Known Traveler Number program: What is it, and should you get 1?

Sean Cudahy

Editor's Note

When you travel, there are a few pieces of information you probably like to keep handy, including your frequent flyer number, your passport number and your trip confirmation number.

However, another number comes into play if you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry : your Known Traveler Number. It's an important number that ensures access to the TSA PreCheck lanes .

Here's what to know about getting a KTN, how to find it and how to ensure it's attached to your flight reservations.

What is a Known Traveler Number?

A KTN is a nine-digit code each TSA PreCheck and Global Entry member receives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security upon approval for one of those two programs. Members of a couple of other Trusted Traveler programs get a KTN as well.

The code may be a combination of both letters and numbers. It's your identification number that proves you're a member of one of these programs and shows that you are eligible to use the TSA PreCheck lanes at U.S. airports.

Travelers with a KTN have gone through an application and screening process , and they are known and recognized as travelers by the U.S. government.

known traveller number tsa

Should you apply for a Known Traveler Number?

Getting a KTN is helpful for air travel because if you have one, it means you're a member of a program that gets you shorter wait times.

A KTN is your key to access the TSA PreCheck lanes. These lanes typically have shorter lines and allow members to undergo a less intrusive screening process than the standard lanes. About 99% of TSA PreCheck customers wait 10 minutes or less at security, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

There are several ways to get a KTN through different Trusted Traveler programs run by the DHS. Each program requires travelers to submit an application and go through an interview process. Those interviews generally occur in person at enrollment centers for first-time applicants, with many enrollment centers located at airports. The government is allowing virtual interviews for certain applicants, often those seeking to renew their membership.

Each program that provides travelers with a KTN has a fee, and memberships in all programs are valid for five years. Many credit cards also offer application fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck .

known traveller number tsa

TSA PreCheck

If you've applied for TSA PreCheck, gone through the screening process and received confirmation of your approval into the program, you'll receive a KTN from the government.

TSA PreCheck offers a fast-tracked security experience for its members. When going through the TSA PreCheck lanes, you generally won't have to remove your shoes, take laptops or liquids out of your bag, or go through the full-body scanner.

The application fee is $78 for first-time applicants.

Related: Denied for Global Entry or PreCheck? Here's how to appeal

Global Entry

If you've received your TSA PreCheck membership by applying for Global Entry, you'll receive your KTN through your Global Entry membership.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows travelers designated as low-risk by the U.S. government to use faster customs lines when returning to the U.S. from abroad. Members also get access to TSA PreCheck.

The fee for an application to this program is $100.

If you're planning to travel internationally and within the U.S. multiple times in the next five years, Global Entry is probably your best bet since it gets you expedited screening both at customs and at TSA checkpoints for only $22 more than a standard TSA PreCheck membership.

Related: 13 things you need to know about Global Entry

Nexus and SENTRI

The DHS has two other Trusted Traveler programs for travelers entering the U.S. from Canada and/or Mexico. Nexus and SENTRI also provide members with TSA PreCheck access and, thus, a KTN.

Nexus allows pre-screened travelers to use expedited processing when entering the U.S. from Canada by air or land. The fee for this program's application is $50.

SENTRI allows pre-screened travelers expedited entry into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico by air, land or sea. The application fee for this program is $122.25.

known traveller number tsa

How do you add a Known Traveler Number to your travel bookings?

Once approved for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, Nexus or SENTRI, you'll have to follow one additional step to ensure "TSA PreCheck" is printed on your boarding pass: You have to attach your number to your airline profile.

If you're just looking to attach your number to a single reservation, you can typically do this when filling out your personal information at checkout when booking a flight. However, we recommend always flying with a frequent flyer account to earn miles .

If you have a frequent flyer account, you can attach your KTN right to the personal information section of your airline profile. Once you do this, your KTN should be automatically added to each booking you make with that airline, as you include your frequent flyer number on the reservation. You typically can add your KTN to an existing reservation, too.

What to do if you forgot to add a KTN to your flight

If you already booked a flight and forgot to add your Known Traveler Number to your reservation, don't fret. You should be able to easily pull up your reservation and add your KTN.

Go to the airline's website or mobile app. Pull up your reservation using the confirmation number (or record locator) the airline gave you when you booked your trip. Then, go to the traveler information section. There should be a line that says "Known Traveler Number," "KTN" or "Secure Traveler Information." That's where you put your KTN.

If you've already checked in for your flight and downloaded your boarding pass, you may need to re-download the boarding pass to see "TSA PreCheck" appear.

Related: What to do if a boarding pass isn't marked TSA PreCheck

Where can you find your Known Traveler Number?

The time when you'll most likely need your KTN handy is when booking a flight or updating your airline profile. This goes for new members of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, SENTRI or Nexus, as well as existing members who might be flying with an airline for the first time since joining one of those programs.

With all the numbers, passwords and accounts we have to keep track of in our lives, it's easy to lose your KTN ... and most of us probably don't know our number by heart. Fortunately, there are a few ways to locate it.

If you're a standard TSA PreCheck member looking to track down your number, you can use this page from the DHS to put in your personal information and look up your number.

known traveller number tsa

If you received your KTN through the Global Entry program, you have a couple of options. If you have your physical Global Entry card, check the backside. Your nine-digit "PASSID" is your KTN; it may start with "15," "98" or "99."

known traveller number tsa

Another way to locate your Known Traveler Number is to log in to your Global Entry or other Trusted Traveler Program account. There, you should be able to see which program you're enrolled in, as well as your membership number/PASSID, which, again, is your KTN. You should also be able to see when your membership expires.

known traveller number tsa

An additional option for tracking down your number is to check your frequent flyer account for an airline you've recently flown with. If your membership in one of the Trusted Traveler programs is active and you've used TSA PreCheck before, odds are your KTN is on file with one or more airlines you regularly fly.

For this option, you'll need to go to your airline profile. If your KTN is in your profile, you should see it listed under your personal information.

known traveller number tsa

Bottom line

A Known Traveler Number is a code that gets you into the TSA PreCheck lane. It's how the airline and government recognize a trusted traveler who is a member of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or other similar programs.

Keep your number handy and add it to your airline profile. If you're not a member, consider enrolling in one of these programs that gives you a KTN and makes your trip through the airport less of a hassle.

Related reading:

  • When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
  • The best airline credit cards
  • What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
  • 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
  • Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
  • The best credit cards to reach elite status

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TSA PreCheck Travel with Ease – Known Traveler Number

Did you know that tsa.gov/precheck is the fastest and most trustworthy way to get information about the TSA PreCheck program? Whether you are looking for your renewal date, your Known Traveler Number or which credit cards and loyalty programs cover your application fee. You can find it all at tsa.gov/precheck.

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UponArriving

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known traveller number tsa

Known Traveler Number Guide: (How to Lookup, Global Entry, Pre-Check) [2023]

This comprehensive article will tell you everything you need to know about your Known Traveler Number.

I’ll cover how you can get one and the best way to do that with programs like TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry. I’ll show you how to look-up your Known Traveler Number and add it to your travel itineraries with airlines like United, Southwest, and Delta.

Finally, I’ll explain the differences between a Known Traveler Number and a Redress Number.

Table of Contents

What is a Known Traveler Number?

A Known Traveler Number, also called your “KTN,” is a 9-digit number used to link your TSA Pre-Check enrollment to your travel itinerary in order to ensure that you can receive TSA Pre-Check benefits like expedited security screening.

This is the same number used for other trusted traveler programs, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI . However, for these latter programs, this number is known as your “PASSID.”

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

TSA pre-check station

Why do you want a Known Traveler Number?

With a Known Traveler Number, you can participate in TSA Pre-Check, which means you’ll be able to breeze through security at airports.

How do you get a Known Traveler Number?

You can get a Known Traveler Number by signing up, getting approved, and paying the fees for any of the following programs:

TSA Pre-Check

Global entry.

As already discussed, TSA Pre-Check will usually get you through airport security in a breeze.

You’ll usually get access to a priority security line which is often much shorter than the standard security line (though not always, unfortunately).

