How to Add Your TSA PreCheck Number to the American Airlines App

Link your TSA PreCheck to American Airlines in the app

You can add your TSA PreCheck number directly in the American Airlines app under your profile settings. Open the app, go to your account menu, find the section for known traveler information or security details, and enter your TSA PreCheck number there. The app will store it and use it automatically when you check in for flights.

This takes about two minutes and means you won't have to type your TSA PreCheck number every time you book or check in. American Airlines will pass the information to TSA when you fly, so TSA sees it at the checkpoint.

You need your actual TSA PreCheck number before you start — the nine-character code that appears on your Known Traveler Number (KTN) documentation or in your TSA account. If you don't have it yet, you'll need to enroll in TSA PreCheck through the official TSA website or at an enrollment center first.

Key Takeaways

Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-character code you receive when you complete TSA PreCheck enrollment, separate from your American Airlines frequent flyer number.
The American Airlines app stores your TSA PreCheck number in your profile so it automatically appears on your boarding pass when you check in.
You can also add TSA PreCheck information during booking on the American Airlines website, though the app method is faster for future trips.
TSA PreCheck information syncs across American Airlines flights, so you only need to enter it once in your profile.

Step-by-step: adding TSA PreCheck in the American Airlines app

Start by opening the American Airlines app and signing into your account. Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) in the bottom right or top left corner, depending on your phone type. Look for a section labeled "Profile," "Account," "My Account," or "Settings" — the exact wording varies slightly between iPhone and Android versions.

Once you're in your account settings, scroll down to find "Traveler Information," "Known Traveler Number," "Security Information," or "TSA PreCheck." Tap that section. You'll see a field asking for your TSA PreCheck number or Known Traveler Number (KTN). Enter your nine-character TSA PreCheck number exactly as it appears on your TSA documentation.

After you enter the number, tap "Save" or "Update." The app will confirm the information was saved. You're done — the number now stays in your profile for all future American Airlines bookings and check-ins.

Where to find your TSA PreCheck number

Your TSA PreCheck number appears on several documents. If you received a physical TSA PreCheck card in the mail, the nine-character number is printed on the front. If you enrolled online, check the confirmation email TSA sent you — it includes your KTN. You can also log into your TSA account at tsa.gov, click "Manage Enrollment," and your number will display there.

The number is always nine characters and may include both letters and numbers. Write it down or have it visible before you open the American Airlines app, so you can enter it accurately. If you can't find your number and your TSA PreCheck enrollment is current, contact TSA directly through their website or call the enrollment center where you enrolled.

Adding TSA PreCheck during booking instead of in your profile

If you're booking a flight on the American Airlines app or website and haven't saved your TSA PreCheck number to your profile yet, you can enter it during the booking process. When you reach the passenger information screen, look for a field labeled "Known Traveler Number" or "TSA PreCheck." Enter your number there, and it will appear on that specific booking.

However, saving it to your profile once is simpler, because then you won't have to enter it again for future bookings. The app will automatically pull it from your profile every time you check in.

What happens after you add your TSA PreCheck number

Once your TSA PreCheck number is in the American Airlines system, it will print on your boarding pass when you check in online, at a kiosk, or at the counter. When you arrive at the airport security checkpoint, show your boarding pass and a valid ID. TSA will see your PreCheck status and direct you to the PreCheck lane, where you can leave shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and keep laptops and liquids in your bag.

The number stays active in your profile across all your American Airlines flights. If you book a flight under a different name (for example, if you got married), you may need to update your profile information so the name on your booking matches the name on your ID and TSA PreCheck enrollment.

Troubleshooting: your TSA PreCheck number isn't working

If you added your TSA PreCheck number to the American Airlines app but it's not appearing on your boarding pass, first check that you entered it correctly — the number is case-sensitive and must match exactly what TSA has on file. Log back into your profile and verify the entry character by character.

If the number is correct but still isn't showing on your boarding pass, try checking in again or contact American Airlines customer service. Sometimes the system needs a few hours to sync, especially if you just added the number. If your TSA PreCheck enrollment has expired or lapsed, TSA won't recognize the number at the checkpoint — you can check your enrollment status on the TSA website.

Keeping your TSA PreCheck information current

TSA PreCheck enrollment lasts five years. Before your enrollment expires, you'll receive a notification from TSA. When you renew, you'll receive a new KTN. Once you have the new number, go back into the American Airlines app and update your profile with the new TSA PreCheck number so your future boarding passes reflect the current enrollment.

If you change your legal name, you should update both your TSA PreCheck record (through the TSA website) and your American Airlines profile. The name on your boarding pass must match the name on your ID and your TSA PreCheck enrollment, or TSA won't recognize you at the checkpoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my TSA PreCheck number the same as my American Airlines frequent flyer number?

No. Your TSA PreCheck number is a nine-character code issued by TSA when you enroll in the PreCheck program. Your American Airlines frequent flyer number is a separate account number for earning miles and status. Both go in different fields in the American Airlines app.

Can I add TSA PreCheck to the American Airlines app if I'm not a frequent flyer member?

Yes. You don't need an American Airlines frequent flyer account to add TSA PreCheck to your profile. You only need a login to the American Airlines app, which you can create with just an email address and password.

What if I don't have my TSA PreCheck number memorized?

You can look it up on the TSA website by logging into your account, or check your TSA PreCheck card or the confirmation email from your enrollment. You can also call the TSA enrollment center where you enrolled and they can provide it over the phone.

Do I need to add my TSA PreCheck number to every airline's app?

Yes. Each airline maintains its own system, so you need to add your TSA PreCheck number to the app or website of every airline you fly with. Once you add it to American Airlines, it stays there for all your American Airlines flights, but other airlines won't see it.

Will adding TSA PreCheck to the app may provide I get PreCheck at the airport?

No. TSA PreCheck status on your boarding pass means you're may be able to access for the PreCheck lane, but TSA makes the final decision at the checkpoint. Occasionally TSA may direct PreCheck members to the standard security line, though this is uncommon.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.