Add your TSA PreCheck number during booking or after

You can add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) — the nine-digit code TSA gave you when you enrolled in PreCheck — to your Delta boarding pass in two ways. The easiest is to enter it when you first book your flight online. If you already have a boarding pass, you can add it afterward through your Delta account or at the airport.

Delta will print your PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass once the number is linked. This tells TSA screeners at the checkpoint that you are enrolled and may be able to access for expedited screening. The process takes seconds and costs nothing.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-digit Known Traveler Number that appears on your TSA approval letter or in your TSA account online.
  • You can enter your KTN when booking a Delta flight, or add it to an existing boarding pass through your Delta account before you travel.
  • Delta will display a PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass once the number is linked, which tells TSA screeners you are enrolled.
  • Adding your number takes less than a minute and does not change your fare or ticket — it only unlocks the PreCheck screening lane at the airport.

Find your TSA PreCheck number before you book

Your Known Traveler Number is a nine-digit code that TSA mailed to you when your PreCheck enrollment was approved. It usually appears on the approval letter you received in the mail, or in an email from TSA.

If you cannot find the letter or email, log into your TSA account at tsa.gov. Click "View My Enrollment" and your KTN will display on the screen. Write it down or copy it — you will need it for every airline you fly.

If you enrolled in PreCheck but never received a number, or if your enrollment expired, contact TSA directly at 1-855-347-8371 before you book. They can confirm your status and provide your number.

Add your number when you book a Delta flight online

When you book on delta.com, the booking form includes a field for your Known Traveler Number. Look for it under "Frequent Flyer and Special Services" or a similar section — the exact label varies depending on whether you are logged into your Delta account.

Enter your nine-digit KTN exactly as it appears on your TSA letter. Do not add spaces or dashes. Delta will verify the number against TSA's database before you complete your purchase. If the number is invalid or does not match your name, Delta will flag it and ask you to correct it.

Once your booking is confirmed, your boarding pass will show a "TSA PreCheck" or "TSA Pre" indicator. You are ready to use the PreCheck lane at the airport.

Add your number to an existing Delta boarding pass

If you already booked your flight without entering your KTN, you can add it through your Delta account. Log into delta.com, find your reservation under "My Trips," and click "Manage My Booking." Look for an option to add or update your Known Traveler Number.

Enter your nine-digit KTN and save the change. Delta will update your boarding pass within minutes. You can check by downloading your boarding pass again or viewing it in the Fly Delta app.

If you cannot find the option online, you can also add your number at the airport ticket counter or gate before you board. The agent can enter it into your reservation, though this is slower than doing it online ahead of time.

What happens at the airport with your PreCheck boarding pass

When you arrive at security, the TSA officer will scan your boarding pass and see the PreCheck indicator. This tells them you have passed a TSA background check and are enrolled in the program. You will be directed to the PreCheck screening lane, which is usually shorter and moves faster than the standard line.

In the PreCheck lane, you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on. You can leave your laptop and liquids bag in your carry-on. The process is streamlined to move enrolled travelers through faster.

If your boarding pass does not show the PreCheck indicator, tell the officer before you enter the standard line. They can manually verify your enrollment status using your ID and KTN, though this takes longer than the automated scan.

Verify your PreCheck indicator before you travel

read your boarding pass to your phone or print it at home the day before you travel. Check that it clearly shows "TSA PreCheck," "TSA Pre," or a similar indicator. If it does not appear, log back into your Delta account and confirm that your KTN was saved correctly.

If the number is still not showing, contact Delta customer service at 1-800-221-1212 or through the Fly Delta app. They can troubleshoot the issue and resubmit your number if needed. Do this at least a few hours before your flight so there is time to fix it.

If you are traveling within the next 24 hours and cannot reach Delta, arrive at the airport extra early. TSA can verify your PreCheck enrollment manually using your ID and TSA approval letter, though the process will take longer than scanning your boarding pass.

Add your number to your Delta frequent flyer profile

You can save your Known Traveler Number to your SkyMiles account so it automatically fills in every time you book. Log into delta.com, go to "My Account," and find the section for "Frequent Flyer Information" or "Traveler Details."

Enter your nine-digit KTN and save it. From that point forward, Delta will pre-fill your KTN on every new booking you make with that account. This saves time if you fly Delta regularly and eliminates the risk of forgetting to add it.

If you have multiple SkyMiles accounts or book under different names, you will need to add your KTN to each account separately. Make sure the name on your TSA PreCheck enrollment matches the name on your airline ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my TSA PreCheck number is not showing on my Delta boarding pass?

First, check that you entered the nine-digit number correctly with no spaces or dashes. Log back into your Delta account and verify it was saved. If it is saved but still not showing on your boarding pass, contact Delta at 1-800-221-1212. They can resubmit it to TSA's system, which usually takes a few minutes to process.

Can I add my TSA PreCheck number after I check in at the airport?

Yes, but it is slower. If your boarding pass does not show the PreCheck indicator, tell the TSA officer at security. They can manually verify your enrollment using your ID and TSA approval letter, though you may not get into the PreCheck lane. It is better to add your number online before you arrive.

Do I need to add my TSA PreCheck number to every airline I fly?

Yes. Your Known Traveler Number is specific to you, not to Delta. Every airline you fly — United, American, Southwest, and others — needs your KTN in their system to show the PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass. You can save it to each airline's frequent flyer account to make it automatic.

What if my TSA PreCheck enrollment expired?

TSA PreCheck is valid for five years from your approval date. If your enrollment has expired, you cannot use the PreCheck lane until you renew. You can renew online at tsa.gov or at an enrollment center. Until then, do not enter an expired KTN on your boarding pass.

Does adding my TSA PreCheck number change my ticket price?

No. Your fare stays the same whether or not you add your KTN. The number only unlocks access to the PreCheck screening lane at the airport — it does not affect your ticket cost or seat assignment.