You’ll also be able to go through a less restrictive and invasive screening process. You often only have to pass through a traditional metal detector (as opposed to the full-body scanners) and you also get to enjoy the following benefits:

  • Shoes can stay on
  • Belt can stay on
  • Light jackets can stay on
  • Laptops allowed to stay in bag
  • Liquids ( 3-1-1 Rule ) can stay in bag

This program costs $78 to enroll for five years and it does not require the extensive interview process that Global Entry requires. There are multiple ways to get TSA Pre-Check for free and you can read about those here.

known traveller number tsa

Global Entry would be my preferred method for obtaining a Known Traveler Number. That’s because not only will you get TSA Pre-Check, but you’ll also get expedited entry at Customs and Immigration when making your way back into the US.

This program does require you to attend an interview to be approved but the interview process is not difficult at all . If you’ve got a clean criminal history and come prepared with your documents then you should pass the background check and interview without any issues at all.

In some cases this “interview” process will only take about five minutes total.

You might get asked some very basic questions like what countries you have visited and whether or not you have traveled for business or pleasure. It’s hardly anything close to an interrogation in most cases.

The hardest part is often scheduling the interview because availability can be limited and in some cases it might take weeks (or even months) to find an open slot.

Luckily, some airports offer interviews upon arriving from international locations. So if you have some international travel coming up, this can be one of the easiest ways to get approved for Global Entry.

There are many credit cards that come with a $100 statement credit for your Global Entry application fee, so it’s very easy to get this program for free. My personal recommendations for getting a $100 statement credit for your Global Entry/TSA Pre-Check is to go with the United Explorer Card. It has great perks and a low annual fee and you can read more about it here! 

Since you’ll get both TSA Pre-Check and expedited entry back into the US, I think Global Entry is the way to go for many people.

NEXUS is a joint program between the US and Canada that will grant pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited entry into  both  Canada and the US. Specifically, membership in the NEXUS program allows you to reduce your wait times at designated ports of entry by:

  • Using dedicated processing lanes at land border crossings
  • Using NEXUS kiosks when entering Canada
  • Using their card in dedicated SENTRI lanes along the U.S.-Mexico border
  • Using Global Entry kioks when entering the United States, and
  • Calling a marine telephone reporting center to report your arrival into the United States and Canada

You may also be granted access to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) Security Line at some Canadian airports to expedite airport pre-boarding security screening. (This is like a Canadian version of TSA Pre-Check.)

Just like Global Entry, NEXUS will require you to clear a background check. The difference is that this background check also is submitted to Canadian authorities, such as the  Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

One of the major draws to the NEXUS program is that the  application fee is only $50 . This is surprising since NEXUS comes with both Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check, which cost $100 and $85 respectively. For people who live near or travel between the US/Canada border, NEXUS is an especially attractive bargain.

The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.

You can enter the United States by using dedicated primary lanes into the United States at Southern land border ports so this is a program you might be interested in if you’re traveling between the US and Mexico a lot.

known traveller number tsa

You might be a little overwhelmed with all of the different Trusted Traveler programs and perhaps you’re not sure which program you should sign-up for.

If that’s the case you can check out this TSA tool  which can help you narrow down what program is most ideal for you based on your citizenship, number of flights, and travel destinations.

Other related travel programs

CLEAR is a privately owned service offered to passengers that allows them to bypass the lines going into airport security, whether you are going into the standard security line or the TSA Pre-Check line.

In order to use it you find the CLEAR line leading to security which should have little to no line and then you simply scan your boarding pass and biometric data and then you’re off to the races and able to skip whatever line you would have been waiting on. You don’t even have to show your ID.

CLEAR can be great for frequent flyers in busy airports but it’s not cheap at $179 per year (though cheaper promos are often available). This program does not require you to have a Known Traveler Number.

Mobile Passport

Launched in the fall of 2014, Mobile Passport Control is an app, developed by Airside Mobile and Airports Council International-North America in partnerships with CBP, that you can download to use in order to expedite your entry into the US. It’s available in the  Apple App Store  and  Google Play .

It’s free to use and can be just about as good as Global Entry at some airports, though I’d still take Global Entry over Mobile Passport.

That’s because Global Entry gets you Pre-Check and also allows you to get through customs AND immigration while Mobile Passport often only get your priority access through immigration. This program also does not require you to have a Known Traveler Number.

known traveller number tsa

Adding a Known Traveler Number

Once you have your Known Traveler Number, you’re going to need to add that number to your travel profiles for the various airlines so that your Known Traveler Number will automatically show up in your itineraries.

However, you should note that your Known Traveler Number will NOT automatically show up in all of your travel  itineraries.

Many people assume that once they add their Known Traveler Number to their profile, it will always show up but that’s not the case. So you always need to double check that your KTN was added.

Below, you can see how to add your Known Traveler Number to some of the major airlines. For whatever reason, it is not always the easiest thing to do since you often have to click around a lot.

Usually you can find where to input it if you just look for your profile and a button allowing you to edit your profile, but the steps below should help you locate this.

American Airlines

Sign in to your American Airlines account and then click on your name at the top of the page. Then click on “your account.” Next, click on “edit account” and then click on “Information and password.” Scroll down and then under “Secure traveler,” you will see where to input your Known Traveler Number.

known traveller number tsa

Sign in and click on “My Account” and then scroll to “My Preferences” to change your personal details within your profile information.

known traveller number tsa

Sign in and click on Profile and Preferences and then click on “Travel identification documents” and then you’ll see the area to enter it in below.

known traveller number tsa

Go to the Delta website and log-in and then proceed to My Delta -> My Profile -> Basic Info. You’ll then see a field where you can input your Known Traveler Number.

known traveller number tsa

First, sign in to your JetBlue account. Click on the arrow in the upper right corner by your name and then click on “Edit profile.” Scroll down and you will see where to input your information.

known traveller number tsa

Hawaiian Airlines

First, sign in to your Hawaiian Airlines account. Go to My Account and under that click on “Profile & Settings.” Click on the travel tab and you will see where to input your information.

Hawaiian Airlines known traveler number entry

Travel portals and OTAs

Most online travel agencies (like Expedia) will allow you to enter in your Known Traveler Number into your profile which should populate into your itinerary when you make a booking.

But since you’re dealing with a third party, you should always verify that your number was properly included in your booking.

Add Known Traveler Number after booking?

If you add your Known Traveler Number to your profile after you make a flight reservation, there’s a good chance that your flight itinerary is not linked to your Known Traveler Number and you won’t get TSA Pre-Check. 

In that case, you should be able to call up the airline and request for them to input your number into your itinerary.

You could also just wait until you arrive at the check-in desk for baggage and request for your Known Traveler Number to be added to your boarding pass.

Also, sometimes you’ll have to re-add your Known Traveler Number to specific itineraries. It’s not always clear why this happens but sometimes you’ll just have to do it.

If you ever are given a boarding pass without TSA Pre-Check on it and you know you have a TSA Pre-Check membership, simply approach an agent at the check-in desk and tell them you would like to add your Known Traveler Number.

It’s usually no problem for them to do this and they can re-issue you a boarding pass in a couple of seconds that has TSA Pre-Check.

For the reasons above, I highly recommend that you keep your Known Traveler Number somewhere easily retrievable like in your smart phone in a folder or app that you won’t forget about and can quickly pull up.

Where can I look up and find my Known Traveler Number?

If you are a member of the TSA Pre-Check Application Program you can, look up your KTN online .

If you are a member of another trusted traveler program, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI,  log on to the Trusted Traveler Program website  to obtain your PASSID, which once again is the same as your KTN.

You’ll find it right under “Program Memberships.”

ktn look up

You can also check the back of your trusted traveler cards for your PASSID. Note that TSA does not issue an ID card like Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI do.

Related: Can You Get Through TSA and Fly with No ID?

Global entry card with pass ID known traveler number

What is a redress number?

You might also be wondering about a redress number since that field often shows up near where you input your Known Traveler Number.

