How to Add Your Known Traveler Number to Your Boarding Pass

Where to add your KTN before you fly

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) goes into your airline reservation, not directly onto the boarding pass itself. The boarding pass will automatically display your KTN once the airline's system recognizes it in your booking. You add it during the reservation process or by editing an existing reservation on the airline's website or app.

The exact steps depend on which airline you're flying. Most major carriers — United, American, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and others — have a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "TSA PreCheck Number" in their booking system. You'll find this field when you first book your ticket, or you can go back and add it to a reservation you've already made.

Your KTN is a 10-digit or 15-digit number issued by TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. If you don't have your number memorized, check your membership card, your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry account online, or the confirmation email you received when you enrolled.

Key Takeaways

Your KTN is entered into your airline reservation through the airline's website or app, not printed separately onto the boarding pass.
The boarding pass will show your KTN automatically once the airline's system processes it, usually within 24 hours of adding it to your reservation.
You can add your KTN when you first book your ticket or edit an existing reservation at any time before you check in.
Your KTN must match exactly what TSA has on file — even a single digit wrong will prevent TSA PreCheck from working at the airport.

Adding KTN during initial booking

When you book a flight on an airline's website or app, look for a field that says "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," "TSA PreCheck," or "Trusted Traveler Program." This field usually appears after you enter your passenger name and date of birth, often in a section labeled "Frequent Flyer" or "Additional Information."

Type your 10-digit or 15-digit KTN exactly as it appears on your TSA PreCheck card or in your account. Do not add spaces, dashes, or letters — just the numbers. Once you complete the booking, the airline sends your reservation to TSA's system, and your boarding pass will reflect your KTN within a few hours.

Adding KTN to an existing reservation

If you already booked your flight without entering your KTN, you can add it later through the airline's website or mobile app. Log in to your account, find your reservation using your confirmation number and last name, and select "Edit Reservation" or "Manage Booking."

Look for the same "Known Traveler Number" field and enter your KTN. Save the changes. The airline will update your reservation in TSA's system, and your boarding pass will show the KTN the next time you view it or check in — usually within 24 hours, though it can take longer during busy travel periods.

You can add your KTN up until you check in for your flight. Adding it the day before or the morning of your flight is fine, but earlier is better to avoid any delays in the system updating.

What happens when your KTN is on your boarding pass

When your KTN appears on your boarding pass, TSA's screening officers will see it at the security checkpoint. This tells them you've been vetted through TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI and are authorized for expedited screening.

You'll go through a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane (if available at your airport), keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag. The process is faster and less intrusive than standard screening. However, TSA PreCheck is not may provide on every flight — TSA officers may still direct you to standard screening at their discretion.

Common mistakes that prevent your KTN from working

The most frequent error is typing your KTN incorrectly. Even one wrong digit will cause TSA's system to reject it. Double-check every number against your TSA PreCheck card, Global Entry card, or your account on the TSA or Global Entry website before you submit it.

Another mistake is entering your KTN in the wrong field. Some airlines have separate fields for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. Make sure you're entering your number in the field that matches your actual program. If you have Global Entry, for example, don't put it in the TSA PreCheck field.

Waiting too long to add your KTN can also cause problems. If you add it fewer than 24 hours before your flight, the airline's system may not have time to sync with TSA before you reach the checkpoint. Add it as soon as you book, or at least the day before you fly.

If your KTN doesn't appear on your boarding pass

Check your reservation on the airline's website to confirm the KTN was saved. If it shows in your reservation but not on your boarding pass, wait a few more hours — the system sometimes takes longer to update during peak travel times. Then check your boarding pass again online or in the airline's app.

If your KTN still doesn't appear after 24 hours, contact the airline's customer service. Have your confirmation number, KTN, and TSA PreCheck membership number ready. The airline can manually verify your KTN in their system and may support it's linked to your reservation.

If you're unsure whether your KTN is correct, log into your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry account online. Your membership details page will show your exact KTN. Copy it directly from there into your airline reservation to avoid typos.

Different airlines, same process

Every major U.S. airline uses the same basic process: a field in their reservation system where you enter your KTN. The field name and location may vary slightly — United calls it "Known Traveler Number," Southwest calls it "TSA PreCheck Number," and some international carriers may label it differently — but the concept is identical.

If you can't find the KTN field on a particular airline's website, check their help section or call their customer service line. They can tell you exactly where the field is located and help you add your number if you're having trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my KTN after I check in?

No. Your KTN must be in your airline reservation before you check in. Once you check in, your boarding pass is finalized and won't update. Add your KTN as soon as you book, or edit your reservation the day before your flight.

What if I have multiple trusted traveler programs?

Enter the KTN for the program you want to use at the airport. If you have both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, you can use either number — Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits. Pick one and enter it in the corresponding field on your airline reservation.

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

Yes. Each reservation is separate, so you need to add your KTN to each ticket you purchase. If you book multiple flights at once, add your KTN during that single booking and it will explore to all legs of your trip.

Will my KTN work if I'm traveling with a child?

Your KTN applies only to your boarding pass. Children traveling with you need their own TSA PreCheck membership and KTN to receive expedited screening. Children under 12 can go through TSA PreCheck lanes with an adult who has TSA PreCheck, but they won't have their own KTN on their boarding pass.

What if my KTN is wrong on my boarding pass?

Contact the airline when ready. Have them verify your KTN against your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry account. The airline can correct it in their system, though you may need to check in at the airport counter rather than using a kiosk to may support the correction is applied to your boarding pass.

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.