Link your TSA PreCheck number to Delta during booking or after

You add TSA PreCheck to Delta by entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN) when you book a flight or by adding it to an existing reservation. Delta does not issue TSA PreCheck itself — you obtain that through the TSA, and then you tell Delta your KTN so the airline can print it on your boarding pass. The number appears in the barcode at the airport, which signals to TSA that you have already been vetted and can use expedited screening lanes.

The process takes less than a minute and can be done on Delta's website, through the Fly Delta app, or by phone. Once you add your KTN to your Delta profile, it will automatically populate on all future bookings under that account, so you only have to enter it once.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number comes from the TSA directly, not from Delta, and you must obtain it before you can link it to your airline account.
  • You can add your KTN to a Delta reservation at the time of booking or edit an existing reservation to add it before your flight.
  • Adding your number to your Delta profile means it will appear automatically on every boarding pass you print or receive through that account.
  • If your KTN does not appear on your boarding pass at the airport, contact Delta at the ticket counter before you go through security.

Add your KTN during a new Delta booking

When you book a flight on Delta's website or app, you will see a field for your Known Traveler Number after you enter your passenger details. Type your nine-digit KTN into that field. If you have multiple passengers on the same reservation, each person needs their own KTN entered separately — you cannot use one number for the whole group.

After you complete the booking, your confirmation email will show your KTN in the passenger information section. When you check in online or at the airport, the number will print on your boarding pass. If you do not see it on your pass, ask the agent at the counter to add it before you proceed to security.

Add your KTN to an existing Delta reservation

If you already booked a flight without entering your KTN, you can add it to that reservation at any time before you travel. Go to Delta's website, select "Manage My Booking," and enter your confirmation number and last name. Once you pull up your reservation, look for the passenger details section and select the option to edit or add information.

Enter your KTN in the Known Traveler Number field, save the changes, and your updated boarding pass will reflect the number the next time you check in online or print it at the airport. You can make this change up to 24 hours before departure, though it is safer to do it as soon as you realize you forgot it.

Save your KTN to your Delta profile for automatic inclusion

To avoid entering your number on every booking, add it to your Delta SkyMiles account profile. Log into your account on Delta's website, go to "My Profile," and look for the section labeled "Travel Information" or "Known Traveler Number." Enter your nine-digit KTN and save the changes.

Once your KTN is saved to your profile, Delta will automatically include it on every boarding pass generated from that account. This works whether you book online, through the app, or over the phone. If you travel with family members who have their own TSA PreCheck numbers, each person needs their own Delta account with their own KTN saved to it.

What to do if your KTN does not appear on your boarding pass

Sometimes the number fails to print on your boarding pass even though you entered it correctly. This can happen if there is a delay in the system updating or if the airline's computer did not sync with the TSA database. Check your boarding pass before you leave the ticket counter — if your KTN is missing, ask the agent to manually add it or reprint your pass.

If the agent cannot add it at the counter, you can still use TSA PreCheck at security by showing your TSA PreCheck card or your Known Traveler Number on your phone. The TSA officer can look up your number in their system even if it is not printed on your pass. Bring your ID and your TSA PreCheck card or documentation to make this easier.

Troubleshooting: KTN rejected or not recognized

If Delta rejects your KTN or says it is invalid, double-check that you are entering exactly nine digits with no spaces or dashes. Your KTN is a number only — it does not include letters. If you are unsure of your number, log into your TSA PreCheck account at tsa.gov to confirm it, or check your TSA PreCheck card or approval letter.

If your number is correct but Delta still will not accept it, your TSA PreCheck membership may have expired. TSA PreCheck is valid for five years from the date you were approved. Check your TSA account to see your expiration date. If it has passed, you will need to renew your membership with the TSA before Delta can link it to your account. Once renewed, wait 24 hours for the TSA database to update, then try adding your number to Delta again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need TSA PreCheck before I can add it to Delta?

Yes. You must obtain TSA PreCheck from the TSA first by completing an process and an in-person appointment. Delta cannot issue it for you. Once you have been approved and have your KTN, then you can link it to your Delta account.

Will adding my KTN to Delta work for other airlines?

No. Your KTN is a TSA credential that works at any airport, but you must enter it separately with each airline you fly. Adding it to Delta does not add it to United, American, Southwest, or any other carrier. You will need to add your number to each airline's website or app.

Can I add someone else's TSA PreCheck number to my Delta account?

No. Each passenger must have their own Delta account with their own KTN. You cannot use a family member's number on your reservation or profile. If you are booking for multiple people, each person needs their own account or you must enter each person's individual KTN during the booking process.

What if I lose my TSA PreCheck number?

Log into your TSA PreCheck account at tsa.gov using your username and password. Your Known Traveler Number will be displayed in your account dashboard. You can also call the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 to request your number over the phone.

Does adding my KTN to Delta cost extra?

No. Linking your TSA PreCheck number to Delta is free. You already paid for TSA PreCheck when you applied to the program, and Delta does not charge a fee to add your number to your account or boarding pass.