How to Add Your Known Traveler Number to a Flight Booking

Where to enter your Known Traveler Number when you book

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) goes into your airline reservation, not into TSA PreCheck itself. When you book a flight online or by phone, the airline asks for it during checkout or in your passenger details. If you book through a travel website like Kayak or Expedia, you can usually add it after purchase by logging into your airline account.

The exact location depends on which airline you use. Most airlines have a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "TSA PreCheck Number" in the passenger information section. Some airlines group it under "Special Services" or "Frequent Flyer Details." If you cannot find it during booking, you can add it to an existing reservation through your airline's website or by calling their reservations line.

You do not need to add your KTN every time you book—once you enter it into your frequent flyer profile with an airline, it will automatically populate on future bookings with that carrier. However, if you book as a guest without logging in, you will need to enter it manually for that reservation.

Key Takeaways

Your KTN is entered into your airline reservation during booking, in a field usually labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN" under passenger details.
If you book through a travel website, log into your airline account after purchase to add the KTN to that specific reservation.
Saving your KTN in your frequent flyer profile means it will automatically appear on all future bookings with that airline.
Your KTN must match exactly what TSA has on file—check your approval letter or the TSA website to confirm the correct number before entering it.
Adding your KTN does not may provide TSA PreCheck at every airport; it tells the airline to flag your reservation so TSA can match it to your background check.

How to add your KTN to an existing reservation

If you already booked a flight and did not enter your KTN, you can add it after the fact. Log into your airline account using your confirmation number and last name, or your frequent flyer login. Look for an option to "Manage Reservation," "Edit Booking," or "Passenger Details." Click into the passenger information section and find the KTN field.

Some airlines let you edit this online; others require a phone call. If the website does not show a KTN field in the edit screen, call the airline's reservations line with your confirmation number ready. Agents can add it in seconds. It is best to add your KTN at least 24 hours before your flight, though many airlines allow changes up to the day of travel.

Finding your correct Known Traveler Number

Your KTN is a 10-digit number issued by TSA when your PreCheck process was approved. You can find it in three places: your approval letter (mailed to you after approval), your TSA PreCheck card (if you received a physical card), or the TSA website.

To find it online, go to the TSA website and use the "Check process Status" tool. You will need your process receipt number, which was emailed to you when you first submitted your process. The status page will display your KTN once your process is approved. Write down the exact number—do not guess or use a partial number, because the airline's system must match it precisely to your TSA record.

What happens after you add your KTN

Once your KTN is in the airline's system, the airline sends it to TSA before your flight. TSA then matches your KTN to your background check record. If everything matches, your boarding pass will print with a "TSA PreCheck" indicator, usually shown as a small logo or the words "TSA Pre✓" in the upper corner.

This indicator tells TSA officers at security that you have already passed a background check, so you can go through the expedited PreCheck lane instead of the standard security line. You will not have to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, or laptops, and you can leave liquids in your carry-on bag.

If your boarding pass does not show the PreCheck indicator, you can still go through the standard security line. This sometimes happens if there is a delay in TSA receiving your information or if there is a mismatch between your name on the reservation and your name on file with TSA. If it happens repeatedly, contact TSA directly to verify your record is correct.

Adding your KTN to your frequent flyer profile

To avoid entering your KTN manually on every booking, save it in your airline frequent flyer account. Log into your frequent flyer profile on the airline's website and look for "Profile Settings," "Personal Information," or "Travel Preferences." Most airlines have a dedicated field for "Known Traveler Number" or "TSA PreCheck Number."

Once you enter it there, the airline will automatically add it to every reservation you make under that account. This works across all bookings—whether you book online, by phone, or through a travel agent. If you have frequent flyer accounts with multiple airlines, you will need to add your KTN to each one separately, since each airline maintains its own database.

Common mistakes when entering your KTN

The most common error is typing the number incorrectly. Your KTN is exactly 10 digits with no letters, spaces, or dashes. Double-check it against your approval letter or the TSA website before you enter it. If you type even one digit wrong, the airline will send the incorrect number to TSA, and your boarding pass will not show the PreCheck indicator.

Another mistake is entering your KTN under the wrong name. If your reservation is under a nickname or a shortened version of your name, but your TSA PreCheck approval is under your full legal name, the system may not match them. Always book flights under the exact name that appears on your government ID and your TSA approval letter.

Some travelers also wait until the day of the flight to add their KTN. While airlines can sometimes process it same-day, it is safer to add it at least 24 hours before departure to give TSA time to receive and verify the information.

What to do if your KTN is not showing on your boarding pass

If you added your KTN correctly but your boarding pass does not display the PreCheck indicator, first verify that you entered the number exactly as it appears in your TSA approval letter. Log back into your reservation and check for typos.

Next, confirm that your name on the reservation matches your government ID and your TSA approval exactly. Middle names, initials, and spelling must all be identical. If your reservation has a nickname or shortened name, contact the airline to update it to your legal name.

If the number and name are both correct, contact TSA directly through their website or call the TSA PreCheck customer service line. There may be a delay in their system receiving your information, or there could be an issue with your approval record. TSA can verify that your process is approved and help troubleshoot why the indicator is not appearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my KTN after I check in for my flight?

No. Your KTN must be in the airline's system before you check in, so TSA can see it and print it on your boarding pass. If you forget to add it before check-in, you can still go through standard security, but you will not get the PreCheck benefit for that flight. Add it to your frequent flyer profile so it appears automatically on future bookings.

Do I need to add my KTN to every airline I fly?

Yes. Each airline maintains its own reservation system, so you must enter your KTN in each one's frequent flyer profile or during booking. Once you save it in a frequent flyer profile, it will appear automatically on all future bookings with that airline.

What if I do not have a frequent flyer account with the airline?

You can still enter your KTN during booking as a guest. Look for the KTN field in the passenger details section. You will need to enter it manually each time you book, or you can create a frequent flyer account afterward and add it to your profile so it auto-populates on future reservations.

Will my KTN work internationally?

TSA PreCheck only applies to flights departing from the United States. Your KTN will show on your boarding pass for domestic flights and flights leaving the U.S., but it will not grant you PreCheck benefits on flights departing from other countries. International airports have their own trusted traveler programs.

What if my KTN is different from my TSA PreCheck number?

They are the same thing. "Known Traveler Number" and "TSA PreCheck Number" are two names for the identical 10-digit code issued when your process is approved. Use whichever term the airline's website uses—the number you enter will be the same.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.