A redress number is the record identifier for people who apply for redress through the DHS Travel Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) .

“DHS TRIP is for travelers who have been repeatedly identified for additional screening and who want to file an inquiry to have erroneous information corrected in DHS systems.”

For example, someone might share the same name as another person on a no-fly list and that might bring up a red flag every single time this unfortunate traveler attempts to board a plane.

The redress number will help those people avoid additional searches, pat downs, and questioning in the future.

So in case you were wondering a redress number really has nothing to do with your Known Traveler Number.

Known Traveler Number for Military members

If you are a member of the military, you can utilize TSA Pre-Check for free.

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces can get expedited screening including those serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves, and National Guard.

This can be done by using the official Department of Defense (DoD) identification number when making flight reservations. Your 10-digit DoD ID number is located on the back of your Combined Access Card ID and it is not the same as your SSN. Read more about how to utilize this benefit here.

known traveller number tsa

TSA Pre-Check vs Global Entry

Now that you’re aware of all of the benefits you might be wondering whether or not you should choose TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry.

The answer to this question depends a lot on your personal preferences.

If you are only going to be traveling within the US then your need for Global Entry will be nearly zero.

In that case, getting TSA Pre-Check should be just fine. The only drawback to that is that if an unexpected trip comes up you’ll lose out on the benefit you could have had with Global Entry.

On the other hand, if you’re going to be traveling internationally then you might want to think about Global Entry since it will save you a lot of time getting back into the country.

The two drawbacks to Global Entry are that it requires you to attend an interview and that the background check can be tough to clear if you have anything on your record like a DWI, DUI, etc.

Known Traveler Number FAQ

The easiest way would be to get approved for TSA Pre-Check .

No, you do not need a Known Traveler Number for CLEAR?

At the time of booking, you will typically see a field where you can enter your Known Traveler Number. In addition, you can add your Known Traveler Number to your frequent flyer profile. If you are at the airport, you can also ask an agent to add your Known Traveler Number to your boarding pass.

There is no practical difference and these are essentially the same.

As you can see, getting a Known Traveler Number can be very easy and can even be done for free with the right credit card.

I recommend going with a program like Global Entry to get your PASSID/Known Traveler Number and using a credit card with a $100 credit for Global Entry.

If you always keep your Known Traveler Number with you at all times you’ll be able to add it to your boarding pass when needed and there shouldn’t be any major issues.

known traveller number tsa

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

I only travel to the States. Which one should I apply. I read and I see so many type to apply. Quite confusing. Truly appreciate if you can advise . Thank you Regards Teresa

If you don’t travel outside the US, TSA Pre-Check is a solid option.

Can we get KTNs at West Palm Beach International Airport or a post office in Boynton Beach Florida?

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How to Find Your KTN (Plus How to Enroll in or Renew PreCheck)

Last Updated: February 18, 2024 Fact Checked

Finding Your KTN

Enrolling in a trusted traveler program, renewing your tsa precheck authorization, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Amy Tan and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 215,029 times.

TSA PreCheck makes it easy for you to breeze through airport security without having to take off your shoes, belt, or jacket. But to access those PreCheck lanes, you need to enroll in the service and provide your PreCheck number—called a Known Traveler Number (KTN)—to the airline when you book your flight. If you've forgotten your KTN, the easiest way to find it is to check the TSA Enrollment website.

Things You Should Know

  • Look for your KTN on official sources, such as your approval letter, or the TSA Enrollment website , if you're a US citizen.
  • Use the PASSID on your membership card as your KTN if you're enrolled in the Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI programs.
  • Enroll in Precheck programs online to get a KTN. Schedule an in-person appointment, supply the required documents, and pay the application fee for approval.
  • Check your TSA Precheck status and fill out the renewal application online within 6 months before it expires so it's continuously active.

Step 1 Use the PASSID on your Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI card.

  • Your PASSID is a 9-digit number that usually starts with 15, 98, or 99.
  • If you previously enrolled in TSA PreCheck directly, but then enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI later, use the PASSID associated with the later program as your KTN—it supersedes your previous enrollment.

Step 2 Check your approval letter if you enrolled in TSA PreCheck directly.

  • This receipt isn't the same as your approval letter. Your approval letter was mailed to you after your Enrollment Center appointment and has your KTN on it. Your UE ID and your KTN are two different things.

Step 4 Call the TSA help center if you can't use the KTN Lookup.

  • The TSA also has an online form , but you'll probably get a quicker resolution by calling.

Step 1 Choose the program that best meets your needs.

  • TSA PreCheck : access to PreCheck lanes for airport departures; US citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible; $78 for 5 years
  • Global Entry : entry to the US from international destinations by air, land, or sea; access to PreCheck lanes for airport departures; US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals are eligible; $100 for 5 years
  • NEXUS : entry to the US from Canada by air, land, or sea; includes access to PreCheck lanes for airport departures for US citizens and lawful permanent residents as well as Canadian citizens; US citizens and permanent residents, Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and Mexican nationals are eligible; $50 for 5 years
  • SENTRI : entry to the US from Canada and Mexico by air or land; includes access to PreCheck lanes for airport departures for US citizens and lawful permanent residents; US citizens and permanent residents, as well as all foreign nationals, are eligible; $122.25 for 5 years

Step 2 Complete the online...

  • If you'd rather apply in person, enter your ZIP code in the TSA Enrollment Center locator to find the nearest Enrollment Center.

Step 3 Schedule an in-person appointment at the nearest enrollment center.

  • If you need to reschedule your appointment, you can do that from the TSA Enrollment website as well. The Enrollment Centers do take walk-ins, although you may have to wait a while, especially during peak hours.

Step 4 Take 1 or 2 identity documents to your appointment.

  • List A : unexpired passport book or card, permanent resident card, unexpired US enhanced driver's license or enhanced state-issued ID
  • List B : unexpired driver's license or state ID, unexpired US military ID, expired passport within 12 months of expiration, US birth certificate, US certificate of naturalization

Step 5 Pay your application fee.

  • Many credit cards help offset or even cover the cost of TSA PreCheck membership as a benefit to customers—especially cards with travel or airline miles incentives. Contact your credit card company to see if this is a perk for you. [11] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source
  • The representative who fingerprints you will give you your receipt, which includes your Universal Enrollment ID (UE ID). Hang on to this! You'll need it to look up your KTN online.

Step 6 Check your application status online to get your KTN immediately.

  • If you're willing to wait, expect to see an approval letter in the mail within 3-5 days. But keep in mind some applications can take as long as 60 days to process. [13] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source

Step 1 Check your TSA...

  • Forget to renew before your authorization expires? No worries—just make sure you renew within a year of expiration if you want to keep the same KTN. [16] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source

Step 3 Fill out your...

  • As of 2023, renewals are $70 for 5 years if you renew online. If you renew in person, the fees are $78. [18] X Research source
  • If your name has changed, renew in person and bring official documents, such as a wedding certificate or divorce decree, that show evidence of your name change. [19] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source

Amy Tan

  • If you have a TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass, any kids 12 and under traveling with you can also use the TSA PreCheck lines to pass through security. [20] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Don't stress if you didn't have your KTN when you made your airline reservation—just call the airline and they'll add it for you. [21] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If you fly with the same airline frequently, save your KTN with your customer profile information on the airline's website so it'll auto-fill on future reservations. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

known traveller number tsa

  • You can only use the TSA PreCheck lines if the information on your Trusted Traveler membership matches the information on both your ID and your boarding pass. [22] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If you have Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI membership, you still have to provide your KTN when you make your airline reservation. You can't use your membership card to access the TSA PreCheck lanes. [23] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Enrollment in any of the Trusted Traveler programs never guarantees expedited screening. [24] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Check in at the Airport

  • ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/faq
  • ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/i-forgot-my-known-traveler-number-ktn-how-do-i-find-it
  • ↑ https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/
  • ↑ Amy Tan. Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers. Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.
  • ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
  • ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/factsheets/tsa-precheckr-application-program
  • ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2022/11/04/tsa-reduces-tsa-precheckr-enrollment-fee
  • ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/credit-cards-offer
  • ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2018/10/04/it-time-renew-your-tsa-prer-membership
  • ↑ https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/programs/precheck

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known traveller number tsa

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Here’s how you know

known traveller number tsa

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

CBP Seal, U.S. Customs and Border Protection:  U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Links to CBP.gov homepage

  • Trusted Traveler Programs

TSA PreCheck®

What is tsa precheck ® .

