Link Your TSA PreCheck Number to British Airways

You add TSA PreCheck to British Airways by entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in your British Airways frequent flyer profile. British Airways does not issue TSA PreCheck — you obtain that separately from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration — but once you have your KTN, linking it takes about five minutes online.

The KTN is a nine-character code that TSA sends you after you complete the TSA PreCheck enrollment process and pay the fee. You will need this number before you can add it to any airline account, including British Airways.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck KTN comes from the TSA, not from British Airways, and you must obtain it before you can link it to your airline account.
  • You add your KTN to British Airways through your Executive Club profile on the British Airways website or mobile app.
  • After you add your KTN, it appears on your boarding pass automatically when you book a flight with British Airways.
  • The KTN must match the name on your airline ticket exactly, or TSA PreCheck benefits will not work at airport security.

Where to Find Your TSA PreCheck KTN

Your KTN appears in the approval email TSA sends you after you complete your in-person appointment and background check. The email subject line is usually "TSA PreCheck process Status" or similar. Open that email and look for a nine-character code — it may be labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "Trusted Traveler Number."

If you cannot find the email, log into your TSA PreCheck account at universalenroll.dhs.gov. Click "View My process Status" and your KTN will appear on that page. You can also call the TSA PreCheck enrollment center at 1-855-347-8371 to request your number by phone, though having it in writing is faster.

Steps to Add Your KTN to British Airways Online

Start on the British Airways website at ba.com. Log into your Executive Club account using your email and password. If you do not have an Executive Club account, you will need to create one first — it is free and takes about two minutes.

Once logged in, look for "Manage My Bookings" or "My Account" in the top menu. Click on "Frequent Flyer Details" or "Profile Settings" (the exact wording varies by whether you are on the desktop or mobile site). Scroll down until you see a field labeled "Known Traveler Number," "KTN," or "Trusted Traveler Program Number."

Enter your nine-character KTN exactly as it appears in your TSA PreCheck approval email. Do not add spaces or dashes. Click "Save" or "Update." British Airways will confirm the entry was successful with a message on screen. The whole process takes about two minutes once you are logged in.

Adding Your KTN Through the British Airways Mobile App

Open the British Airways mobile app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Tap "My Account" or "Profile." Look for "Frequent Flyer Details" or "Trusted Traveler Information."

Tap the field for Known Traveler Number and enter your nine-character KTN. Tap "Save" or "Done." The app will confirm the entry. This method works the same way as the website and takes the same amount of time.

Verifying Your KTN Appears on Your Boarding Pass

After you add your KTN to British Airways, it should appear automatically on your boarding pass the next time you book a flight. To check, book a test flight (you do not have to purchase it) and look at the boarding pass preview. Your KTN should appear in a field labeled "TSA PreCheck" or "Known Traveler Number" near your name and confirmation number.

If your KTN does not appear after 24 hours, log back into your British Airways account and confirm the number was saved correctly. Common mistakes include typing the number with spaces, using the wrong number, or entering it under a different name than the one on your ticket. The name on your ticket must match the name on your TSA PreCheck approval exactly, or the TSA will not recognize the number at security.

What Happens at Airport Security With Your KTN

When you arrive at the airport with your boarding pass showing your KTN, TSA officers will direct you to the TSA PreCheck security line, which is usually shorter and moves faster than the standard line. You will not have to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket, and you can leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag.

TSA PreCheck works at most major U.S. airports and some international airports where flights depart to the United States. British Airways flights from London to the U.S. may have access to, as do flights from other European cities. The benefit applies only to U.S. security screening, not to security screening in other countries.

Troubleshooting: KTN Not Showing on Your Boarding Pass

If you added your KTN to British Airways but it does not appear on your boarding pass, check these three things first. One: confirm the name on your ticket matches the name on your TSA PreCheck approval letter exactly, including middle initials and spelling. Two: wait 24 hours after adding the KTN, because British Airways systems sometimes take time to sync. Three: log out of your British Airways account completely and log back in, then check your profile to confirm the KTN was actually saved.

If the KTN still does not appear after 24 hours and your name matches, contact British Airways customer service through their website or call 1-800-247-9297 from the U.S. Have your KTN and booking reference ready. British Airways can manually add the KTN to your reservation if the automatic sync fails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need TSA PreCheck to fly British Airways?

No. TSA PreCheck is optional and costs money to obtain. You can fly British Airways without it. TSA PreCheck only speeds up security screening at U.S. airports; it is not required to board any flight.

Can I use the same KTN on multiple airlines?

Yes. Your KTN is issued by the TSA and works on any airline. You can add it to British Airways, American Airlines, United, and every other carrier. You only need one KTN, and you do not pay per airline.

What if I have Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck?

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits. Your Global Entry membership number can be used as your KTN on airline accounts. Add it to British Airways the same way you would add a TSA PreCheck number.

How long does TSA PreCheck take to process?

TSA PreCheck processing takes four to six weeks from your in-person appointment date. You receive your KTN by email when approval is complete. You cannot add it to British Airways until you have the KTN in hand.

Will my KTN work if I book through a travel agent?

Yes, as long as the travel agent books the flight under your name and the name matches your TSA PreCheck approval. Some travel agents can add the KTN directly; others require you to add it yourself through British Airways after the booking is made.