Add Your TSA PreCheck Number to United in Three Steps

You can link your TSA PreCheck to United Airlines through your online account, at the airport, or by phone. The fastest method is online: log into your United account, go to your profile settings, find the "Known Traveler Number" field, and enter your TSA PreCheck number. United will then display your TSA PreCheck status on your boarding pass automatically, which tells airport security you have already been vetted.

Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-character code that begins with your initials or a number. You received it in your approval notice from TSA when your background check cleared. If you cannot find it, you can look it up on the TSA website using your name and date of birth, or call TSA at 1-855-347-8371.

Once you add your number to United, it appears on every boarding pass you print or display on your phone. You do not have to re-enter it for each flight. If you book through a travel agent or third-party site, you may need to add it manually to each reservation, because not all booking systems sync with your United profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-character code from your TSA approval notice; you can also find it on the TSA website if you have lost the original.
  • Adding your number to your United profile takes two minutes and applies to all future bookings automatically.
  • Your TSA PreCheck status will print on your boarding pass once it is linked, which tells security you are enrolled.
  • If you book through a third-party site, you may need to enter your number separately because those systems do not always connect to your United profile.

Add Your Number Online Through Your United Account

Log into your United account on the United website or mobile app. Click on your name or profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Profile" or "Account Settings." Look for a section called "Travel Information," "Known Traveler Number," or "TSA PreCheck."

Enter your nine-character TSA PreCheck number in the field provided. Some accounts may also ask for your Redress Number (a separate code from TSA) or your NEXUS or Global Entry number if you hold one of those programs instead. Save your changes. United will confirm the update on screen, and your number is now linked to your account.

The next time you book a flight, your TSA PreCheck status will appear on your boarding pass automatically. If you have already booked a flight before adding your number, you can usually edit the reservation online and re-save it to update the boarding pass, or contact United to add it to an existing ticket.

Add Your Number at the Airport or by Phone

If you prefer not to use the website, you can add your TSA PreCheck number at the airport ticket counter when you check in. Tell the agent you want to add your Known Traveler Number to your reservation. They will enter it into the system, and it will print on your boarding pass.

You can also call United reservations at 1-800-864-8331 and ask an agent to add your number to your account or to a specific reservation. Have your confirmation number and TSA PreCheck number ready. The agent will update your profile or ticket over the phone, and you can print your boarding pass online afterward.

Adding your number by phone or in person takes longer than doing it online, but it works the same way. Your boarding pass will show your TSA PreCheck status once the number is in the system.

What Happens After You Link Your Number

Once your TSA PreCheck number is linked to your United account, the letters "TSA PRE" or a checkmark will appear on your boarding pass in the section that shows your name and confirmation details. This tells TSA officers at security that you are enrolled and may be able to access for expedited screening.

You will still need to go through security, but you may be able to keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and use a faster lane. Not every airport has a dedicated PreCheck lane, and TSA officers decide who gets expedited screening based on security needs that day, so you are not may provide a faster line every time.

Your number stays linked to your account indefinitely. If your TSA PreCheck expires, you will need to renew it with TSA directly (not through United), and then update your number in your United profile if TSA issues you a new one.

Troubleshooting: Your Number Is Not Showing on Your Boarding Pass

If you added your number to your United account but it is not appearing on your boarding pass, the most common reason is that you booked through a third-party website like Expedia, Kayak, or Google Flights. Those sites do not always sync with your United profile, so you need to enter your TSA PreCheck number directly into that booking.

Log into the third-party site, find your reservation, and look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "TSA PreCheck," or "Frequent Flyer Details." Enter your number there and save. Your boarding pass should update within a few minutes.

If you booked directly through United and your number still is not showing, try logging out of your account and logging back in, or contact United customer service at 1-800-864-8331. An agent can check whether your number was saved correctly and update your boarding pass if needed.

If You Do Not Have a TSA PreCheck Number Yet

You must enroll in TSA PreCheck through the TSA website or at an enrollment center before you can add your number to United. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online, costs $78 to $85 (depending on your state), and is valid for five years.

You can start your enrollment on the TSA website, then schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center near you to complete the background check and provide fingerprints. Once TSA approves your process, you will receive your Known Traveler Number by mail or email, and you can add it to your United account right away.

If you already have Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI (other trusted traveler programs), you automatically have TSA PreCheck included. You can use your Known Traveler Number from any of those programs in your United profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to add my TSA PreCheck number to United, or does it work automatically?

You must add your number to your United account or to each individual reservation for it to appear on your boarding pass. TSA PreCheck enrollment and United frequent flyer membership are separate, so linking them is a manual step. Once you add it to your profile, it applies to all future bookings.

What if I booked a flight before I enrolled in TSA PreCheck?

You can edit your reservation online or call United to add your number to an existing ticket. Go to "Manage My Booking" on the United website, find the reservation, and look for an option to add your Known Traveler Number. If you cannot find it, call 1-800-864-8331 and an agent will add it for you.

Can I use my Global Entry number instead of my TSA PreCheck number?

Yes. Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI all include TSA PreCheck benefits, and you can enter your Known Traveler Number from any of those programs into your United profile. The number works the same way regardless of which program issued it.

Will my TSA PreCheck number work on other airlines besides United?

Yes. Your TSA PreCheck number is issued by the federal government and works on all airlines. You can add it to your frequent flyer accounts with American, Delta, Southwest, and every other carrier. Each airline has its own process for adding the number, but the result is the same.

What should I do if I lose my TSA PreCheck number?

You can find your number on the TSA website by logging in with your credentials, or call TSA at 1-855-347-8371. You can also check your original approval letter or email from TSA. Once you have your number, add it to your United profile as usual.