The TSA PreCheck ® program expedites traveler screening through participating TSA security checkpoints (for a complete list of participating airports, visit the TSA PreCheck® Airports and Airlines page 1-866-289-9673 -->). No need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, or light jackets.

Are You Eligible?

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry , NEXUS or SENTRI are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck ® , as well as Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS.

How It Works

If you are an eligible Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI member, enter your membership number (PASS ID) in the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking reservations, or enter it into your frequent flyer profile with the airline. The membership number enables Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight System to verify that you are a legitimate CBP Trusted Traveler and eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck ® .

Where You Can Find Your Membership Number

You can find your Trusted Traveler member number by logging into your Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) account. Your membership number is listed toward the bottom of the page. Your membership number is also located on the back of your Trusted Traveler card in the upper-left corner.

The TSA PreCheck ® program expedites traveler screening through TSA security checkpoints. For a complete list of participating airports in TSA PreCheck ® or for more information, visit www.tsa.gov or call the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 .  

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck ® , as well as Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS.  

If you are an eligible Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI member, enter your membership number (PASS ID) in the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking reservations, or enter it into your frequent flyer profile with the airline. The membership number enables Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight System to verify that you are a legitimate CBP Trusted Traveler and eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck ® .  

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Known Traveler Number: Here’s What You Need To Know [2024]

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Known Traveler Number: Here’s What You Need To Know [2024]

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If you’re new to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you may be wondering what a Known Traveler Number (KTN) is, how it works, and why there’s a KTN box when booking flights, but there isn’t one for your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry number. Here’s what you should know about your KTN.

What Is a Known Traveler Number?

Your Known Traveler Number is your membership number with a Trusted Traveler Program. This number is what allows you to access TSA PreCheck security lanes and Global Entry lanes (depending on which Trusted Traveler Program you join).

How To Get a Known Traveler Number

To acquire a Known Traveler Number, you must participate in one of the Trusted Traveler Programs. These are:

  • Global Entry
  • TSA PreCheck

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are by far the most popular options in the U.S. The NEXUS and SENTRI programs also provide a Known Traveler Number, though these programs are much less commonly used in the U.S.

Credit Cards That Reimburse for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and/or NEXUS Application Fees

Many premium credit cards will reimburse you for the application fee for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (including American Express, Capital One, Chase, and Citi, which all provide cards that offer an application fee reimbursement).

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
  • Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment ( airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit )
  • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
  • Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
  • Access to Amex International Airline Program
  • No foreign transaction fees ( rates and fees )
  • $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges , along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

  • 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
  • Up to $200 annual airline fee credit on your selected qualifying airline
  • Statement credits on select purchases with your card
  • 35% airline bonus when using Pay With Points (up to 1,000,000 bonus points per calendar year)
  • Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
  • Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
  • Access to Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program
  • High annual fee of $695 ( rates & fees )
  • Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 5X Membership Rewards ® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card ® , here.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
  • $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR ® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card ® .
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
  • $695 Annual Fee.
  • APR: 19.49% - 28.49% Variable
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Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve ®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

  • 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
  • 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
  • 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
  • 5x points on airfare booked through Chase Travel SM
  • 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • Priority Pass airport lounge access
  • TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
  • Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
  • Rental car elite status with National and Avis
  • $550 annual fee
  • Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
  • Member FDIC
  • APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable

Chase Ultimate Rewards

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
  • Access to Capital One transfer partners
  • $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
  • Limited elite benefits
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Capital One Miles

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Since several cards offer this benefit, consider the other benefits of your credit card options before you choose one. Look at the points they earn, trip delay protection, purchase protection, elite status, or airport lounge access.

If your priority is earning tons of valuable (and transferable!) points, you might choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve card . It earns 5x points on air travel and 10x points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel, 10x points on Lyft (through March 2025), 3x points on all other travel, and it comes with a Priority Pass Select membership for lounge access. You’ll also receive a $300 travel credit that is automatically applied to your first $300 in travel purchases each cardmember year (this includes taxis, Uber , Lyft , train tickets, flights, hotels, and more).

If airport lounge access and elite status are your top priorities, the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card provide world-class lounge access , including Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), on top of a Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment. Cardholders also receive elite status with both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy upon enrollment. To top it off, you’ll earn 5x Membership Rewards points when booking flights directly with an airline.

And for travelers who value simplicity in earning and redeeming their rewards along with a reasonable annual fee, consider the Capital One Venture X card . It earns 2x Capital One miles on all purchases and comes with the lowest annual fee among the most popular premium credit cards.

Whichever card you choose, all you have to do is use it to pay for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, and you’ll automatically be reimbursed.

How To Find Your Known Traveler Number

Hot Tip: You can find your PASSID  (also known as your Known Traveler Number) on the back of your Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI card.

If you only have TSA PreCheck, log in to the Trusted Traveler Program website to access your PASSID/Known Traveler Number. If you lose your Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI card, you can use the Trusted Traveler Program site to find the number.

How To Add Your Known Traveler Number to Bookings

Delta Known Traveler Number

While it might not be apparent at first, you’ll be happy to know that your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry number is, in fact, your Known Traveler Number. Simply enter your Known Traveler Number in the appropriate field when booking your flight. This can also be done later — even at the check-in desk at the airport.

The vast majority of the time, you do not need to carry your Global Entry card to access the airport’s TSA PreCheck or Global Entry lanes. That said, there have been some recent reports of travelers being asked to show their physical card. This appears to happen most at airports that allow travelers with Global Entry to preclear security, especially for flights departing from Canada. It also may happen when entering the U.S. by car via NEXUS or SENTRI lanes.

Hot Tip:  Unlike when returning from most countries, if you want to access Global Entry lanes when returning from Canada, you will need your physical Global Entry card with you.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Which One Is Right for You?

As anyone who’s been through airport security knows, it can be a frustrating hassle. To expedite the screening process  at many U.S. airports, TSA PreCheck access provides a much better experience. If you are returning to the U.S. from an international destination, Global Entry can make getting through customs a breeze.

If you mainly travel within the U.S., you might think that you only need to get TSA PreCheck — this is understandable, considering the fee is $78 compared to $100 for Global Entry.

However, a Global Entry membership also provides access to TSA PreCheck. When you account for the application fee reimbursement offered by several credit cards, why wouldn’t you go ahead and get Global Entry? With the right card, the impact on your wallet is the same — neither should cost you a dime!

By getting Global Entry, you can enjoy a quicker security experience when boarding flights in the U.S. If you decide to travel abroad, you can take comfort in the fact that returning to the U.S. will be easy.

Hot Tip:  If you have additional questions, don’t miss our piece on the top Global Entry FAQs and TSA PreCheck FAQs . 

Final Thoughts

Airports are becoming busier by the year, so having access to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry is vital for quicker and smoother security screenings. With so many credit cards offering to reimburse you for the application fee, there is no excuse not to have a Known Traveler Number.

Whether you get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you’ll be all set for a better airport experience — just enter your PASSID/Known Traveler Number when booking your flight.

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Known Traveler Number

The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i know if i have a known traveler number.

If you have applied for and been approved for Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or TSA PreCheck, you have a Known Traveler Number. It is your membership number from one of these Trusted Traveler Programs.

Can you add a Known Traveler Number after booking your flight?

Yes. If you forget to add your Known Traveler Number at the time of booking, you can add it later. This can be done online or at the check-in desk at the airport. We recommend doing it online before checking in.

Why isn't my Known Traveler Number working?

If your Known Traveler Number isn’t working, the likely causes are:

  • You, a travel agent, or reservations agent entered the number incorrectly
  • Your name doesn’t match what is on your Trusted Traveler Program profile

Where do I find my Known Traveler Number on my Global Entry card?

