December 14, 2023 |4 min read
If you’re traveling soon but didn’t add your TSA PreCheck® information when booking the flight, you may still be able to add it to your boarding pass. Understanding how to use TSA PreCheck® benefits could help you move through airport security faster the next time you travel.
Key takeaways
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TSA PreCheck® helps members move more quickly and efficiently through airport security checkpoints.
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If you didn’t include your TSA PreCheck® information when you booked a flight, you may be able to update your boarding pass with the airline later on.
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Some Capital One travel cards offer cardholders a statement credit for the TSA PreCheck® application fee.
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Learn moreWhat is TSA PreCheck®?
TSA PreCheck®, like Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI, is a Trusted Traveler Program offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that can help you move through airport security faster.
Becoming a TSA PreCheck® member requires an application, in-person appointment and enrollment fee. Upon approval, you get a Known Traveler Number (KTN). By adding the KTN to your flight reservations, you can enjoy shorter security lines and an easier screening process at over 200 airports and 90 airlines.
Some travel credit cards, like Capital One’s Venture, Venture X, Spark Miles and Venture X Business cards, will reimburse cardholders’ TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry application fee with a statement credit up to $100.*
What if TSA PreCheck® isn’t on your boarding pass?
It’s a good idea to add your KTN when booking a flight so that it shows up on your boarding pass. But if you forgot to add your KTN or it’s not shown on your boarding pass, there are a few things you can do.
You can contact the airline to add your KTN after booking or make sure you entered your name, date of birth and KTN correctly. If your KTN still doesn’t show up, consider checking that your TSA PreCheck® membership is active. You can also submit an online form or call the TSA at (866) 289-9673.
Can you add TSA PreCheck® after booking?
If you didn’t include your TSA PreCheck® number when booking a flight, it’s possible to add it later. You can usually add it through the airline’s mobile app or contact the airline online or by phone to add it to a reservation.
Can you add your KTN to an existing reservation?
TSA issues each TSA PreCheck® member a KTN that grants access to expedited security lines. So adding a KTN to an existing reservation is the same as adding TSA PreCheck® after booking.
How to add TSA PreCheck® to an existing reservation
Airlines may differ, but it’s often possible to add TSA PreCheck® once you’ve already booked a flight.
Add TSA PreCheck® to an existing reservation: American Airlines
You can add your KTN to an American Airlines’ trip online or in the mobile app. You can also save your KTN to an AAdvantage® account so it’s automatically added to reservations.
Add TSA PreCheck® to an existing reservation: Delta Air Lines
If you booked a Delta flight without adding your KTN, you can log in to your Delta account and add it.
Add TSA PreCheck® to an existing reservation: Frontier Airlines
You can find any trips you’ve booked with Frontier by entering your last name and confirmation code online. From there, you can add a KTN.
Add TSA PreCheck® to an existing reservation: Southwest Airlines
Southwest lets you add a KTN to a flight you’ve already booked. You can save your KTN in your Rapid Rewards® account so it applies to future flights.
Add TSA PreCheck® to an existing reservation: Spirit Airlines
Find an upcoming trip with Spirit to add a KTN.
Add TSA PreCheck® to an existing reservation: United Airlines
You can add your KTN to an existing United trip and to your United MileagePlus profile.
Adding TSA PreCheck® FAQ
Have more questions about adding TSA PreCheck® to your flight? Read on.
When can I add TSA PreCheck® after booking?
Depending on the airline’s policies, you can usually add TSA PreCheck® anytime between booking and checking in at the airport.
Can I add TSA PreCheck® if I already checked in?
Some airlines allow you to add TSA PreCheck® after checking in for your flight, although you may need to call the airline or get a new boarding pass. Contact your airline for more information.
Does everyone on the same reservation get TSA PreCheck®?
Not necessarily. Children ages 13-17 will need the TSA PreCheck® indicator on their boarding passes to join an adult enrolled in the program. But there are exceptions, like with children 12 and under.
Can I bring my spouse through TSA PreCheck®?
If your spouse isn’t also enrolled in TSA PreCheck®, they aren’t cleared to accompany you through the expedited security lane.
Adding TSA PreCheck® after booking a flight in a nutshell
You can get through airport security screening easier with TSA PreCheck®, even if you’ve already booked a flight. Many airlines offer a way to add your KTN to a boarding pass before traveling.
A travel credit card could help you earn rewards while traveling. And with a Capital One Venture, Venture X, Spark Miles or Venture X Business card, you can get reimbursed for the TSA PreCheck® application fee.*
