Link your TSA PreCheck number to Delta during or after booking

You add TSA PreCheck to Delta by entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in your Delta account or at booking. Delta does not issue TSA PreCheck—you get that separately from TSA—but once you have your KTN, linking it to Delta takes a few minutes online. The number then appears on your boarding pass automatically, which tells TSA screeners you have already been vetted.

You can add your KTN before you book a flight, after you book, or even at check-in. The earlier you add it, the sooner it shows on your boarding pass. If you have not yet received your KTN because you are still waiting for TSA to process your process, you can add it later—Delta will update your past bookings if you provide the number within a certain window.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TSA PreCheck number (KTN) comes from TSA, not Delta, and you must obtain it before you can link it to your airline account.
  • You can add your KTN to Delta online through your account, during the booking process, or at check-in, and it will appear on your boarding pass.
  • If you add your KTN after booking, Delta can update your existing reservations, though the timing depends on how close your flight is.
  • TSA PreCheck is valid for five years, and you should update your Delta account if you renew your KTN before your old one expires.

Add your KTN to your Delta account online

Log into your Delta account at delta.com and go to your profile or account settings. Look for a section labeled "Known Traveler Number," "TSA PreCheck," or "Trusted Traveler Programs." Enter your nine-digit KTN exactly as it appears on your TSA PreCheck approval notice. Save the changes.

Once you save your KTN, it applies to all future bookings under that account. When you book a new flight, the number will be pre-filled. If you have already booked a flight and add your KTN afterward, Delta will update that reservation if there is enough time before departure—typically at least 24 hours, though this can vary.

Add your KTN during the booking process

When you book a flight on delta.com, you will see a field for "Known Traveler Number" or "Trusted Traveler Information" during the passenger details section. Enter your nine-digit KTN there. Double-check that you have typed it correctly, because errors will prevent TSA from matching you at the airport.

If you are booking for multiple passengers, each person needs their own KTN if they have one. Travelers without TSA PreCheck can leave that field blank. The KTN you enter at booking will appear on the boarding pass for that specific reservation.

Add your KTN at check-in if you forgot earlier

If you did not add your KTN before arriving at the airport, you can still add it at the check-in counter or kiosk. Tell the agent you have TSA PreCheck and provide your nine-digit KTN. They can manually add it to your boarding pass, though this takes a few extra minutes.

Adding your KTN at check-in is less ideal than adding it online beforehand, because the updated boarding pass may not print in time for you to use the TSA PreCheck lane. To be safe, add your KTN to your account or booking as soon as you have it.

What to do if you have not received your KTN yet

If you have applied for TSA PreCheck but have not yet received your approval notice with your KTN, you cannot add it to Delta yet. TSA typically mails your KTN within two to three weeks of your in-person appointment, though processing times vary. You can check the status of your process on the TSA website using your process receipt number.

Once your KTN arrives, add it to your Delta account right away. If you have a flight booked before your KTN arrives, you can add the number to that reservation after you receive it, as long as there is time before departure. Contact Delta customer service if you are unsure whether your reservation can still be updated.

Update your KTN when you renew TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is valid for five years. When you renew, you will receive a new KTN. Log back into your Delta account and update your profile with the new number. This ensures that your boarding passes show the current, valid KTN rather than the expired one.

If you renew your TSA PreCheck before your old one expires, you may have a brief overlap where both numbers are active. Use the new KTN going forward. If you have flights booked under your old KTN, contact Delta to update those reservations if you want to switch to the new number before those flights depart.

Verify your KTN appears on your boarding pass

After you add your KTN to Delta, check your boarding pass to confirm the number is there. When you check in online or at a kiosk, your boarding pass should display your KTN in a field labeled "TSA PreCheck," "Known Traveler Number," or similar language. If the number does not appear, contact Delta before you go to the airport.

At the security checkpoint, show your boarding pass with the KTN visible. TSA will see the number and direct you to the TSA PreCheck lane if one is available at your airport. Not all airports have dedicated PreCheck lanes, so you may go through standard screening even with a valid KTN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add TSA PreCheck to Delta if I do not have a Delta account?

You can enter your KTN during booking without an account, but creating a free Delta account makes it easier to store your KTN permanently so it auto-fills on future bookings. You can create an account at delta.com in a few minutes with your email and a password.

What if I enter my KTN wrong on my boarding pass?

Contact Delta customer service before your flight to correct it. If you catch the error at the airport, tell the agent at check-in or the TSA officer at security. They may be able to verify your identity and allow you through the PreCheck lane anyway, but do not rely on this—correct the number in advance if possible.

Does adding TSA PreCheck to Delta cost extra?

No. Linking your existing KTN to your Delta account is free. The cost of TSA PreCheck itself—currently $78 to $85 for five years—is paid to TSA when you explore, not to Delta. Delta does not charge a fee to store or use your KTN.

Will my KTN work on other airlines besides Delta?

Yes. Your TSA PreCheck number is issued by TSA and works on all airlines. You can add the same KTN to your accounts with United, American, Southwest, and other carriers. Each airline stores it separately in their system.

What if my flight is booked under a different name than my TSA PreCheck?

Your name on your booking must match your government ID and your TSA PreCheck process exactly. If there is a mismatch, TSA may not recognize you at security even if your KTN is on your boarding pass. Contact Delta to correct your name on the reservation before your flight.