Your Known Traveler Number can be found on the back of your Global Entry card. It is your PASSID number.

If you have NEXUS or SENTRI, your PASSID number will also be found on the back of your card.

How long is a Known Traveler Number good for?

Your membership with a Trusted Traveler Program lasts 5 years. At that point, you will need to renew your membership and pay another fee. Don’t forget to use a credit card that will reimburse you for the fee!

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About Spencer Howard

Always a fan of flying, it was only natural that Spencer was drawn to finding a way to improve the travel experience.

Like many, he started this journey searching for cheap flights to take him around the world. This was fun for a while, but Spencer was intrigued by the idea of flying in business and first class!

Throwing himself into what became an extensive research project, Spencer spent 3-4 hours per night learning everything he could about frequent flyer miles over the course of several months (he thinks this is normal). He runs Straight to the Points, an award-seat alert platform.

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How to get TSA PreCheck

How to add tsa precheck to american airlines, how to add tsa precheck to delta air lines, how to add tsa precheck to southwest airlines, how to add tsa precheck to united airlines, do you get a known traveler number with global entry, key takeaways for adding tsa precheck to your flights.

Traveling through airport security can be a hassle. TSA PreCheck is a membership program offered through the Transportation Security Administration. With it, travelers get access to an expedited screening lane at participating airports.

Unlike travelers in the standard screening lane, those with TSA PreCheck can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on. Plus, they can leave electronics and and 3-1-1 liquids in carry-on bags during screening.

Access to the TSA PreCheck line is only granted if you have a TSA PreCheck logo on your boarding pass indicating that you're clear for access. That means you're first have to apply for TSA PreCheck . And once you have it, you'll have to submit your TSA PreCheck information to your airline at the booking stage.

But if you forgot — or just didn't have a TSA PreCheck number at the time of booking — no worries. You can add TSA PreCheck to your airline ticket after the fact. Here's your ultimate guide to adding TSA PreCheck to your airline ticket, including adding TSA PreCheck after booking:

NerdWallet has spelled out the specific steps for adding PreCheck to your reservation on four major airlines — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines — but the process is largely similar no matter what airline you fly.

To apply for TSA PreCheck, you'll pay a fee, submit personal information for a background check and attend an in-person interview. The application fee is $78, and membership is good for five years, which breaks down to $15.60 per year.

However, many travel credit cards reimburse the application fee simply for charging the application fee to that charge.

After the initial application fee to join the program, TSA PreCheck renewal — which is every five years to continue membership — costs $70 if completed online.

WANT TSA PRECHECK FOR FREE?

A number of popular travel credit cards reimburse you for the application fee for trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Among them:

Chase United Airlines Mileage Plus Credit Card

on Chase's website

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

on Bank of America's website

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.

If your credit card offers reimbursement for the application fee for programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you must pay the fee with the card. You cannot submit a claim for reimbursement if you paid with some other method. Reimbursement will usually appear as a statement credit in your account within two months.

Cards typically offer reimbursement of only one fee once every four to five years. Check the terms and conditions of your card for the specific rules that apply. Note also that these cards only reimburse the application fee for a trusted traveler program. They don't automatically enroll you in the program or guarantee that you'll be accepted by the program. You still have to apply and go through the required screening, which in the case of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry includes an in-person appointment.

Aeroplan® Credit Card .

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card .

United Club℠ Infinite Card .

United℠ Explorer Card .

United Quest℠ Card .

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card .

Terms apply.

» SEE the best credit cards that pay for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

Each airline has its own process for adding TSA PreCheck to a ticket or to your frequent flyer profile. But no matter the airline, you'll need your your Known Traveler Number (KTN) , which is the string of 9 or 10 digit-long numbers or letters unique to you if approved for TSA PreCheck. Note that adding your KTN to a ticket does not necessarily guarantee that it will be automatically applied to your next reservation.

That said, here's a step-by-step guide to how to add TSA PreCheck to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines:

The easiest way to add PreCheck to a ticket on American Airlines is to update your AAdvantage profile with your Known Traveler Number (KTN).

Log in and go to "Your Account." Choose "Information and Password," then add your PreCheck number in the KTN field in the "Secure Traveler" section.

known traveller number tsa

Adding your Known Traveler Number to new AA bookings

American Airlines allows travelers to add their TSA PreCheck number at booking. After you've chosen your flight date and time, you'll enter your passenger details.

If you're not logged in to your AAdvantage account, you'll need to enter your PreCheck number manually in the Known Traveler Number field. Otherwise American Airlines AAdvantage can enter their KTN once and opt for American Airlines to 'remember' it, thus automatically adding it to future bookings.

Adding your Known Traveler Number to existing AA reservations

You can also add TSA PreCheck to your existing reservation on American Airlines. To do so, click on "Manage Trip" for each reservation. Then, click on "Add/Edit Passenger Information" to add your PreCheck number.

You can also call American Airlines customer service to have them update your information, but the online self-service option is generally quicker.

To add PreCheck to Delta, after your PreCheck application has been approved, log in to your Delta SkyMiles account to update your profile. The TSA PreCheck/Known Traveler ID field can be found under "Personal Details."

Adding your Known Traveler Number to new Delta bookings

To add your PreCheck KTN to a new reservation, the best way is to first log in to your Delta SkyMiles account. This will automatically populate most of your personal information necessary to complete your purchase, including adding your PreCheck number to your reservation.

If you don't have a Delta SkyMiles account or aren't logged in, you can add your Known Traveler Number manually during the booking process when entering your passenger information.

known traveller number tsa

Adding your Known Traveler Number to existing Delta reservations

Can you add TSA PreCheck to an existing reservation Delta? Yes, those reservations can also be updated to add your PreCheck number.

Find your reservation on Delta's website, then edit your passenger details to update your information.

Southwest flyers can add their PreCheck membership information at several steps.

Adding your Known Traveler Number to new Southwest bookings

Enter your PreCheck KTN during the booking process. After you've chosen your flight dates and times, you'll enter your name in the "Who's Flying?" section. Below that, there is a dropdown menu for "Secure Traveler Information."

Click that button, then enter your PreCheck number in the "Known Traveler #" field. This will make sure that your PreCheck number will be submitted along with your information to TSA's Secure Flight system for processing.

known traveller number tsa

Adding your Known Traveler Number to existing Southwest reservations

Adding TSA PreCheck to an existing Southwest reservation is pretty straightforward.

After you log in to your Southwest account, you can manually edit each flight to add your PreCheck number before check-in or call customer service and ask that they do it for you.

You can also add your PreCheck KTN to your Southwest Rapid Rewards member profile. This allows your information to be automatically sent to TSA when booking reservations when you're logged in to your account.

Finally, here's how to add TSA PreCheck to a United ticket.

Adding your Known Traveler Number to new United bookings

When booking a reservation, your PreCheck number will automatically populate when you're logged in to your United MileagePlus account. You can also manually add it to a reservation during the booking process.

After entering your personal information, click on the "Known Traveler Number and Redress Number" dropdown menu.

Enter your PreCheck number in the "Known Traveler Number/PASS ID" field.

known traveller number tsa

Adding your Known Traveler Number to United after booking

You can also update existing reservations with your TSA PreCheck number. Go to "Edit Traveler Information" in the "Manage Reservations" section on the website, at an airport kiosk or in the United app.

To add your PreCheck number to your United MileagePlus profile, log in and view your personal information. Click on "Profile and Preferences" and find the "Saved Travel Documents and Numbers" section. You'll be able to update your profile with your PreCheck number here.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Adding your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number , or KTN, to your airline loyalty program profile is your best choice. This will make it easier to include your KTN when booking through your account or when attaching your loyalty number to a reservation.

Global Entry is a membership program offered by the Department of Homeland Security that offers all the same benefits as TSA PreCheck — and then some.

