Link Your TSA PreCheck Number to Delta Online

You add TSA PreCheck to Delta by entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN) into your Delta account. Delta does not issue PreCheck itself — the TSA does — but Delta's website lets you store your number so it appears automatically on your boarding pass. This takes about five minutes and requires your Delta account login and your nine-digit KTN.

Log into delta.com, go to your profile settings, and look for a section called "Trusted Traveler Programs" or "Known Traveler Number." Paste your KTN into the field, save, and you are done. The next time you book a flight, your PreCheck status will show on your boarding pass at check-in.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number comes from the TSA, not Delta — you must have already been approved and received your nine-digit KTN before you can add it to Delta.
  • Enter your KTN in the Trusted Traveler Programs section of your Delta profile so it appears on every boarding pass you print or read.
  • PreCheck status on your boarding pass is what TSA agents scan at security — without it visible there, you will go through standard screening even if you have an active PreCheck membership.
  • If you renew your PreCheck membership, update your KTN in Delta within a few days so your new number appears on future boarding passes.

Where to Find the Trusted Traveler Section

Start at delta.com and sign into your account using your username and password. Once you are logged in, click on your name or profile icon in the top right corner of the page. A dropdown menu will appear with several options.

Look for "My Profile" or "Profile Settings." Click that link. You will see a page with sections for personal information, contact details, and other account settings. Scroll down until you find "Trusted Traveler Programs," "Known Traveler Number," or "TSA PreCheck." The exact wording varies slightly depending on when Delta last updated the page, but the section is always in your profile area.

Entering Your Known Traveler Number Correctly

Your KTN is a nine-character code that the TSA issued to you when your PreCheck membership was approved. It appears on your PreCheck approval letter, your PreCheck card (if you received a physical card), and in your TSA account online. Do not confuse it with your PreCheck membership number or your driver's license number.

In the Trusted Traveler Programs field, type or paste your nine-digit KTN exactly as it appears on your approval documents. Do not add spaces, dashes, or extra characters. After you enter it, click "Save" or "Update." Delta will confirm that the number was saved. You should see your KTN listed in that section from that point forward.

When Your PreCheck Status Shows on Your Boarding Pass

Once your KTN is saved in Delta's system, it will appear on your boarding pass the next time you check in for a flight. If you check in online or through the Delta app, you will see "TSA PreCheck" printed on your digital boarding pass. If you check in at the airport, the agent will print it on your paper boarding pass.

The PreCheck designation on your boarding pass is what matters at security. TSA agents scan or read your boarding pass and see that code — that is how they know to send you to the PreCheck line instead of the standard line. If your boarding pass does not show PreCheck, you will go through regular screening even if your membership is active, so double-check that it appears before you head to the airport.

Updating Your KTN When You Renew PreCheck

TSA PreCheck memberships last five years. When your membership is about to expire, the TSA will send you a renewal notice. If you renew, you will receive a new KTN. You must update this new number in your Delta account so that future boarding passes reflect your current membership.

Go back to the Trusted Traveler Programs section in your Delta profile, delete the old KTN, and enter the new one. Save the change. This usually takes effect within a few hours, though it is safest to update it at least a day before your next flight. If you do not update it, your old KTN may still appear on your boarding pass, and TSA agents may question whether your membership is still valid.

What to Do If Your PreCheck Does Not Appear on Your Boarding Pass

If you have saved your KTN in Delta but it is not showing up on your boarding pass, first check that you entered it correctly. Log back into your profile and verify the nine digits match your approval letter or TSA account exactly. If there is a typo, delete it and re-enter it.

If the number is correct, wait a few hours and try checking in again. Delta's system sometimes takes time to sync. If PreCheck still does not appear after 24 hours, contact Delta customer service by phone or through the website and ask them to verify that your KTN is linked to your account. They can also check whether the TSA's database shows your membership as active. In the meantime, bring your PreCheck card or approval letter to the airport — TSA agents can manually verify your status at security if your boarding pass does not show it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a TSA PreCheck membership before I add it to Delta?

Yes. You must have already been approved by the TSA and received your KTN. Delta cannot issue PreCheck or process your membership — it only stores your number so it appears on your boarding pass. If you do not have a KTN yet, you will need to explore through the TSA's official channels first.

Will adding PreCheck to Delta work on other airlines too?

No. Your KTN is universal and works with all airlines, but you must add it separately to each airline's website or app. Adding it to Delta does not automatically add it to United, American, Southwest, or any other carrier. You will need to repeat the process for each airline you fly with regularly.

What if I do not have a Delta account yet?

Create a free Delta account at delta.com before you try to add your KTN. You will need a valid email address and a password. Once your account is set up and you are logged in, you can add your PreCheck number to your profile the same way described above.

Can I add PreCheck through the Delta app instead of the website?

Yes. Open the Delta app, log in, tap your profile icon, go to settings or profile information, and look for Trusted Traveler Programs. The steps are the same as on the website. Some users find the app easier to navigate, so either method works.

What happens if my PreCheck membership expires and I do not renew it?

Your old KTN will eventually stop working at security, and PreCheck will no longer appear on your boarding pass. If you want to keep using PreCheck, you will need to renew your membership with the TSA before it expires and update your new KTN in Delta's system.