Add your TSA PreCheck number in the United app through your profile settings

To use TSA PreCheck when you fly United, you need to connect your PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your United account. The fastest way is through the United mobile app: open it, go to your profile, find the "TSA PreCheck" or "Known Traveler Number" field, and enter your nine-digit KTN. United will then display your PreCheck status on your boarding pass, which the TSA officer scans at security.

You can also add your KTN on United's website by logging into your account, navigating to your profile or account settings, and entering the number in the same field. Either method takes less than two minutes and does not require you to contact United directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number is a nine-digit code that you receive when you enroll in the TSA PreCheck program through the official TSA website.
  • Adding your KTN to United through the app or website links your PreCheck status to your boarding pass automatically for all future flights.
  • You must add your KTN before you book your flight for it to appear on that boarding pass; adding it after booking may not update the pass you already have.
  • If your KTN does not appear on your boarding pass after you add it to your account, contact United customer service to verify the number was entered correctly.

Where to find your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number

Your KTN is printed on the back of your TSA PreCheck card, which you receive by mail after you complete enrollment through the official TSA PreCheck program. The number is nine digits long and appears in the lower right corner of the card. If you cannot find your card, you can also view your KTN by logging into your TSA PreCheck account on the official TSA website (tsa.gov) under "Manage Your Enrollment."

Do not confuse your KTN with your confirmation number from when you enrolled. The confirmation number is temporary and used only during the enrollment process. Your KTN is permanent and stays the same for the entire five-year validity of your PreCheck membership.

Steps to add your KTN in the United app

Open the United app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Profile" or "Account Settings" depending on your app version. Scroll down until you see a field labeled "TSA PreCheck," "Known Traveler Number," or "KTN." Tap that field and enter your nine-digit number exactly as it appears on your card, with no spaces or dashes. Tap "Save" or "Done."

United will confirm that the number was saved. Your PreCheck status should now appear on all boarding passes you generate after that point, marked with a "TSA Pre✓" indicator or similar label. If you do not see it on your next boarding pass, wait a few hours for the system to update, then check again.

Adding your KTN on the United website

Go to united.com and log into your account using your email and password. Click on your name or profile icon in the top right corner and select "Profile" or "Account Settings." Look for a section labeled "Travel Information," "Frequent Flyer Details," or "Known Traveler Information." Find the field for TSA PreCheck or KTN and enter your nine-digit number. Click "Save Changes."

The website method works the same way as the app and updates your account across all devices. If you add your KTN on the website, it will also appear in the app once you refresh or log out and back in.

When your PreCheck status appears on your boarding pass

United adds your PreCheck indicator to your boarding pass only if your KTN is linked to your account before you check in for that flight. If you add your KTN after you have already checked in or received your boarding pass, that pass will not show PreCheck. You will need to check in again or request a new boarding pass at the airport.

For future flights, as long as your KTN remains in your United account, every boarding pass you generate will include your PreCheck status automatically. You do not need to re-enter the number for each flight.

What to do if your PreCheck does not show on your boarding pass

If you added your KTN but your boarding pass still does not display a PreCheck indicator, first verify that you entered the number correctly by checking it against your TSA PreCheck card. Common mistakes include transposing digits or accidentally adding spaces. Log back into your United account and confirm the number matches exactly.

If the number is correct, contact United customer service by phone, chat, or the app's help section and provide your confirmation number and the KTN you entered. United can check whether the number was saved to your account and whether there is a mismatch between your United profile and the TSA database. In rare cases, the TSA database may not have updated yet after you enrolled, and waiting 24 to 48 hours can resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my TSA PreCheck number before I book a flight?

Yes. You can add your KTN to your United account at any time, whether you have booked a flight or not. Once it is in your account, it will appear on all boarding passes you generate going forward, including ones for flights you book after adding the number.

What if I have TSA PreCheck but do not have a United account yet?

Create a free United account on the website or app first, then add your KTN to your profile. You do not need to be a frequent flyer member to link your PreCheck number, though joining the frequent flyer program is free and lets you earn miles.

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

No. Once you add your KTN to your United account, it stays there permanently. Every boarding pass you generate will include your PreCheck status unless you remove the number from your profile.

What happens if my TSA PreCheck expires?

When your PreCheck membership expires, the TSA database will no longer recognize your KTN as active. United will stop showing the PreCheck indicator on your boarding passes. You will need to renew your PreCheck enrollment through the TSA website and then update your KTN in United if the number changes.

Can I add multiple TSA PreCheck numbers to one United account?

No. United allows one KTN per account. If you have multiple PreCheck numbers (for example, if you renewed early and received a new card), use the current active number. Contact United customer service if you need to update your number.