With it, you get not just the TSA PreCheck benefits, but also faster entry at eligible U.S. Customs locations. It's slightly more expensive, but it can be worth it for folks who travel internationally. Plus many of the same credit cards that offer TSA PreCheck statement credits also reimburse Global Entry fees.

Video preview image

» Learn more: TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: which is better?

So how do you add your Global Entry information to your boarding pass? If you have a physical Global Entry card, you can find your Known Traveler Number on the back. From there, follow the steps above to share that number with your airline.

And no, even if you have a trusted traveler card, that alone won't grant you access to TSA PreCheck lanes. Instead, you must add your PASS ID number in the KTN field when making airline reservations to ensure the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass.

Once you're approved for TSA PreCheck, your benefits are not automatically applied to your flight reservations. You'll have to share your Known Traveler Number with your airline. Only then does the TSA PreCheck logo get added to your boarding pass so you can go through the speedy lane.

But even if you forgot to add your Known Traveler Number at booking, you're not out of luck. Yes, you can add TSA PreCheck to an existing reservation.

In most cases, you must update existing flights and your airline loyalty program profiles to be able to use the dedicated airport security lanes for PreCheck members.

And be sure to reprint boarding passes that don't have the "TSA PRE" stamp on them. If your boarding pass doesn't show your PreCheck status, you cannot use the TSA PreCheck security lanes.

For future reservations, log in to your airline account before booking your flight. Booking flights while logged in allows your PreCheck number to be added to reservations automatically. Or, you need to manually enter it yourself.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

known traveller number tsa

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  • At the airport
  • Security checkpoints

TSA PreCheck

Breeze through security.

TSA PreCheck ® is an expedited security program allowing eligible travelers to speed up their screening process at participating U.S. airports and for most international trips. To participate, you must apply and get approval from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

If you have TSA PreCheck, you’ll go through a dedicated screening lane at the airport where you may not need to remove your shoes, jacket, belt or laptop from your bag.

TSA PreCheck is also available if you’re enrolled in a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler program, including Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS.

  • Apply for TSA PreCheck Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
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Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard®

Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Executive Mastercard ® card members receive an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, up to $100 every 5 years. To receive reimbursement, you must charge the application fee to your Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Executive Mastercard ® .

More about the Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Executive Mastercard ® Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Travel with TSA PreCheck

If you apply directly through TSA, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). If you’re registered with a CBP program, you’ll receive a 9-digit PASS ID, which is the same number for all CBP programs.

Update your KTN or PASS ID in your AAdvantage ® account before you travel so your information is saved for every trip. If you’re not an AAdvantage ® member, you must add your KTN or PASS ID to each reservation when you book.

If you can’t find your KTN or PASS ID, you can get them online.

  • Find your KTN Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
  • Find your PASS ID Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Update your AAdvantage® profile

  • Log in to your AAdvantage ® account
  • Add your KTN or PASS ID in the ‘Secure traveler’ section
  • Save your changes
  • Update your profile
  • Not an AAdvantage ® member? Join for free

Update an existing trip

  • Find your trip on aa.com or the American app
  • Select ‘Edit’ in the passenger information section
  • Go to ‘Security information’
  • Add your KTN or PASS ID

Find your trip

Boarding passes

If you’re eligible for TSA PreCheck, your boarding pass will show TSA PreCheck. If you add your KTN after checking in, you’ll need to get a new boarding pass.

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TSA PreCheck ® is an expedited security initiative designed to help travelers enjoy a more convenient journey through the airport. If you apply and are selected by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to participate, you'll be directed to a dedicated screening lane where you may not need to remove your shoes, jacket or belt, or laptop from its bag.

Sign Up for TSA PreCheck

With TSA PreCheck, you don’t need to remove: 

  • 3-1-1 Liquids

How to Get TSA Pre✓

When you’re ready to breeze through security and apply for TSA PreCheck, there’s a few steps you will need to take. You must be a United States citizen or permanent resident to apply. 

1. Fill out your online application   2. Pay a $78.00 application fee  3. Make an appointment for a 10-minute in-person background check  4. If approved, enjoy TSA PreCheck benefits for 5 years 

Choose Between Global Entry or TSA Pre✓

Adding tsa pre✓ to my profile.

If selected for TSA PreCheck, your digital or paper boarding pass will include a TSA PreCheck indicator. When you’re approved for TSA PreCheck, be sure to follow the steps and add your TSA-assigned Known Traveler ID to your profile.

1.  Log in to  My Profile 2. Under Personal Details, update/add your Secure Flight Passenger Data, and if applicable, your Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or TSA-assigned Known Traveler ID

Find More TSA PreCheck Information

Updates to your profile name can only be made by filling out the Identity Verification Form on delta.com. Your profile information must match exactly what is listed on your passport, driver’s license or other government-issued ID.

TSA Pre✓ Frequently Asked Questions

All passengers are eligible for expedited screening based on the secure flight passenger data (SFPD) that airlines are required to send to the TSA. Your profile information must match  exactly  what is listed on your TSA PreCheck/CBP Trusted Traveler application, driver’s license or other government-issued ID. The TSA is responsible for selecting participants on a per-flight-segment basis.  

You may increase your likelihood of being selected for PreCheck by signing up for a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler Program, including  Global Entry ,  SENTRI and  NEXUS , or by completing the PreCheck application program at a TSA Application Center.

Although participants in the CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs (Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI) and PreCheck application program are eligible for expedited screening, no one is guaranteed it.

Passengers can increase their likelihood of being selected by participating in a CBP Trusted Traveler Program or completing the PreCheck application program. Ensure that your profile information matches exactly what is listed on your passport, driver’s license or other government-issued ID, and PreCheck or CBP Trusted Traveler Program enrollment (including your middle name, if applicable).

Please note that the TSA, not Delta, selects individuals for expedited screening, and no individual can be guaranteed expedited screening.

Yes. Customers will be able to find the pre-notification indicator “TSA PRECHK” on the boarding pass underneath the passenger name field. On mobile boarding passes, the PreCheck logo will appear at the top-right corner above the barcode. Please note that if you are eligible for PreCheck the logo will appear on boarding passes throughout your itinerary, regardless of whether pre-screening lanes are available at your departure airport(s).

In addition, the eligibility status will be embedded in the barcode of the boarding pass. The TSA will scan the barcode at PreCheck checkpoints as a final determination of the customer’s eligibility status.

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TSA Enrollment by IDEMIA

Apply for TSA PreCheck®

When approved to travel with TSA PreCheck®, low-risk travelers will have a smoother experience at the airport security checkpoint. The fastest and easiest way to enroll in TSA PreCheck® is to start the application online.

You do not need to get TSA PreCheck® if you already have Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or hold an active TWIC® or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with an HME. Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child’s boarding pass. For TSA PreCheck® eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions about TSA PreCheck®, visit the Help Center .

New Enrollment

Cost: $78 for 5 Years

Cost Online: $70 for 5 Years

Cost In Person: $78 for 5 Years

What to Bring

Learn about which documents to bring to complete your in-person enrollment.

Manage Appointments

Complete the application for TSA PreCheck® in person at an enrollment center near you. Schedule a new appointment or change/cancel an existing appointment.

Lookup KTN

Look up your KTN (Known Traveler Number) and its expiration date if you have already enrolled in TSA PreCheck® through IDEMIA.

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What Is a Known Traveler Number, and What Do You Do With One?

known traveller number tsa

PhotoAlto / Getty Images

A Known Traveler Number (KTN), also called a Trusted Traveler Number, is a number issued by the US Transportation Security Administration ( TSA ), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or Department of Defense (DoD). This number indicates that you have undergone a pre-flight background check or other screening before checking in for a flight.

Adding your Known Traveler Number to an airline reservation greatly increases your chances of being able to use the TSA's PreCheck security screening lanes at participating US airports. Your KTN also permits you to take advantage of expedited customs processing at select airports if you are a Global Entry member.

How Can I Get a Known Traveler Number?

