How to Add TSA PreCheck to Your Delta Account

Link Your TSA PreCheck Number to Delta Before You Book

You add TSA PreCheck to Delta by entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in your Delta profile, either when you book a flight or by editing an existing reservation. Delta does not issue TSA PreCheck itself — you get that from TSA directly — but once you have your KTN, linking it to Delta takes about two minutes and ensures the benefit appears on your boarding pass.

The KTN is a nine-character code that TSA sends you after you complete the TSA PreCheck process process and pay the fee. You need this number before you can add it to any airline account. If you have not yet applied for TSA PreCheck, you will need to do that through TSA's official website first.

Key Takeaways

You must have an active TSA PreCheck membership and your nine-character Known Traveler Number before you can add it to Delta.
Add your KTN to your Delta SkyMiles profile in the "Frequent Flyer" or "Preferences" section, or enter it when booking a new ticket.
The KTN appears on your boarding pass only if it is linked to the ticket before you check in, so add it to existing reservations as soon as you have the number.
If your KTN does not appear on your boarding pass after you add it to your profile, contact Delta customer service before your flight to verify the link.

Get Your Known Traveler Number from TSA First

Before you can add anything to Delta, you need a KTN from TSA. You obtain this by explore for TSA PreCheck through the official TSA website (tsa.gov), paying the process fee (currently $78 to $85 depending on your state), and completing an in-person appointment at a TSA enrollment center or approved location. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from process to receiving your KTN in the mail.

Once TSA approves your process and sends you your KTN, write it down or save it somewhere you can find it easily. You will use this same nine-character code for every airline you fly, not just Delta. The KTN is what tells TSA and the airline that you have completed the background check and security vetting.

Add Your KTN to Your Delta SkyMiles Profile Online

Log into your Delta SkyMiles account on delta.com using your username and password. Click on your profile name or account settings, usually found in the top right corner of the page. Look for a section labeled "Frequent Flyer Information," "Travel Preferences," or "Known Traveler Number" — the exact label varies depending on when Delta last updated the website.

Paste or type your nine-character KTN into the field provided. Make sure you enter it exactly as TSA sent it to you, with no extra spaces or dashes. Save or update your profile. Delta will confirm that the number has been added. Once it is saved, the KTN will automatically appear on any new boarding passes you generate for flights booked under that SkyMiles account.

Add Your KTN When Booking a New Flight

If you are booking a Delta flight and have not yet added your KTN to your profile, you can enter it during the booking process. After you select your flights and enter your passenger information, look for a field asking about "Known Traveler Number," "TSA PreCheck," or "Frequent Flyer Preferences." Enter your KTN there before you complete the purchase.

Adding it during booking is faster than updating your profile afterward if you only fly occasionally. However, if you fly Delta regularly, adding it to your profile once means you will not have to enter it every time you book.

Update an Existing Reservation with Your KTN

If you already have a Delta ticket booked but did not include your KTN, you can add it to that reservation before you check in. Go to delta.com and select "Manage My Booking." Enter your confirmation number and last name, then click "Find Reservation." Once your booking appears, look for an option to edit passenger information or add frequent flyer details.

Add your KTN in the appropriate field and save the changes. The updated information will show on your next boarding pass printout or mobile boarding pass. Do this as soon as you have your KTN — the closer to your flight date, the better, to may support the system has time to process the change.

Verify Your KTN Appears on Your Boarding Pass

After you have added your KTN to Delta, check your boarding pass to confirm it worked. When you print your boarding pass or pull it up on your phone, look for a line that shows your KTN or says "TSA PreCheck" or "PreCheck." If you see it there, you are set — TSA will see it when you arrive at security.

If your KTN does not appear on your boarding pass even though you added it to your profile or reservation, contact Delta customer service before your flight. Call 1-800-221-1212 or use the chat feature on delta.com. Have your confirmation number and KTN ready. Delta can manually add it to your reservation if there was a system error.

What Happens at the Airport with TSA PreCheck

When you arrive at the airport, look for the TSA PreCheck security lane — it is usually marked with a blue sign and is separate from the standard security line. You will not need to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket, and you can leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag. The process is faster because TSA has already vetted you.

TSA PreCheck is valid for five years from the date you were approved. After five years, you will need to renew your membership through TSA to keep using it. When you renew, you will receive a new KTN, and you will need to update it in your Delta profile and any other airline accounts where you use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a TSA PreCheck number but it is not showing up on my Delta boarding pass?

First, verify that you entered the nine-character KTN correctly in your Delta profile — no extra spaces or dashes. If it is correct, contact Delta customer service at 1-800-221-1212 before your flight. There may be a system delay, or Delta may need to manually add it to your reservation. Bring your KTN and confirmation number when you call.

Can I add TSA PreCheck to my Delta account if I have not booked a flight yet?

Yes. You can add your KTN to your SkyMiles profile anytime, even if you have no upcoming reservations. Once it is in your profile, it will automatically appear on every boarding pass you generate for future Delta flights booked under that account.

Do I need to add my TSA PreCheck number to Delta every time I book a flight?

No. If you add your KTN to your SkyMiles profile once, it will appear on all future boarding passes automatically. You only need to enter it manually if you are booking as a guest without logging into your SkyMiles account, or if you are making changes to an old reservation that was created before you added your KTN to your profile.

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

If your KTN expires before your flight, you will not be able to use the TSA PreCheck lane at security. Renew your TSA PreCheck membership through tsa.gov before your flight date. Once you receive your new KTN, update it in your Delta profile and any existing reservations so the new number appears on your boarding pass.

Can I use the same KTN on multiple airline accounts?

Yes. Your TSA PreCheck KTN is universal and works with every airline. You can add the same nine-character number to your accounts with Delta, United, American, Southwest, and any other carrier. Each airline will display it on your boarding passes with them.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.