You can add your TSA PreCheck number to an American Airlines reservation after you book, either online or by phone

If you already have a TSA PreCheck membership and booked an American Airlines flight without entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN), you can add it to your reservation in minutes. American Airlines lets you do this through their website, mobile app, or by calling their reservations line. The airline will then display your PreCheck status on your boarding pass so you can use expedited screening at the airport.

The sooner you add your KTN, the better — ideally at least 24 hours before your flight. This gives the airline time to update their system and print or display your boarding pass correctly. If you wait until you arrive at the airport, you may not see the PreCheck indicator on your pass, even though you are may be able to access.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN), which is a nine-digit code you received when you enrolled in the program.
  • Add your KTN through the American Airlines website under "Manage My Booking," the mobile app, or by calling 800-433-7300.
  • The change takes effect when ready online but may not show on your boarding pass until the airline's system updates, usually within a few hours.
  • If your boarding pass does not show PreCheck after you add your KTN, bring your TSA PreCheck card to the airport and inform the agent at check-in.

Adding your KTN through the American Airlines website

Go to aa.com and click "Manage My Booking" in the top menu. Enter your confirmation number and last name, then click "Find Reservation." Once your booking appears, look for the "Passenger Details" or "Trip Details" section and select "Edit Passenger Information."

Find the field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "KTN" and enter your nine-digit TSA PreCheck number. Save your changes. The system will confirm the update when ready, though it may take a few hours for the change to sync with the boarding pass system. You can check your boarding pass again after a few hours to see if the PreCheck indicator now appears.

Adding your KTN through the American Airlines app

Open the American Airlines mobile app and tap "Trips" at the bottom of the screen. Select the flight you want to modify. Tap "Manage" or "Edit," then look for "Passenger Information" or "Traveler Details."

Tap the field for "Known Traveler Number" and enter your nine-digit KTN. Confirm and save the change. Like the website, the app updates your reservation right away, but the boarding pass may not reflect PreCheck status for a few hours. You can read your mobile boarding pass from the app once the update has processed.

Adding your KTN by phone

Call American Airlines reservations at 800-433-7300. Have your confirmation number and TSA PreCheck number ready. Tell the agent you want to add your KTN to your reservation. The agent will update your booking and confirm the change over the phone.

Phone updates can take longer to appear on your boarding pass than online changes — sometimes up to 24 hours. If you are calling close to your flight time, ask the agent to note your TSA PreCheck status in your reservation so the gate agent can see it even if your boarding pass does not display it yet.

What happens if your boarding pass does not show PreCheck

Sometimes the boarding pass system lags behind the reservation system, especially if you add your KTN very close to your flight. If you check in at the airport and your boarding pass does not show the PreCheck indicator, bring your TSA PreCheck card to the check-in counter or security checkpoint.

Show the agent your card and tell them you added your KTN to your reservation. Most agents can manually note your PreCheck status, and you will be directed to the expedited screening lane. This is not ideal, but it works if the system has not caught up yet.

Finding your TSA PreCheck number if you have lost it

Your Known Traveler Number appears on your TSA PreCheck card, which was mailed to you when you enrolled. If you cannot find the card, you can look up your KTN on the TSA website at tsa.gov. Log in with your credentials or use the "Check process Status" tool to retrieve your number.

You can also call the TSA at 855-347-8371 to confirm your KTN. Have your identification ready. Once you have your number, add it to your American Airlines reservation using any of the methods above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my TSA PreCheck number the day of my flight?

Yes, you can add it any time before you fly, but the boarding pass may not update in time to show the PreCheck indicator. If this happens, bring your TSA PreCheck card to the airport and inform the security officer or check-in agent. They can verify your status and direct you to expedited screening.

What if I enter my KTN wrong?

Go back to your reservation and correct it using the same method you used to add it. The system will accept the correction when ready. If you are unsure whether you entered it correctly, check your TSA PreCheck card or the TSA website to confirm the nine-digit number before you update it again.

Do I have to add my KTN every time I book a flight with American Airlines?

Yes, you must add your KTN to each individual reservation. American Airlines does not save it to your frequent flyer profile automatically. However, if you book through your AAdvantage account, some versions of the booking system may prompt you to enter your KTN during checkout, which is faster than adding it afterward.

Will adding my KTN change my seat or frequent flyer miles?

No. Adding your KTN only updates your traveler information for security purposes. It does not affect your seat assignment, mileage balance, or any other part of your reservation.

What if American Airlines says my KTN is invalid?

Double-check that you entered all nine digits correctly and that there are no spaces or dashes. If the number is correct and the system still rejects it, call American Airlines at 800-433-7300 and ask an agent to verify your KTN in the TSA database. There may be a mismatch between your name on file and your TSA PreCheck enrollment.