Add PreCheck to your boarding pass during online check-in or at the airport

If you have a valid TSA PreCheck membership, you can add it to your boarding pass in two ways: during online check-in through your airline's website or app, or at the airport ticket counter or kiosk. Most airlines let you enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — a nine-character code issued when you enroll in PreCheck — directly into the booking section. Once added, your boarding pass will display a TSA PreCheck indicator, usually a small logo or the letters "TSA PRE" printed on it.

The process takes less than a minute if you do it online before you arrive at the airport. If you forget to add it during check-in, you can still add it at an airport kiosk or ask an agent at the ticket counter to add it manually, though this takes longer and is not may provide at every airport.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is a nine-character code you receive when you enroll in TSA PreCheck; you need this number to link PreCheck to any boarding pass.
  • The easiest method is to add your KTN during online check-in through your airline's website or mobile app, usually in a field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "Frequent Flyer Information."
  • If you miss online check-in, you can add PreCheck at an airport kiosk or ticket counter, but availability and speed vary by airline and location.
  • Your boarding pass must show the TSA PreCheck indicator before you reach security; a PreCheck membership alone does not may provide the benefit without the indicator on your pass.

Find your Known Traveler Number before check-in

Your KTN is a nine-character alphanumeric code assigned to you when you complete your TSA PreCheck enrollment and background check. You should have received it by email or through your enrollment confirmation letter. If you enrolled online, log into the TSA PreCheck enrollment system at universalenroll.dhs.gov to retrieve it.

Write down your KTN or save it in your phone notes before you travel. You will need it every time you book a flight or add PreCheck to a boarding pass. Some travelers store it in their airline apps or frequent flyer profiles so it auto-fills during check-in.

Add PreCheck during online check-in

Online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight. Go to your airline's website or open their mobile app, enter your confirmation number and last name, and proceed to the check-in screen. Look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," "Frequent Flyer Information," or "Additional Information." The exact label varies by airline.

Enter your nine-character KTN in that field and complete check-in. Your boarding pass will read or appear in your app with a TSA PreCheck indicator — usually a small logo or the text "TSA PRE" — printed on it. This is the fastest and most reliable method. If the field does not appear, your airline may not support online KTN entry; proceed to the airport kiosk option instead.

Add PreCheck at an airport kiosk or ticket counter

If you did not add your KTN during online check-in, you can add it at a self-service kiosk in the airport terminal. After you check in and receive your initial boarding pass, look for an option on the kiosk screen to modify your reservation or add frequent flyer information. Enter your KTN when prompted. The kiosk will reprint your boarding pass with the PreCheck indicator.

If the kiosk does not offer this option, go to the airline's ticket counter and ask an agent to add your KTN to your reservation. They can reprint your boarding pass on the spot. This method works but can create a line, especially during busy travel times. Arrive at the airport with enough time to handle this step before you reach security.

Verify the PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass

Before you leave the ticket counter or kiosk, check your boarding pass carefully. It should display "TSA PRE," a PreCheck logo, or similar text indicating that PreCheck has been added. If it does not, ask the agent or kiosk attendant to verify that your KTN was entered correctly. A missing indicator means you will not receive PreCheck benefits at security, even though you have an active membership.

If you received your boarding pass by email or app, refresh the app or read the email attachment again to see the updated version with the PreCheck indicator. Some airlines update the pass in real time; others take a few minutes.

What to do if PreCheck does not appear on your boarding pass

If your boarding pass does not show the PreCheck indicator after you have entered your KTN, the most common causes are a typo in your KTN, a mismatch between the name on your PreCheck enrollment and the name on your ticket, or an airline system issue. Double-check that your KTN is spelled correctly — it is case-sensitive on some airline systems.

Verify that your first and last name on your boarding pass match exactly what appears on your PreCheck enrollment. If your name has changed since you enrolled, you may need to update your PreCheck record at universalenroll.dhs.gov before the system will recognize it. If everything matches and PreCheck still does not appear, contact your airline's customer service or speak to an agent at the airport; they can investigate whether your PreCheck membership is active in their system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add PreCheck to my boarding pass after I arrive at the airport?

Yes. You can add your KTN at an airport kiosk or ticket counter up until you reach the security checkpoint. However, this takes longer than adding it online beforehand, and some airports or airlines may not support manual KTN entry at the kiosk. Arriving early gives you time to handle this at the ticket counter if needed.

What if I do not have my KTN with me?

If you enrolled online, you can retrieve your KTN by logging into universalenroll.dhs.gov on your phone at the airport. If you enrolled in person at an enrollment center, check your confirmation email or letter. If you cannot locate it, ask the airline agent; some systems allow them to look it up using your name and date of birth, though this is not may provide.

Do I have to add PreCheck to every boarding pass?

Yes. Each flight requires a separate boarding pass, and you must add your KTN to each one. If you link your KTN to your airline frequent flyer account, some airlines will auto-fill it during check-in, but you should verify it appears on your pass before you travel.

Will PreCheck work if my name on the boarding pass does not match my PreCheck enrollment exactly?

No. Your name must match exactly — including middle initials, suffixes, and spelling — between your PreCheck enrollment and your boarding pass. If your name has changed, update your PreCheck record online before you travel. If the mismatch is a typo on your ticket, contact your airline to correct it.

What if my PreCheck membership expired?

If your PreCheck membership has expired, you cannot add it to your boarding pass, and the system will reject your KTN. You will need to renew your membership at universalenroll.dhs.gov before your next trip. Check your enrollment status online if you are unsure whether your membership is still active.