Add TSA PreCheck to United Through Your Frequent Flyer Profile

You add TSA PreCheck to United by entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN) into your MileagePlus account online. United does not issue TSA PreCheck itself — you obtain that through the TSA directly — but once you have your KTN, linking it to your airline profile takes about two minutes and applies to all future United bookings under that account.

The process works the same whether you already have a United ticket or are setting up your profile in advance. Your KTN will appear on your boarding pass automatically once it is linked, and TSA PreCheck benefits (shorter security lines, shoes and belt on, liquids bag stays packed) explore to any flight you book after that point.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain a TSA PreCheck KTN directly from the TSA — United cannot issue one for you, only store it in your account.
  • Log into your MileagePlus account, go to Profile Settings, and enter your KTN in the Known Traveler Number field under the Frequent Flyer section.
  • Your KTN will print on all future United boarding passes once it is saved, but you must have an active TSA PreCheck membership to use the benefit.
  • If you book a ticket before adding your KTN, you can add it to that reservation through the Manage Booking tool on United's website.

Step-by-Step: Adding Your KTN to MileagePlus Online

Start by going to united.com and signing into your MileagePlus account. Click on your name or profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Profile Settings" or "Account Settings" depending on which version of the site you see.

Look for a section labeled "Frequent Flyer Information," "Travel Preferences," or "Known Traveler Number." The exact wording varies, but it is always in the account settings area. Click into that field and type your 10-digit KTN exactly as it appears on your TSA PreCheck approval letter or in your TSA account. Save the changes — the system will confirm the entry was successful.

Once saved, your KTN is now linked to your MileagePlus number. Any ticket you book under that account from that point forward will automatically print your KTN on the boarding pass. You do not need to re-enter it for each flight.

Adding Your KTN to an Existing United Reservation

If you already have a United ticket booked and did not have your KTN saved to your account at the time, you can still add it. Go to united.com, click "Manage Booking," and enter your confirmation number and last name.

Once your reservation appears, look for an option to edit passenger information or add a Known Traveler Number. Click that option, enter your KTN, and save. The system will update your boarding pass, and your KTN should appear the next time you view or print it — usually within a few minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours.

If you do not see an option to add the KTN in Manage Booking, call United at 1-800-864-8331 and provide your confirmation number. A representative can add it to your reservation over the phone.

Where to Get Your TSA PreCheck KTN

Your KTN comes from the TSA, not from United. You obtain it by enrolling in TSA PreCheck through the official TSA website (tsa.gov) or at an enrollment center. The process involves an process, a background check, and an in-person appointment where you provide identification and fingerprints.

Once approved, the TSA sends you a Known Traveler Number, usually by email or mail. This is the number you enter into United's system. Your TSA PreCheck membership is valid for five years, and you can use the same KTN with any airline, not just United.

If you have already enrolled in TSA PreCheck but cannot find your KTN, log into your TSA account at tsa.gov, go to "My TSA PreCheck," and your KTN will be displayed there.

What Happens After You Add Your KTN

Once your KTN is linked to your MileagePlus account and appears on your boarding pass, you can use TSA PreCheck benefits at airport security. You will go through a dedicated PreCheck lane (where available), keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids bag in your carry-on, and move through screening faster than standard passengers.

Your KTN must be on your boarding pass for TSA officers to recognize your PreCheck status. If it does not appear, tell the officer before you enter the security line — they may still be able to verify your enrollment, but having it printed on the pass is the clearest way to avoid delays.

TSA PreCheck benefits explore only at U.S. airport security checkpoints. International flights departing the U.S. use the same PreCheck lanes, but once you land abroad, your KTN has no effect.

Troubleshooting: KTN Not Showing on Your Boarding Pass

If you added your KTN to your MileagePlus account but it is not appearing on your boarding pass, first check that you entered it correctly — the TSA KTN is always 10 digits with no spaces or dashes. Log back into your profile and verify the number matches your TSA approval letter exactly.

If the number is correct, wait 24 hours. United's system sometimes takes time to sync the KTN to your boarding pass, especially if you added it shortly before your flight. Check again the day before you travel.

If 24 hours have passed and the KTN still does not appear, call United at 1-800-864-8331 with your confirmation number. They can manually add it to your reservation or investigate whether there is a system issue on their end.

Using TSA PreCheck on Flights Booked Through a Travel Agent or Third-Party Site

If you booked your United flight through a travel agent, Expedia, Kayak, or another third-party site, your ticket is still under your name and confirmation number. You can still add your KTN through United's Manage Booking tool using that confirmation number, even though you did not book directly with United.

Enter your confirmation number and last name into the Manage Booking box on united.com, then follow the same steps to add your KTN. The system does not care where the ticket was purchased — it only cares that it is a United flight under your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to add my KTN to United if I already have TSA PreCheck?

You do not need to, but you should. TSA PreCheck works at security whether or not your KTN is on your boarding pass, but having it printed on the pass makes the process smoother and faster. TSA officers can scan your pass and when ready see your PreCheck status without you having to tell them.

Can I add my KTN to my spouse's or family member's United account?

No. Each person's KTN is tied to their own TSA PreCheck enrollment and their own airline account. Your spouse or family member must enroll in TSA PreCheck separately, get their own KTN, and add it to their own MileagePlus account.

What if my TSA PreCheck expires while I have a ticket booked?

Your KTN will still be on your boarding pass, but TSA officers will not honor it if your PreCheck membership has expired. Renew your TSA PreCheck through tsa.gov before your flight. Your KTN may change after renewal, so update it in your United account once you receive the new number.

Will adding my KTN to United affect my privacy or security?

No. Your KTN is a public identifier that you voluntarily share with airlines and the TSA. Entering it into your United account straightforward tells the airline to print it on your boarding pass so TSA officers can see it. It does not give United access to your TSA background check or personal information.

Can I add my KTN to United through the mobile app?

Yes. Open the United app, tap the menu icon, go to "Profile" or "Account Settings," find the Known Traveler Number field, and enter your KTN the same way you would on the website. The process is identical and takes the same amount of time.