Link Your TSA PreCheck Number to American Airlines

You add TSA PreCheck to American Airlines by entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN) into your AAdvantage frequent flyer profile. American Airlines does not issue TSA PreCheck — the Transportation Security Administration does — but once you have your own KTN from TSA, you can store it in your airline account so it appears on your boarding pass automatically.

The process takes about five minutes and happens entirely online. You do not need to contact American Airlines directly or visit an airport. Once your KTN is linked, every boarding pass you print or read will carry that number, and TSA officers at security checkpoints will see it and direct you to the PreCheck lane.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number comes from the TSA, not American Airlines — you must obtain it separately through the TSA website or an enrollment center before you can add it to your airline account.
  • Log into your AAdvantage account on the American Airlines website, go to your profile settings, and paste your Known Traveler Number into the designated field under "Travel Information."
  • The number appears on your boarding pass within seconds of linking it, and you do not need to do anything else — it carries forward to all future American Airlines flights.
  • If your KTN does not show on your boarding pass after linking it, clear your browser cache, log out and back in, or contact American Airlines customer service to confirm the entry was saved.

Get Your TSA PreCheck Number First

Before you can add TSA PreCheck to American Airlines, you need a Known Traveler Number from the TSA. You obtain this by completing the TSA PreCheck enrollment process, which requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center, a background check, and a fee (currently $78 to $85 depending on the provider).

You can start the process at tsa.gov/precheck. The site will ask you to create an account, answer background questions, and schedule an appointment at a center near you. Enrollment centers are located in most major airports and many cities. After your appointment and background clearance, the TSA will issue you a nine-digit Known Traveler Number by email, usually within two to three weeks.

Keep that number in a safe place — you will use it every time you add TSA PreCheck to an airline account or update your profile.

Log Into Your AAdvantage Account and Find Profile Settings

Go to aa.com and sign into your AAdvantage account using your member number and password. If you do not have an AAdvantage account, you can create one for free on the same page — you do not need to be a frequent flyer or have booked a flight to open one.

Once you are logged in, look for "My Account" or "Profile" in the top navigation menu. Click it, then select "Profile Settings" or "Traveler Information." The exact wording varies slightly depending on whether you are on the desktop or mobile site, but the section you need always contains fields for personal details, passport information, and Known Traveler Numbers.

Enter Your Known Traveler Number in the Correct Field

In your profile settings, locate the field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN." This field is separate from your AAdvantage number and your frequent flyer status. Paste or type your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number exactly as it appears in your TSA email — no spaces, no dashes, no extra characters.

Some versions of the American Airlines website also ask you to select the program type from a dropdown menu. Make sure you select "TSA PreCheck" and not "Global Entry" or another trusted traveler program, even if you hold multiple programs. You can add multiple KTNs if you have them, but each one must be entered in its own field.

Click "Save" or "Update Profile" at the bottom of the page. The system will confirm the change when ready.

Verify the Number Appears on Your Boarding Pass

After you save your KTN, book a test flight or look at a recent booking in your AAdvantage account. When you view your itinerary or print your boarding pass, your Known Traveler Number should appear in the lower left corner or in a dedicated field, usually labeled "TSA PreCheck" or "KTN."

If the number does not appear right away, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then log out and back into your account. Sometimes the change takes a few minutes to sync across American Airlines' systems. If it still does not show after an hour, contact American Airlines customer service by phone or chat — they can confirm that your entry was saved and troubleshoot any technical issues.

What Happens at the Airport After You Add Your Number

Once your TSA PreCheck number is linked to your American Airlines account and appears on your boarding pass, you are ready to use it. At the security checkpoint, show your boarding pass to the TSA officer. They will scan it, see your KTN, and direct you to the TSA PreCheck lane if one is available at that airport.

In the PreCheck lane, you can leave your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, keep your laptop and liquids in your bag, and move through security faster than standard screening. Not every airport has a dedicated PreCheck lane — smaller airports may not offer it — but your boarding pass will always carry the number, and TSA officers will process you accordingly.

Your KTN stays in your AAdvantage profile indefinitely. You do not need to re-enter it for each flight or each year. If you book a flight on a different airline, you will need to add your KTN to that airline's frequent flyer account separately, but your American Airlines profile will keep it on file.

Troubleshooting: KTN Not Showing on Your Boarding Pass

If you have entered your Known Traveler Number into your AAdvantage profile but it does not appear on your boarding pass, start by confirming you entered it correctly. Log back into your profile settings and check that the nine-digit number matches exactly what the TSA sent you. A single wrong digit will prevent it from displaying.

Next, try booking a new flight or viewing an existing one in a different browser. Sometimes the boarding pass system caches old information. If you have already checked in for a flight, you may need to check in again after updating your profile for the new number to appear on that specific boarding pass.

If the number is correct and still not showing after trying these steps, contact American Airlines customer service. Provide them with your AAdvantage number and your KTN. They can verify that the entry was saved in their system and check whether there is a technical issue preventing it from printing on your boarding pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need TSA PreCheck to fly American Airlines?

No. TSA PreCheck is optional and costs money. You can fly American Airlines without it. PreCheck straightforward speeds up security screening if you have it. Standard security screening is always available to all passengers.

Can I add my TSA PreCheck number to American Airlines before my enrollment is complete?

No. You must receive your Known Traveler Number from the TSA first. You cannot add a number you do not yet have. Once the TSA issues your KTN by email, you can add it to your American Airlines account when ready.

Will my TSA PreCheck number work on flights with other airlines?

Your TSA PreCheck number is issued by the federal government and works at any airport and with any airline. However, you must add it to each airline's frequent flyer account separately for it to appear on that airline's boarding passes. Adding it to American Airlines does not automatically add it to United, Delta, or Southwest.

What if I lose my TSA PreCheck number?

Log into your TSA PreCheck account at tsa.gov/precheck using the same credentials you used to enroll. Your Known Traveler Number will be displayed there. You can also contact the TSA directly, and they will provide it to you.

Does adding TSA PreCheck to American Airlines cost extra?

No. Linking your number to your American Airlines account is free. The only cost is the TSA PreCheck enrollment fee itself, which you pay to the TSA when you enroll, not to American Airlines.