Adding TSA PreCheck to Your American Airlines Account

You can add your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN) directly in the American Airlines app under your profile settings. Once linked, your KTN will appear on your boarding pass automatically, letting TSA agents see it at security without you having to mention it. The process takes about two minutes and only needs to be done once.

The app stores your KTN in your frequent flyer profile, so it travels with every booking you make under that account. If you book a flight for someone else, you will need to add their KTN separately to their profile—the app does not let you enter someone else's number on your own account.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the American Airlines app, tap your profile icon, and select "Frequent Flyer" to find the Known Traveler Number field.
  • Your TSA PreCheck number is a 10-digit code that begins with your program membership type (usually "0" for TSA PreCheck).
  • Once saved, your KTN will print on every boarding pass you generate through the app or website under that account.
  • If you book flights for family members or colleagues, each person must add their own KTN to their own American Airlines profile.

Finding Your TSA PreCheck Number

Your TSA PreCheck number is printed on your membership card, which you received by mail when you completed your in-person appointment at an enrollment center. The number is a 10-digit code located on the front of the card, usually in the upper right corner. If you cannot find your card, you can also view your number by logging into your TSA PreCheck account at tsa.gov/precheck.

Log in with the same credentials you used when you enrolled, then look for your membership details or profile page. Your Known Traveler Number will be listed there. If you have forgotten your login information, TSA's website has a password reset option. Write down your 10-digit number before you open the American Airlines app—you will need to type it in.

Step-by-Step: Adding Your KTN in the App

Open the American Airlines app and tap the profile or account icon, usually located in the bottom right corner of the screen. Select "Frequent Flyer" or "My Profile" from the menu. Scroll down until you see a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "TSA PreCheck Number"—the exact wording varies slightly depending on your app version.

Tap the field and enter your 10-digit TSA PreCheck number. Double-check that you have typed it correctly, as even one wrong digit will prevent TSA from seeing your PreCheck status at the airport. Tap "Save" or "Update." The app will confirm that your number has been saved. You do not need to do anything else—your KTN is now linked to your account.

Verifying Your KTN Appears on Your Boarding Pass

The easiest way to confirm your KTN was saved correctly is to book a test flight or look at a recent booking in the app. Open your upcoming trip and tap "Boarding Pass." Your boarding pass will display your TSA PreCheck indicator near the top, usually as a small logo or the text "TSA PreCheck" printed alongside your name and confirmation number.

If you do not see your TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass, go back to your profile and check that the number was saved. Common mistakes include transposing digits, leaving out a digit, or accidentally adding a space. If the number looks correct in your profile but still is not showing on your boarding pass, try logging out of the app completely and logging back in, then check a new boarding pass.

What Happens at Airport Security

When you arrive at the TSA PreCheck lane at the airport, the agent will scan your boarding pass. Your TSA PreCheck status will appear in their system, and they will direct you to the PreCheck screening line. You will not need to remove your shoes, belt, light jacket, or laptop—you can leave them in your carry-on bag. Liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces are still not allowed, but the overall process is faster.

Your KTN works at every airport in the United States, not just those served by American Airlines. If you fly on another airline, you can add your KTN to that airline's app or website the same way. TSA PreCheck status is tied to your membership, not to any single airline.

If You Booked Through a Third-Party Website

If you booked your American Airlines flight through a travel website like Expedia, Kayak, or Google Flights, your confirmation number is still valid, but you may need to add it to the American Airlines app manually. Open the app, tap "Trips," and select "Add a Booking." Enter your confirmation number and last name. Once the flight appears in your American Airlines account, your saved KTN will automatically show on the boarding pass.

Some third-party sites do not pass your KTN to the airline's system, even if you entered it during booking. Adding the flight to your American Airlines account ensures your PreCheck status is visible to TSA. This step takes less than a minute and is worth doing before you head to the airport.

Updating or Removing Your KTN

If your TSA PreCheck membership expires or you renew it with a new number, you can update your KTN in the app the same way you added it. Go to your profile, find the Known Traveler Number field, and replace the old number with the new one. Save the change. Your new number will appear on all future boarding passes.

If you want to remove your KTN from your American Airlines account—for example, if your membership has lapsed and you do not plan to renew it—go to the same field and delete the number, then save. Your boarding passes will no longer display a TSA PreCheck indicator, but you can add a new number at any time if you renew your membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does adding my KTN to the American Airlines app cost anything?

No. Linking your TSA PreCheck number to your American Airlines account is free. You only pay for TSA PreCheck membership itself, which is a separate service managed by the Department of Homeland Security.

Will my KTN work if I book a flight on American Airlines' website instead of the app?

Yes. Your KTN is saved to your frequent flyer profile, so it appears on boarding passes whether you book through the app, the website, or by phone. The number stays with your account, not with a specific booking method.

What if I have TSA PreCheck but the app will not let me enter my number?

Make sure you are logged into your American Airlines frequent flyer account, not just browsing as a guest. If you are logged in and the field is still missing or locked, try updating the app to the latest version. If the problem continues, contact American Airlines customer service—they can add your KTN to your account manually.

Can I add someone else's TSA PreCheck number to my American Airlines account?

No. Each person must add their own KTN to their own frequent flyer profile. If you are booking a flight for a family member or colleague who has TSA PreCheck, they will need to add their number to their own American Airlines account to see it on their boarding pass.

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

No. Once you add your KTN to your profile, it stays there permanently and appears on every boarding pass you generate under that account. You only need to update it if your membership number changes or if you renew your TSA PreCheck with a new number.