Link Your TSA PreCheck Number to American Airlines

You add TSA PreCheck to American Airlines by entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN) into your AAdvantage frequent flyer profile. American Airlines does not issue PreCheck itself — TSA does that separately — but once you have your nine-digit KTN from TSA, you can store it in your airline account so it appears automatically on your boarding passes. This takes about five minutes online and costs nothing.

Your KTN is the number TSA gives you when you complete the TSA PreCheck program through an approved enrollment center. You receive it by email and mail after your background check clears, usually within three to five business days. You will need this number before you can add PreCheck to any airline account.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have an active TSA PreCheck membership and your nine-digit Known Traveler Number before you can link it to American Airlines.
  • Add your KTN to your AAdvantage profile through the website or the American Airlines app in the "Preferences" or "Travel Information" section.
  • Your KTN will appear on your boarding pass automatically once it is saved, but only if you book under the same name you used for TSA PreCheck.
  • If your KTN does not show on your boarding pass, check that your name matches exactly between your TSA PreCheck process and your airline reservation.

Add Your KTN Through the American Airlines Website

Log into your AAdvantage account at aa.com using your frequent flyer number and password. Click on "My Account" or "Profile" — the exact label varies depending on which version of the website you see, but it is always in the top menu. Look for a section called "Preferences," "Travel Information," or "Known Traveler Information."

Paste your nine-digit KTN into the field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "TSA PreCheck Number." Do not add spaces or dashes — enter it exactly as it appears on your TSA PreCheck card or confirmation email. Save your changes. The system will confirm that your KTN has been added. You do not need to do anything else; it takes effect when ready.

Add Your KTN Through the American Airlines App

Open the American Airlines app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "My Account" and then "Profile" or "Preferences." Scroll down until you see "Known Traveler Number" or "TSA PreCheck."

Tap the field and enter your nine-digit KTN exactly as it appears on your TSA PreCheck materials. Tap "Save" or "Done." The app will confirm the update. You can now book flights, and your PreCheck status will show on your boarding pass automatically.

Make Sure Your Name Matches Your TSA PreCheck process

Your KTN will only appear on your boarding pass if the name on your reservation matches the name on your TSA PreCheck process exactly — including middle initials, suffixes, and spelling. If you changed your name after you enrolled in PreCheck, or if you use a nickname when booking, your PreCheck will not show up even though your KTN is saved in your account.

Check your TSA PreCheck card or the confirmation email you received from TSA to see exactly how your name appears. When you book your American Airlines flight, enter your name in the same order and format. If your legal name has changed since you enrolled, you will need to update your TSA PreCheck profile through the TSA website before your KTN will work.

Verify Your KTN Appears on Your Boarding Pass

After you book a flight, check your boarding pass — either the one you print, the one in your email, or the one in the American Airlines app — to confirm that your KTN is printed on it. Look for a line that says "TSA PreCheck" or shows your nine-digit number. If it is there, you are all set and can use the PreCheck lane at security.

If your KTN does not appear on your boarding pass, the most common reason is a name mismatch. Log back into your AAdvantage account and double-check that your name is spelled and formatted exactly as it is on your TSA PreCheck process. If the names match and your KTN still does not show, contact American Airlines customer service — they can verify that your KTN was saved correctly in their system.

What Happens at the Airport After You Add PreCheck

When you arrive at security with your boarding pass showing your KTN, you can use the TSA PreCheck lane instead of the standard security line. You will keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and you can leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag. The process is faster than standard screening, though wait times vary by airport and time of day.

You do not need to show your TSA PreCheck card at security — the KTN on your boarding pass is all TSA needs. However, it is a good idea to carry your PreCheck card anyway in case there is a scanning error or you need to prove your membership status for any reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have my KTN yet?

You must complete the TSA PreCheck enrollment process first through an approved enrollment center in your area. You can find centers at tsa.gov/precheck. The program costs $78 to $85 depending on your state and covers five years. Once your background check clears, you will receive your KTN by email and mail, and then you can add it to your American Airlines account.

Can I use someone else's KTN on my American Airlines account?

No. Your KTN must match the name on your reservation. If you try to use someone else's number, it will not appear on your boarding pass, and you will not be able to use the PreCheck lane. Each person needs their own TSA PreCheck membership and their own KTN.

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

Yes. Your KTN is issued by TSA, but each airline maintains its own frequent flyer database. You will need to add your KTN to the accounts of every airline you fly regularly. The process is the same for all of them and takes about five minutes per airline.

What if I book a flight without my KTN showing on the boarding pass?

You can still use the PreCheck lane if you have an active TSA PreCheck membership and your PreCheck card with you. Tell the TSA officer at the entrance to the PreCheck lane that your KTN did not print on your boarding pass, and they can verify your membership manually. However, it is faster if your KTN appears on your boarding pass, so fix the name mismatch before your next flight.

Does adding PreCheck to American Airlines cost extra?

No. Adding your KTN to your AAdvantage account is free. You pay for TSA PreCheck membership separately through TSA, not through the airline. Once you have paid TSA and received your KTN, linking it to any airline account costs nothing.