Add your TSA PreCheck number to American Airlines before you book or after

You can add your TSA PreCheck number to American Airlines in two ways: during booking when you purchase a ticket, or afterward in your existing reservation. American Airlines calls this your "Known Traveler Number" or KTN. Once you add it, the airline includes it in your boarding pass, and TSA officers at the checkpoint will see it and let you use the expedited security lane.

The process takes about two minutes either way. You will need your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number, which appears on your actual TSA PreCheck card or in your TSA PreCheck account on the TSA website.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-digit code that you can find on your TSA PreCheck card or by logging into your TSA account at tsa.gov.
  • You can add your number during booking on American Airlines' website or app, or you can add it to a reservation you already have.
  • American Airlines stores your TSA PreCheck number in your profile, so you only have to enter it once and it will appear on future bookings automatically.
  • Adding your number to your reservation does not change your ticket price or seat — it only tells TSA that you are PreCheck-may be able to access.

Find your TSA PreCheck number before you start

Your TSA PreCheck number is printed on the front of your physical TSA PreCheck card, usually in the upper right corner. It is nine digits long. If you do not have your card in front of you, you can find the number in your TSA account online.

Go to tsa.gov, click "Check process Status" in the upper right, and log in with your username and password. Your TSA PreCheck number will appear on the status page. If you have forgotten your login, use the "Forgot Username or Password" link on that same page.

Add TSA PreCheck during a new booking

When you book a flight on American Airlines' website or mobile app, you will reach a page where you enter passenger details. Look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number (KTN)" or "TSA PreCheck Number." Enter your nine-digit number there.

This field usually appears after you enter your name and date of birth. If you do not see it on the first screen, scroll down — it is often below the basic passenger information. Once you enter the number and complete your booking, it will be saved to that reservation and will show on your boarding pass.

Add TSA PreCheck to a reservation you already have

If you already booked a flight without adding your TSA PreCheck number, you can add it to your existing reservation. Go to aa.com or open the American Airlines app and select "Manage My Booking." Enter your confirmation number and last name, then click "Find My Reservation."

Once your reservation opens, look for an option to edit passenger details or add a Known Traveler Number. Click that option, enter your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number, and save the changes. The number will now appear on your boarding pass the next time you view it or check in.

Save your number to your American Airlines profile

If you have an American Airlines frequent flyer account (AAdvantage), you can store your TSA PreCheck number in your profile so it automatically fills in on every future booking. Log into your AAdvantage account at aa.com, go to "My Profile" or "Account Settings," and look for a section labeled "Travel Information" or "Known Traveler Information."

Enter your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number and save. From that point forward, any ticket you book under that account will include your TSA PreCheck number automatically. You can still edit it on individual reservations if needed.

What happens after you add your number

Once your TSA PreCheck number is in your reservation, it will print on your boarding pass — both the paper version at the airport and the digital version in your phone. At the security checkpoint, TSA officers scan your boarding pass and see the indicator that you are PreCheck-may be able to access. They will direct you to the TSA PreCheck lane, where you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and leave your laptop and liquids in your bag.

Your number does not change your ticket, seat assignment, or price. It only tells TSA that you have passed their background check and are cleared for expedited screening. If you forget to add it before you fly, you can still ask a TSA officer at the checkpoint to manually verify your PreCheck status, though this takes longer than having it on your boarding pass.

Troubleshooting: your number is not showing on your boarding pass

If you added your TSA PreCheck number but it is not appearing on your boarding pass, first check that you entered all nine digits correctly. A missing or wrong digit will cause the system to reject it silently.

If the number is correct, try checking in again — sometimes the boarding pass needs to be regenerated after you update your reservation. If you are checking in at the airport, tell the agent at the counter that you have TSA PreCheck and ask them to add it manually. They can do this in seconds using your TSA PreCheck card or by looking up your account in the TSA system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to add my TSA PreCheck number every time I book?

No. If you save it to your American Airlines profile, it will fill in automatically on every booking you make under that account. You only have to enter it once.

What if I do not have my TSA PreCheck card with me?

You can find your nine-digit number by logging into your TSA account at tsa.gov. Click "Check process Status" and sign in with your username and password. Your number will appear on the status page.

Can I add my TSA PreCheck number after I check in?

You can try, but it may not print on your boarding pass in time. It is best to add it before you arrive at the airport. If you forget, tell a TSA officer at the checkpoint and they can verify your status manually using your card.

Will adding my TSA PreCheck number change my seat or ticket price?

No. Your TSA PreCheck number only tells TSA that you are may be able to access for expedited screening. It does not affect your ticket, seat, or fare.

What if my TSA PreCheck number is not working at the checkpoint?

Show your TSA PreCheck card to the officer and they can manually verify your status in the system. This takes a few extra minutes but you will still get through the PreCheck lane.