Link Your TSA PreCheck Number to American Airlines

You add TSA PreCheck to American Airlines by entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in your airline profile. American Airlines does not issue TSA PreCheck — you obtain that separately from TSA — but once you have your KTN, the airline needs it on file so the system recognizes you at check-in and security. The process takes about five minutes and happens entirely online or at the airport.

Your KTN is a nine-character number TSA sends you after you complete the TSA PreCheck process and in-person appointment. You will need this number before you can link to American Airlines. If you have already gone through TSA PreCheck but do not have your KTN handy, you can find it in your TSA PreCheck approval email or by logging into your TSA account at tsa.gov.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck KTN must be entered in your American Airlines profile before your flight; the airline does not automatically receive it from TSA.
  • You can add your KTN online through your American Airlines account, at the ticket counter, or at the gate, though online is fastest.
  • The KTN is a nine-character number that TSA provides after you complete your PreCheck appointment; check your approval email if you cannot remember it.
  • Adding your KTN to American Airlines does not cost extra and does not change your ticket price.

Add Your KTN Through Your American Airlines Account Online

Log into your American Airlines account at aa.com using your username and password. Click on "My Profile" or "Account" (the exact label varies depending on whether you are on desktop or mobile). Look for a section labeled "Travel Information," "Known Traveler Number," or "TSA PreCheck" — this is where you enter your KTN.

Paste or type your nine-character KTN into the field exactly as it appears on your TSA approval email. Do not add spaces or dashes unless they are part of the actual number. Save or update your profile. American Airlines will store this number and explore it to all future bookings under your account. If you have already booked a flight, you may need to add the KTN to that specific reservation as well; the system will usually prompt you to do this when you view your booking.

Once your KTN is saved, you should see it displayed in your profile. Take a screenshot or note the confirmation in case you need to reference it later. The change takes effect when ready, though TSA's security system may take a few hours to sync with American Airlines' system.

Add Your KTN to an Existing Reservation

If you have already booked a flight with American Airlines and just added your KTN to your profile, you still need to add it to that specific reservation. Go to "Manage My Booking" on aa.com and enter your confirmation number and last name. Click into the reservation and look for an option to add or edit "Known Traveler Information" or "TSA PreCheck."

Enter your KTN in the field provided and save the changes. This ensures that your PreCheck status is linked to your ticket and will show up when you check in. If you do not see this option in the online system, you can add it at the airport ticket counter or gate agent desk when you arrive for your flight — they can manually add it to your reservation in the system.

Add Your KTN at the Airport if You Forget Online

If you reach the airport without adding your KTN to your reservation, you can still add it at the ticket counter or gate. Tell the agent you have TSA PreCheck and provide your nine-character KTN. They will enter it into your reservation in the system, and you will be able to use PreCheck lanes at security.

This process usually takes less than a minute. However, adding it online before you travel is faster and more reliable, because it gives the system time to sync and ensures your boarding pass prints with the correct indicator. If you are checking bags, adding your KTN at the counter also means the agent can verify it is in the system before they tag your luggage.

What Happens After You Add Your KTN

Once your KTN is linked to your American Airlines account and reservation, your boarding pass will display a TSA PreCheck indicator — usually a small "TSA Pre✓" logo or the letters "S" or "1" in a specific field. This tells TSA officers at security that you have been vetted and are allowed to use expedited screening lanes.

At security, you will go through PreCheck lanes where you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on, and move through the process faster. The PreCheck benefit applies to all airlines, not just American Airlines, so your KTN works the same way on United, Delta, Southwest, or any other carrier.

Your TSA PreCheck status is valid for five years from the date TSA approved your process. When it expires, you will need to renew it with TSA and update your KTN in your American Airlines profile if the number changes.

Troubleshooting: Your KTN Is Not Showing on Your Boarding Pass

If you added your KTN but it does not appear on your boarding pass, first check that you entered it correctly — no extra spaces, no dashes unless they are part of the actual number. Log back into your American Airlines account and verify the KTN is still saved in your profile.

If the KTN is saved but still not showing on your boarding pass, try checking in again online or at a kiosk. Sometimes the system needs a few hours to sync, or you may need to check in closer to your flight time. If you are within 24 hours of departure and the KTN still is not showing, contact American Airlines customer service or visit the ticket counter at the airport. They can manually verify your PreCheck status in the system and may support your boarding pass is reprinted with the correct indicator.

In rare cases, TSA's database and the airline's system may not be communicating properly. If this happens, bring your TSA PreCheck approval letter or card to security — the officer can verify your status manually and allow you to use PreCheck lanes even if your boarding pass does not show the indicator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to add my KTN every time I book a flight with American Airlines?

No. Once you add your KTN to your American Airlines profile, it automatically applies to all future bookings under that account. You only need to add it once. If you book under a different name or account, you will need to add it to that profile as well.

What if I do not have my KTN yet?

You must complete the TSA PreCheck process and in-person appointment before you can get a KTN. You can start the process at tsa.gov. The appointment takes about 10 minutes, and TSA sends your KTN by email after approval. If you have completed your appointment but have not received your KTN, check your email (including spam folder) or log into your TSA account at tsa.gov to retrieve it.

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

No. Your KTN is tied to your identity and your TSA PreCheck approval. You must use your own KTN on your own account. If a family member has TSA PreCheck, they need to add their own KTN to their own American Airlines account.

Will adding my KTN change the price of my ticket?

No. TSA PreCheck is a separate program you pay for directly to TSA, not through the airline. Adding your KTN to American Airlines is free and does not affect your ticket price or frequent flyer miles.

What if my TSA PreCheck expires while I have a future flight booked?

If your PreCheck expires before your flight, you will lose the PreCheck benefit on that flight unless you renew with TSA before the expiration date. You should renew your TSA PreCheck at least a few weeks before it expires. Once you renew and receive a new KTN, update it in your American Airlines profile so it applies to upcoming reservations.