Adding TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to your United account takes about five minutes and requires your Known Traveler Number or CLEAR membership number

The United app lets you store your TSA PreCheck or CLEAR information directly in your profile so the airline has it when you check in. You do not need to carry a separate card or remember your number at the airport. Once you add it, United includes it on your boarding pass automatically.

The process is the same whether you have PreCheck, CLEAR, or both. You will need your membership number and your date of birth. If you do not have your number handy, you can find it on your membership card, in your email confirmation from TSA or CLEAR, or by logging into their websites.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add your TSA PreCheck or CLEAR number to the United app in the profile or account settings section under "Known Traveler Information" or a similar heading.
  • Your membership number is the only information United needs; you do not have to upload documents or verify anything through the app.
  • Once added, your number appears on every boarding pass you generate through the app, whether you book through United or another airline.
  • If you have both PreCheck and CLEAR, you can add both numbers to the same United account.

Finding your Known Traveler Number

Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is an eight-character code that TSA assigns when you enroll in PreCheck. It appears on your PreCheck card in the bottom right corner. If you cannot find your card, log into your TSA PreCheck account at tsa.gov, go to your profile, and your KTN will be listed there.

If you enrolled in PreCheck through a third party—such as a credit card company or Global Entry—your KTN is still in your TSA account. Log in with the same credentials you used to enroll, and you will see your number in the account summary.

For CLEAR, your membership number is different from a KTN. It is a longer alphanumeric code that appears on your CLEAR card and in your CLEAR app account. Log into clearme.com if you need to retrieve it.

Steps to add your number in the United app

Open the United app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select Profile or Account Settings—the exact wording varies depending on your app version. Look for a section labeled Known Traveler Information, TSA PreCheck, or Security Information.

Tap Add or Edit next to the field for your Known Traveler Number. Type your eight-character KTN exactly as it appears on your card or in your TSA account. If you have CLEAR, there will be a separate field for that number; add it the same way. Tap Save when you are done.

The app will not ask you to verify your number or upload any documents. United trusts the information you enter and will include it on your boarding pass the next time you check in. You can check that it worked by looking at your next digital boarding pass in the app—your KTN or CLEAR number should appear in the barcode area or in the flight details.

What happens after you add your number

Once your number is in your United profile, it automatically transfers to every boarding pass you generate through the United app. This includes flights you book directly with United and flights booked through other airlines or travel websites, as long as you pull up your boarding pass in the United app.

At the airport, TSA and CLEAR staff will scan your boarding pass and see your membership number. This tells them you are enrolled and may be able to access for PreCheck or CLEAR lanes. You do not have to tell the agent or show a separate card.

If you book a flight and do not see your number on your boarding pass, go back to your profile and double-check that you entered it correctly. Numbers are case-sensitive in some systems, so make sure you typed uppercase and lowercase letters exactly as they appear on your card.

Adding your number to flights booked elsewhere

If you booked a flight through another airline's app or a travel website like Expedia or Kayak, you can still add your TSA PreCheck or CLEAR information to that booking. Most airlines and travel sites have a section where you can enter your Known Traveler Number before you check in.

However, the easiest way is to add your number to your United profile first, then pull up your confirmation number in the United app. Even if you booked elsewhere, United can usually retrieve your flight and display your boarding pass with your PreCheck or CLEAR number included.

If the United app cannot find your flight, you will need to add your number directly through the airline that issued your ticket or through the travel website where you booked. The process is similar: find your profile or booking settings, locate the Known Traveler Information field, and enter your number.

Troubleshooting if your number does not appear

If you added your number but it is not showing on your boarding pass, first check that you entered it correctly. Go back to your profile, tap Edit next to your Known Traveler Information, and verify every character matches your card or TSA account.

If the number is correct, try closing the United app completely and reopening it. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to display updated information. Generate a new boarding pass for your flight and check again.

If your number still does not appear after a refresh, contact United customer service through the app or call them directly. They can confirm that your number was saved to your account and troubleshoot why it is not printing on your boarding pass. This is rare, but it can happen if there is a temporary sync issue between United and TSA or CLEAR systems.

Keeping your information current

If you renew your TSA PreCheck or CLEAR membership, your number may change. When you receive your new card or confirmation email, log back into the United app and update your profile with the new number. Do not wait until your flight day to make this change.

If your PreCheck or CLEAR membership expires and you do not renew it, you should remove the number from your United profile so the app does not include it on your boarding pass. An expired number will not get you into PreCheck or CLEAR lanes and may cause confusion at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to add my number to the United app, or can I just show my card at the airport?

You can do either. Adding your number to the app is faster because it appears on your digital boarding pass automatically. If you do not add it to the app, you can still show your physical PreCheck or CLEAR card to the TSA agent, and they will let you through the expedited lane. The app just saves you a step.

Can I add my number if I booked my flight through a different airline?

Yes. If you have your confirmation number, you can usually pull up your flight in the United app and add your number there. If the United app cannot find your flight, add your number directly through the airline that issued your ticket or through the website where you booked.

What if I have both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?

Add both numbers to your United profile. There are separate fields for each one. Both will appear on your boarding pass, and you can use either lane at the airport depending on which one is available.

Will my number appear on my boarding pass if I print it instead of using the app?

It depends on the airline. If you print your boarding pass from the United website or app, your PreCheck or CLEAR number should be included. If you print from another airline's website, check their website to see if they have a field for Known Traveler Information before you print.

What should I do if I lose my PreCheck or CLEAR membership number?

Log into your TSA or CLEAR account online using the same email and password you used to enroll. Your membership number will be listed in your account profile. If you cannot remember your login, use the "Forgot Password" option on their websites.