known Traveler Number in the passenger details section.
  • If you booked through a third-party travel site, you may need to call the airline directly to add your PreCheck number, since not all travel sites let you edit this information.
  • Your TSA PreCheck status will show up at check-in once the airline has recorded your Known Traveler Number, even if you added it after booking.
  • You can add your PreCheck number up until you check in for your flight, though doing it at least a day before departure gives the system time to update.

How to add your PreCheck number through the airline website

Log into your airline account and find your upcoming flight reservation. Look for a link or button that says "Manage Booking," "Edit Reservation," or "Passenger Details." Click into the section for each passenger and find the field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "TSA PreCheck," or "Frequent Flyer/Program Information." Enter your nine-character TSA PreCheck number exactly as it appears on your approval notice.

Save the changes. The airline will send you a confirmation email showing that your reservation has been updated. This usually happens within minutes, but it can take a few hours for the change to sync across all the airline's systems. You do not need to do anything else — the TSA will see your PreCheck status when you arrive at the airport.

What to do if you booked through a travel website

Travel sites like Expedia, Kayak, Orbitz, and Priceline do not always let you edit passenger details after booking. If you cannot find a way to add your PreCheck number through the travel site, call the airline directly. Have your confirmation number ready, and tell the agent you want to add your TSA PreCheck number to your reservation.

The airline can add it to their system in one call, even though you booked through a third party. You may also be able to log into the airline's website separately using your confirmation number and add it there, bypassing the travel site entirely. Either way takes just a few minutes.

When to add your PreCheck number before your flight

You can add your PreCheck number at any point after you book, but the earlier you do it, the better. Adding it at least one day before your flight gives the airline's system time to fully update and ensures the TSA sees your PreCheck status when you check in. If you add it the morning of your flight or at the airport, it may not show up in time, and you could miss the PreCheck line.

If you are checking in online, add your PreCheck number before you check in. If you are checking in at the airport counter or kiosk, add it before you arrive. There is no penalty for adding it late, but you will not get the PreCheck benefit on that flight if the system has not updated yet.

What happens at the airport after you add your number

When you arrive at the airport, the TSA will see your PreCheck status on your boarding pass and in their system. You will be directed to the TSA PreCheck security line, where you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and move through security faster than the standard line.

Your PreCheck status applies to every flight you take during the five-year validity period of your PreCheck membership, as long as your Known Traveler Number is in the airline's system. You do not have to add it to every booking — once it is in your airline profile, it will carry over to future reservations automatically.

If your PreCheck number does not show up at the airport

If you added your PreCheck number but it does not appear on your boarding pass or the TSA does not direct you to the PreCheck line, stay calm. This sometimes happens if the airline's system has not fully synced or if there was a typo when you entered your number. Tell the TSA officer at security that you have an active TSA PreCheck membership and provide your Known Traveler Number.

The officer can manually verify your PreCheck status in the TSA system and let you through the PreCheck line. Bring your PreCheck approval notice or your ID card if you have one. After your flight, contact the airline to confirm your PreCheck number was entered correctly so it shows up automatically on your next booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my PreCheck number after I have already checked in online?

Yes, but it may not show up on your boarding pass if you checked in before adding the number. Add your PreCheck number to your reservation, then check in again or contact the airline to reissue your boarding pass. The TSA can also manually verify your status at security if your boarding pass does not show it.

What if I do not have my TSA PreCheck number yet?

You will receive your Known Traveler Number by email after you complete your PreCheck appointment and the TSA approves your background check. This usually takes one to three weeks. You can add it to your flight reservation as soon as you receive it, even if your flight is tomorrow.

Do I need to add my PreCheck number to every airline I fly?

You need to add it to each airline's system once, and it will stay in your profile for future bookings with that airline. If you fly with multiple airlines, you will need to add your PreCheck number to each one's website or by calling their reservations line.

Will adding my PreCheck number change my ticket price?

No. Adding your PreCheck number to an existing reservation does not change your fare or require you to rebook. It is a free update to your passenger information.