Add TSA PreCheck to Southwest in Three Steps

You add TSA PreCheck to your Southwest account by linking your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in your profile on Southwest's website or mobile app. Southwest does not issue TSA PreCheck — you obtain that separately from the TSA — but once you have your KTN, connecting it to your airline account takes about two minutes and applies to all future bookings automatically.

The process works the same whether you booked your flight already or are booking new ones. Your KTN appears on your boarding pass and tells TSA agents you have completed PreCheck screening, which means you can go through expedited security lines at participating airports.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain your KTN from the TSA through their official PreCheck program before you can link it to Southwest.
  • Adding your KTN to Southwest takes two minutes and can be done on the website under "Manage My Booking" or in the mobile app under your profile.
  • Once linked, your KTN appears on every Southwest boarding pass you generate, even if you booked the flight before adding it.
  • You can update or remove your KTN at any time, and the change applies to all future reservations when ready.

Get Your Known Traveler Number from the TSA First

Before you can add anything to Southwest, you need a KTN from the TSA. You obtain this by enrolling in TSA PreCheck through the official TSA website or at an enrollment center in person. The TSA charges a fee for the five-year membership, and you must provide your legal name, date of birth, and other identifying information.

Once approved, the TSA sends you a KTN by email or mail. This is a nine-character code that proves you have completed the PreCheck background check. Write it down or save it — you will need it to link to Southwest and to any other airline you fly.

Link Your KTN on Southwest's Website

Go to Southwest.com and sign into your account. Click on your name or profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Manage Profile" or "Account Settings" depending on whether you are on desktop or mobile.

Look for a section labeled "Frequent Flyer" or "Travel Information." You will see a field for "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN." Paste or type your nine-character KTN into that field and save your changes. Southwest confirms the entry when ready and stores it in your profile.

Once saved, your KTN appears on every boarding pass you print or display on your phone for any Southwest flight, regardless of when you booked it. You do not need to re-enter it for each reservation.

Add Your KTN in the Southwest Mobile App

Open the Southwest app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right. Select "My Account" and then "Profile" or "Manage Profile."

Scroll down to find the "Known Traveler Number" field. Tap it, enter your KTN, and tap "Save." The app updates your profile within seconds. Your next boarding pass will show your KTN automatically.

Update or Remove Your KTN Anytime

If your KTN changes — for example, if you renew your TSA PreCheck membership and receive a new number — return to your Southwest profile and replace the old number with the new one. The change takes effect when ready for all future bookings.

If you no longer have TSA PreCheck or want to remove your KTN from Southwest, delete the number from your profile the same way you entered it. Removing it does not affect past bookings or your frequent flyer account; it only stops the KTN from appearing on future boarding passes.

What Happens at the Airport With Your KTN

When you arrive at security with a boarding pass that shows your KTN, TSA agents scan it and direct you to the PreCheck lane if one is available. PreCheck lanes move faster because you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and go through a less invasive screening process.

Not every airport has a dedicated PreCheck lane, and not every flight qualifies — some regional routes or smaller airports do not offer it. But having your KTN on your boarding pass never hurts and costs you nothing extra once you have paid for the TSA PreCheck membership itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my KTN to Southwest if I already booked a flight?

Yes. Add your KTN to your profile at any time, and it will appear on your boarding pass for that flight when you check in or print it. You do not need to rebook or contact Southwest.

What if I have multiple Southwest accounts?

Add your KTN to each account separately. Log into each account and enter your KTN in the profile section. Your KTN is the same across all accounts; you are just linking it to each one individually.

Do I need TSA PreCheck to fly Southwest?

No. TSA PreCheck is optional and costs extra. You can fly Southwest without it and go through standard security screening. PreCheck is a convenience for frequent travelers who want faster airport processing.

What if my boarding pass does not show my KTN?

Check that you entered your KTN correctly in your Southwest profile — verify there are no extra spaces or typos. If it is correct, your KTN may not have synced to that particular boarding pass. Generate a new one by checking in again or printing a fresh copy.

Can I use the same KTN on other airlines?

Yes. Your TSA PreCheck KTN works on every airline. Add it to your profile on American, United, Delta, and any other carrier you fly. The KTN is issued by the TSA, not by any single airline.