The easiest way to get a KTN is to enroll in either the PreCheck or Global Entry program. If your application is approved, you will receive a KTN. A Global Entry KTN is linked to your passport information, while a PreCheck KTN is connected only to the personal information you supplied when you enrolled. Participating airlines may offer their frequent flyers PreCheck status. The airline will assign these travelers a KTN as part of that process. Active duty military personnel may use their DoD identification number as their KTN.

You may also apply for PreCheck or Global Entry on your own. US citizens pay $85 for a five-year PreCheck membership or $100 for a five-year Global Entry membership. (Tip: The nonrefundable fee must be paid whether or not you are approved for PreCheck or Global Entry.) If your travels frequently take you outside the US, Global Entry might be a better option for you because it not only provides you with a KTN but also gives you access to faster customs processing access at certain airports.

How Do I Use My Known Traveler Number?

If you received your KTN through the TSA's PreCheck program, you should add it to your reservation record every time you book a flight on a participating airline. If you make a flight reservation through a travel agent, give the agent your KTN. You can also add the KTN yourself if you reserve your flight online or by telephone. 

Participating airlines, as of this writing, include:

  • Alaska Airlines
  • All Nippon Airways
  • Allegiant Air
  • American Airlines
  • Aruba Airlines
  • Asiana Airlines
  • Austrian Airlines
  • Azul Airlines
  • Boutique Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Brussels Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific Airways
  • China Airlines
  • Condor Airlines
  • Contour Aviation
  • Copa Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Eastern Airlines
  • Edelweiss Air
  • Elite Airways
  • Etihad Airways
  • Frontier Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • InterCaribbean Airways
  • Japan Airlines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Key Lime Air
  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
  • Miami Air International
  • Norwegian Air
  • PAL Express
  • Philippine Airlines
  • Porter Airlines
  • Qatar Airways
  • Scandinavian Airlines
  • Seaborne Airlines
  • Silver Airways
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Southern Airways Express
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines
  • Sun Country Airlines
  • Sunwing Airlines
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • TAP Air Portugal
  • Turkish Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • VivaAerobus
  • World Atlantic
  • Xtra Airways

If you obtained your KTN through the Global Entry program or by virtue of your status as a US Armed Forces member, you should use it whenever you make an airline reservation, regardless of which airline you fly.

Why Don't I Get PreCheck Status Every Time?

There are several reasons why you might not be able to use the PreCheck screening lane, even though you have a KTN. For example:

Sometimes the TSA does not give PreCheck status to enrolled travelers as part of its effort to randomize security screening procedures.

The data you entered when you bought your ticket might not match the data on file with the TSA, DHS, or DoD. Your first name, middle name, last name, and date of birth must match exactly.

You may have entered your KTN incorrectly when you bought your ticket.

Your KTN might not be saved in your frequent flyer profile, or you may not have logged in to your frequent flyer account before you bought your ticket online.

If you bought your ticket through a travel agent or third party website, such as Expedia, your KTN might not have been passed along to your airline. The best way to correct this problem is to call your airline and make sure your KTN has been entered into your reservation record. Do this before you check-in for your flight.

You may not have noticed that you could not enter your KTN when you purchased your ticket online. This occasionally happens with online travel websites (third party websites). 

How to Resolve Problems

Once you have a KTN, you are supposed to use it. Always look for the KTN field when you buy an airline ticket online. Contact your airline after you complete your purchase if you do not see it.

Double-check your travel documents (driver's license, government-issued photo ID and/or passport ) to be sure your full name and birth date match the information you provided to the TSA or DHS. Save your KTN in your frequent flyer account record(s). Check your frequent flyer account profiles regularly to make sure your KTN is still entered correctly. Train yourself to look for the KTN field and enter your KTN whenever you buy an airline ticket. Call your airline before your check-in date to be sure your KTN has been added to your reservation record.

When you print your airline ticket, you should see the letters "TSA PRE" in the top left corner. These letters indicate that you have been selected for PreCheck status on your flight. If you are enrolled in PreCheck but do not see "TSA PRE" on your ticket, call your airline. The reservations agent will be able to help you sort out any problems. Remember that the TSA will not always select you for PreCheck status, even if you are enrolled in the PreCheck program.

If you encounter problems at check-in or at the airport, contact the TSA as soon as possible to find out what happened. According to the Wall Street Journal , the TSA only retains PreCheck data for three days after your flight, so you will need to act quickly.

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known traveller number tsa

TSA PreCheck - What You Need to Know and How to Apply (2024)

I f you haven’t heard, TSA PreCheck for kids has gotten easier! We’ve been using it now for several years and see the benefit. I’ve certainly noticed the uptick in passengers using the expedited security lines at the airport. We feel it’s been worth the investment for the amount of time we spend at airports.

But what is TSA PreCheck, and how do you get it? And how does it work with minors, especially with the new policy? I’ll answer all your questions on TSA PreCheck for minors in this post. If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, here’s what you need to know about TSA PreCheck.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA stands for the Transportation Security Administration. TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler program that allows pre-screened individuals to use special security lanes at US airports, called the TSA PreCheck lanes. It’s a must for frequent travelers.

With your 5-year membership, you’ll enjoy the benefit of avoiding regular security lines and getting to your gate faster! That means you don’t have to remove items such as belts, shoes, and light jackets. You can also leave laptops and travel-sized liquids inside carry-on bags.

Where can I enroll for TSA Precheck?

TSA PreCheck isn’t available at every airport, but it is available at 250 U.S. airports and counting. Click here to find a location near you.

How does the TSA application process work?

The process has a couple of steps. To start, you apply on the TSA website using this form . The whole online application process is fairly self-explanatory. Once it’s complete, you’ll be able to schedule an in-person appointment.

Within 45 days of completing your online pre-enrollment form, you’re required to visit an application center (locations can be found here ).

You will need to provide your biographic information including your name, date of birth, and address. You’ll also be fingerprinted and have your photo taken.

What are the necessary documents for TSA PreCheck?

Wondering what to bring to a TSA PreCheck appointment? You can find out about all the required documents needed for TSA PreCheck here . But it’s pretty straightforward:

  • Valid ID : Make sure to bring a government-issued ID, such as a passport, or a driver’s license and birth certificate. Double-check the IDs are not expired.
  • Appointment Confirmation : Bring the appointment confirmation with you.
  • Payment : You’ll need to pay for your TSA PreCheck application during the appointment. This is good for 5 years.
  • Proof of Citizenship/Immigration Status : If you’re not a US citizen, you’ll need to bring the necessary documentation to prove your immigration status or a permanent resident.

The non-refundable application processing fee of $78 can be paid through these acceptable forms of payment:

  • credit card
  • money order
  • certified/cashier’s check

Cash and personal checks aren’t accepted.

What is a KTN?

After completing the application process, successful PreCheck applicants will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) via US mail in approximately 2-3 weeks.

You may also check the status of your application on the TSA PreCheck website by clicking on “Check My Service Status.”

Once issued, your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is valid for 5 years. You won’t receive a card to carry, but simply a letter with your KTN. Moving forward, you’ll need to provide this number when booking travel reservations.

How to Get TSA Precheck and Global Entry for Free

Several travel credit cards will reimburse your TSA PreCheck fees (and even Global Entry fees). For example, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, and Capital One Venture Card all offer reimbursement via a statement credit for TSA fees.

Now that you have your Known Traveler Number (KTN), what happens next?

When you travel, you’ll want to make sure the airline you’re flying has your KTN in advance. It must be printed on your travel documents. If you belong to a frequent flier program, go on the airline’s website and enter your KTN in their system.

Note that this doesn’t automatically populate every time you book a reservation. So, you’ll want to make sure that it is documented going forward each and every time.

What about TSA Precheck for minors?

So, let’s get to why you’re really here: TSA precheck for kids. It’s pretty straightforward but with a few caveats.

Do children need a TSA PreCheck membership?

Previously, if the whole family wanted to go through TSA PreCheck, those 13 years old and older needed to have their own membership. Thankfully, TSA PreCheck with teens has just gotten easier.

As of May 2023, the TSA PreCheck age has increased to include children of all ages (up to 18 years). That is, as long as they’re accompanied by an eligible parent or guardian. That means your five-year membership applies to all of your kids too!

