Link Your TSA PreCheck Number to American Airlines

You add TSA PreCheck to your American Airlines account by entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in your profile. American Airlines does not issue TSA PreCheck—that comes from the TSA itself—but the airline needs your KTN on file so the system recognizes you at check-in and security. Without linking it, you will not see PreCheck lanes or benefits even though you have paid for the program.

The process takes about five minutes and you can do it online, on the American Airlines app, or by phone. Your KTN is a nine-character code you receive when you enroll in TSA PreCheck through the official TSA program, not through the airline.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number (KTN) comes from the TSA, not American Airlines, and you must have it before you can add it to your airline account.
  • You can add your KTN to American Airlines online, through the mobile app, or by calling the airline, and the change takes effect when ready.
  • Once linked, your KTN will appear on your boarding pass automatically for every American Airlines flight you book.
  • If your KTN does not show on your boarding pass after you add it, contact American Airlines customer service to verify the number was saved correctly.

Add Your KTN Online Through American Airlines Website

Go to aa.com and sign into your AAdvantage account. Click on "Profile" or "My Account" in the top menu, then select "Traveler Information" or "Known Traveler Number." Paste your nine-character KTN into the field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "TSA PreCheck Number." Some versions of the site call it one or the other. Leave the other traveler program fields blank unless you also have Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI.

Click "Save" or "Update." The system will confirm the number was saved. You do not need to do anything else—your KTN is now attached to your AAdvantage account and will print on your boarding pass for all future American Airlines flights.

Add Your KTN Through the American Airlines App

Open the American Airlines app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Select "Profile" or "Account Settings." Look for "Traveler Information" or "Known Traveler Number." Tap into the field and enter your nine-character KTN. Tap "Save" or "Done."

The app will confirm the update. Your KTN is now saved to your account. The next time you book a flight or check in, your boarding pass will show your PreCheck status. If you have already booked a flight before adding your KTN, you may need to check in again or contact the airline to have it added to that specific reservation.

Add Your KTN by Phone

Call American Airlines customer service at 800-433-7300. Tell the representative you want to add your TSA PreCheck number to your AAdvantage account. Have your KTN ready—it is a nine-character code that looks like a mix of letters and numbers. The representative will ask for your name, AAdvantage number, and KTN, then add it to your profile.

The change takes effect when ready. Ask the representative to confirm the number was entered correctly before you hang up. If you have a flight coming up soon, ask them to add your KTN to that reservation as well, since older bookings may not pull the information automatically.

What Happens After You Add Your KTN

Once your KTN is linked, it will print on every boarding pass you generate for American Airlines flights going forward. At the airport, the TSA agent will see your PreCheck status and direct you to the PreCheck security lane, where you can leave shoes, belts, and light jackets on, keep your laptop and liquids in your bag, and move through security faster.

Your KTN stays on file with American Airlines until you remove it or your TSA PreCheck membership expires. TSA PreCheck is valid for five years from the date you enroll. About 90 days before your membership expires, the TSA will send you a renewal notice. When you renew, you will receive a new KTN, and you will need to update it in your American Airlines account.

Verify Your KTN Is Saved Correctly

After you add your KTN, book a test flight or check in for an upcoming flight to see if your boarding pass shows "TSA PreCheck" or a PreCheck indicator. If it does not appear, your KTN may not have been saved correctly or there may be a mismatch between the number you entered and the one on file with the TSA.

Log back into your American Airlines account and check the Traveler Information section to confirm the KTN is still there and spelled correctly. If it is, contact American Airlines customer service and ask them to verify the number in their system. They can also check whether the TSA database recognizes your KTN as active. Do this before your flight so there is time to fix it.

What to Do If You Do Not Have a TSA PreCheck Number Yet

If you have not enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you cannot add a KTN to American Airlines because you do not have one. You must enroll through the official TSA program first. Go to tsa.gov/precheck or visit an enrollment center in your area. The program costs $78 to $85 depending on the provider, and membership lasts five years.

The enrollment process includes an online process, a background check, and an in-person appointment at an enrollment center where they take your fingerprints and verify your identity. Once you complete all steps and are approved, you will receive your KTN by email or mail. Then you can add it to your American Airlines account using the steps above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my TSA PreCheck number to American Airlines before my membership is approved?

No. You must wait until you receive your official KTN from the TSA, which happens after your background check clears and your membership is activated. Once you have the nine-character code, you can add it to American Airlines when ready.

Will adding my KTN to American Airlines cost me anything?

No. Linking your KTN to your airline account is free. You pay for TSA PreCheck membership through the TSA enrollment process, not through the airline. American Airlines does not charge a fee to add or store your number.

What if I have a flight booked before I add my KTN?

Once you add your KTN to your account, it will appear on new boarding passes you generate. For flights already booked, you may need to check in again online or at the airport to pull the updated information. You can also call American Airlines and ask them to manually add your KTN to that specific reservation.

Do I need to add my KTN every time I book a flight?

No. Once you add your KTN to your AAdvantage account, it stays on file and will automatically appear on every boarding pass you generate for American Airlines flights. You only add it once.

What if my TSA PreCheck membership expires?

When your membership expires, your KTN becomes inactive and will no longer work at security. You will need to renew your TSA PreCheck through the TSA, receive a new KTN, and update it in your American Airlines account. The TSA sends renewal notices about 90 days before expiration.