You cannot add TSA PreCheck directly through Air France—you enroll separately with TSA, then link it to your Air France account

TSA PreCheck is a separate program you join through the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, not through any airline. Air France does not issue or manage TSA PreCheck memberships. Once you have an active TSA PreCheck number, you can add it to your Air France frequent flyer profile so the airline knows to display your PreCheck status on your boarding pass. This takes a few minutes in your Air France account settings.

The confusion happens because the enrollment and the linking are two different steps. You must complete the TSA enrollment first—which involves an process, a background check, and an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. Only after you receive your TSA PreCheck number can you connect it to Air France or any other airline.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA PreCheck enrollment happens through the TSA, not Air France, and requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center in your area.
  • You will receive a TSA PreCheck number after your background check clears, which typically takes one to three weeks.
  • Once you have your TSA PreCheck number, you add it to your Air France frequent flyer account in the profile settings under "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN".
  • Adding your TSA PreCheck number to Air France ensures the airline prints your PreCheck status on your boarding pass so security knows to use the expedited lane.

Enroll in TSA PreCheck before linking to Air France

Start by going to the official TSA PreCheck enrollment website at tsa.gov/precheck. Click "Enroll Now" and fill out the online process with your personal information, travel history, and background details. The process itself is free and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your passport, driver's license, or state ID to complete it.

After you submit the process, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions to schedule an in-person appointment. TSA PreCheck appointments are held at enrollment centers across the country—most are located inside airports, but some are at dedicated facilities or partnered locations like UPS stores. You can search for centers near you on the TSA website. Appointments are usually available within a few weeks, though availability varies by location.

At your appointment, a TSA officer will verify your identity, take your fingerprints for a background check, and collect your biometric data. Bring the documents listed in your confirmation email. The appointment takes about 15 minutes. You will pay the enrollment fee at this time—currently $78 to $85 depending on your state, though some states and military members receive discounts.

Wait for your TSA PreCheck number after the background check

After your appointment, TSA runs a background check that typically takes one to three weeks. You will receive an email when your check is complete. If approved, the email will include your TSA PreCheck number—a nine-digit code that starts with a letter. Save this number; you will need it to link to Air France and any other airline you fly.

If your background check is delayed or denied, TSA will send you a notice explaining why. You can appeal a denial, but the process takes additional time. Most applicants are approved without issues.

Add your TSA PreCheck number to your Air France account

Log into your Air France-KLM frequent flyer account at airfrance.com. Click on "My Profile" or "Account Settings" (the exact label depends on whether you are on the desktop or mobile site). Look for a section called "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," "TSA PreCheck," or "Security Information"—different airlines use different names for the same field.

Enter your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number in the field provided. Some accounts ask you to select the program type from a dropdown menu; choose "TSA PreCheck" if that option appears. Save your changes. The system will confirm that the number has been added to your profile.

Once your TSA PreCheck number is linked to Air France, the airline will print your PreCheck status on every boarding pass you receive for flights departing from U.S. airports. This tells TSA security officers that you are enrolled and may be able to access for the expedited screening lane.

Verify your TSA PreCheck appears on your boarding pass

After you book a flight on Air France, check your boarding pass—either the digital version in the Air France app or the printed version at the airport—to confirm your TSA PreCheck status is displayed. It usually appears as "TSA Pre✓" or "PreCheck" in the barcode area or near your name.

If your boarding pass does not show your PreCheck status, it may mean the airline did not sync your profile correctly, or you booked through a third-party site that does not pull your frequent flyer information. If this happens, you can still use your TSA PreCheck at security by telling the officer your PreCheck number or showing your PreCheck card (which you will receive in the mail after enrollment).

What to do if your TSA PreCheck number does not appear

If you added your TSA PreCheck number to Air France but it is not showing on your boarding pass, first check that you saved the changes correctly. Log back into your Air France account and verify the number is still there and spelled correctly. Sometimes a typo—especially with the letter at the beginning—will cause the system to reject it.

If the number is correct in your profile but still not appearing on your boarding pass, contact Air France customer service. Provide your TSA PreCheck number and your booking reference. The airline can manually add it to your reservation, though this is usually a temporary fix. The permanent solution is to may support your frequent flyer account is linked to your booking when you purchase your ticket.

As a backup, carry your TSA PreCheck card or a copy of your approval letter when you travel. You can show this to the security officer at the checkpoint even if your boarding pass does not display your PreCheck status. The officer can manually verify your enrollment in the TSA system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to enroll in TSA PreCheck through Air France?

No. TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program you enroll in directly through TSA, not through any airline. Air France cannot enroll you or issue a PreCheck number. You must go through tsa.gov to start the process.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck number on other airlines besides Air France?

Yes. Your TSA PreCheck number works on every airline that flies from U.S. airports. You can add it to your frequent flyer accounts with United, Delta, Southwest, or any other carrier. The number itself never changes.

What if I book my Air France flight through a travel website like Expedia or Kayak?

If you book through a third-party site, your TSA PreCheck status may not appear on your boarding pass because the booking is not linked to your Air France frequent flyer account. You can still use your PreCheck at security by showing your PreCheck card or telling the officer your number. To may support it appears on future bookings, book directly through Air France or link your frequent flyer account to the third-party site if that option is available.

How long does TSA PreCheck enrollment take from start to finish?

The online process takes about 10 minutes. Scheduling an appointment may take a few weeks depending on your location. Your in-person appointment is about 15 minutes. The background check takes one to three weeks. Total time is usually four to six weeks, though it can be faster in some areas.

Will my TSA PreCheck number work if I fly Air France from a non-U.S. airport?

TSA PreCheck only applies to flights departing from U.S. airports. If you fly Air France from Paris, London, or another international airport, you will not go through TSA security and your PreCheck status will not matter. You may be may be able to access for other expedited programs in those countries, but they are separate from TSA PreCheck.