Just like before, children between 2- and 12-years-old just have to be accompanied by a legal guardian enrolled in the program, no matter what. Kids between 13 and 17 years old just need to be on the same reservation as the accompanying adult.

For teens, just double-check to confirm that the TSA PreCheck indicator shows up on both your boarding pass and your teen’s boarding pass.

This new policy has really streamlined the process since most children don’t have a government photo unless it’s on a passport or a state-issued ID. Our children have passports, so we never had an issue.

Can my child use my TSA PreCheck for international travel?

You can use TSA PreCheck from any participating airlines at over 250 airports across the country, and this includes for international travel.

However, if you’re a frequent traveler abroad, you might want to also consider getting G lobal Entry . You’re eligible if you fly internationally at least 4 times a year. It gives you the benefit of expedited customs when coming back to the US.

As frequent international travelers, we invested in getting each of our kids their own membership, which has a similar policy to TSA Pre-Check.

TSA PreCheck is just one of four Trusted Traveler programs offered by the Department of Homeland Security. To find more information about the other programs such as Global Entry, you can read this comparison chart .

But what about an unaccompanied minor?

All minors traveling without TSA PreCheck-enrolled parents or guardians will need to apply for themselves.

Can I use my TSA PreCheck membership to take my child to their departure gate?

Let’s say your minor is a first-time traveler and you want to take them all the way to their departure gate. First, you’ll need to pick up a gate pass at the ticket counter when you arrive at the airport. But something to keep in mind is that gate passes cancel out TSA PreCheck benefits.

So, even if you’re a gate pass holder with your own TSA PreCheck membership, you’ll have to go through standard security lines. Your child will be able to go through TSA PreCheck screening, but you’ll still have to go through standard security screening.

Have you thought about TSA PreCheck for kids? Do you think it’s worth it?

So, now you know all the details about the updated policy on TSA PreCheck for kids and how to get your own membership. You’ll love the TSA PreCheck benefits! A faster precheck line means less of a headache on your way to your family vacation.

Especially during a busy summer season, the last thing you and your kids want to worry about is congested airport security checkpoints! As TSA PreCheck passengers, you can skip the frustration of standard screening and get right to enjoying your travels!

If you still have more questions, you can find a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers here: T SA PreCheck SaveSave

If you have ever considered getting TSA PreCheck, now is the time to do it! Here's what you need to know about the process for adults and kids.

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  1. What is a Known Traveler Number, and how do you apply for 1?

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  2. Known Traveler Number Guide: (How to Lookup, Global Entry, Pre-Check

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  3. TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number (KTN)

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  4. TSA PreCheck® for Flight Reservations

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  5. What Is A Known Traveler Number For Tsa

    known traveller number tsa

  6. Known Traveler Number Guide: (How to Lookup, Global Entry, Pre-Check

    known traveller number tsa

COMMENTS

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  2. TSA PreCheck® KTN Lookup

    Please enter your information below (letters, spaces, hyphens (-), and apostrophes (') are allowed in name fields). Then click "Submit" to retrieve your KTN. This tool is for TSA PreCheck® Application Program members only. Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI members may retrieve their PASSID (which serves as the KTN) at the Trusted Traveler Program ...

  3. What is a Known Traveler Number (KTN)?

    A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is issued to all individuals approved to receive TSA PreCheck® expedited screening. The KTN must be added in the KTN field when booking airline travel reservations to have the TSA PreCheck® indicator appear on your boarding pass. For members approved for the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, this number is 9 or ...

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  5. TSA PreCheck®

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  6. How do I use my Known Traveler Number or KTN?

    Once you have been assigned a Known Traveler Number (KTN), you must include this number in the 'KTN' field of each reservation you make with a participating airline. The KTN also can be added when booking reservations online via a participating airline website, by phone with an airline reservation agent or with the travel management company making reservations.

  7. What is a Known Traveler Number, and how do you apply for 1?

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    If still active, confirm with your airline that your Known Traveler Number, name, and date of birth are accurate and that your airline participates in TSA PreCheck®. ... If you still do not have a TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass, please call the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673, submit an online form, or contact us at @AskTSA ...

  9. TSA PreCheck® FAQ

    Yes. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and DoD Federal civilians can use TSA PreCheck® benefits for both official and personal travel. Be sure to update all travel reservations with your DoD ID number listed as the Known Traveler Number (KTN) to enjoy benefits.

  10. TSA PreCheck Travel with Ease

    Did you know that tsa.gov/precheck is the fastest and most trustworthy way to get information about the TSA PreCheck program? Whether you are looking for your renewal date, your Known Traveler Number or which credit cards and loyalty programs cover your application fee. You can find it all at tsa.gov/precheck.

  11. What is a Known Traveler Number? and Other FAQs

    Known Traveler Number: What You Need to Know. TSA PreCheck members use their Known Traveler Number when booking flights to get access to TSA PreCheck lanes. Many or all of the products featured ...

  12. Known Traveler Number Guide: (How to Lookup, Global Entry, Pre-Check

    A Known Traveler Number, also called your "KTN," is a 9-digit number used to link your TSA Pre-Check enrollment to your travel itinerary in order to ensure that you can receive TSA Pre-Check benefits like expedited security screening. This is the same number used for other trusted traveler programs, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI.

  13. How to Find Your TSA PreCheck Number: Easy KTN Lookup

    Call the TSA help center if you can't use the KTN Lookup. Call 866-289-9673 any time between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday, or between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time on weekends and federal holidays. A representative will help find your KTN based on the information you provide to them.

  14. TSA PreCheck®

    The TSA PreCheck® program expedites traveler screening through participating TSA security checkpoints (for a complete list of participating airports, visit the TSA PreCheck® Airports and Airline ... (PASS ID) in the "Known Traveler Number" field when booking reservations, or enter it into your frequent flyer profile with the airline. The ...

  15. Known Traveler Number: Here's What You Need To Know

    To acquire a Known Traveler Number, you must participate in one of the Trusted Traveler Programs. These are: Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are by far the most popular options in the U.S. The NEXUS and SENTRI programs also provide a Known Traveler Number, though these programs are much less commonly used in the U.S.

  16. How to Add TSA PreCheck to Your Airline Ticket

    But no matter the airline, you'll need your your Known Traveler Number (KTN), which is the string of 9 or 10 digit-long numbers or letters unique to you if approved for TSA PreCheck. Note that ...

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  18. TSA PreCheck − Travel information − American Airlines

    Travel with TSA PreCheck. If you apply directly through TSA, you'll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). If you're registered with a CBP program, you'll receive a 9-digit PASS ID, which is the same number for all CBP programs. Update your KTN or PASS ID in your AAdvantage ® account before you travel so your information is saved for ...

  19. TSA PreCheck Benefits

    Fill out your online application. 2. Pay a $78.00 application fee. 3. Make an appointment for a 10-minute in-person background check. 4. If approved, enjoy TSA PreCheck benefits for 5 years.

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    3. Enjoy TSA PreCheck ® Once approved, add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your airline reservations to start saving time in screening and enjoying your benefits for 5 years. And when it's time to renew, the process is easy and most applications can be completed entirely online in as little as 5 minutes. Benefits

  21. Apply for TSA PreCheck®

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  22. Do You Need a Known Traveler Number?

    A Known Traveler Number (KTN), also called a Trusted Traveler Number, is a number issued by the US Transportation Security Administration (), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or Department of Defense (DoD).This number indicates that you have undergone a pre-flight background check or other screening before checking in for a flight.

  23. FAQs

    When making an airline reservation in DTS, you are asked to verify your TSA Secure Flight information and that is where you will find a field for "Known Traveler Number." To save time, save your DoD ID Number as your Known Traveler Number in your DTS profile [PDF, 2 pages] prior to making a reservation.

  24. TSA PreCheck

    TSA PreCheck website. by clicking on "Check My Service Status.". Once issued, your Known Traveler Number (KTN) is valid for 5 years. You won't receive a card to carry, but simply a letter ...