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Adding TSA PreCheck® to an airline ticket

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    Quick insights

    • TSA PreCheck is an expedited security screening program run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
    • Including your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in your airline reservation allows you to use TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport.
    • It is possible to add a KTN to an existing airline reservation.

    Every person accepted into the TSA PreCheck program is issued a Known Traveler Number. This number determines whether you can use TSA PreCheck security lanes at the airport.

    In this article, we’ll explore how to get TSA PreCheck and where and when you can add it to your airline reservations.

    TSA PreCheck benefits

    One main benefit of the TSA PreCheck program is that it often allows prescreened passengers to access expedited security screenings.

    In addition to generally shorter screening times at the airport, travelers with TSA PreCheck typically do not have to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets when going through screening.

    Applying for TSA PreCheck

    TSA PreCheck is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. To apply for TSA PreCheck, you need to complete an application and schedule an in-person interview.

    At the appointment, you will:

    Application is not a guarantee of approval. If your application is denied, you will not be reimbursed the application fee. If approved, your TSA PreCheck status is valid for 5 years.

    Using TSA PreCheck when booking travel

    If you have TSA PreCheck status, enter your KTN into your airline reservation when purchasing tickets. The TSA PreCheck logo will appear on your boarding pass when you enter your KTN to your reservation.

    Travelers must use the same name on their airline reservation that they used when applying for TSA PreCheck in order for the logo to appear on their boarding pass. If the names do not match, there could be issues accessing the TSA PreCheck security lane.

    TSA PreCheck for minors

    Children under 12 can access TSA PreCheck lanes when accompanied by parents or guardians who have TSA PreCheck status. That's also true for children between 13 and 17. However, minors in this age range can be randomly excluded from PreCheck lanes and, if so, will have to pass a standard TSA security screening.

    Children 13-17 must have the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass. To be eligible to receive the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass, the passenger between the ages of 13 and 17 must be on the same airline reservation with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian.

    Adding TSA PreCheck to an existing reservation

    It is possible to add TSA PreCheck to an existing reservation. You can:

    • Log into the airline's website or app
    • Find the reservation
    • Enter the KTN in the appropriate field

    Ideally, it is best to add your TSA PreCheck number as soon as possible to ensure it's included on your boarding pass. If possible, passengers may want to save their TSA PreCheck number in their preferred airline app to have it automatically added to future bookings.

    Adding TSA PreCheck after check-in

    It may be possible to add TSA PreCheck after you’ve already checked in for your flight, but it varies by airline. Many airlines lock the reservation once you've checked in.

    If allowed, you may need to cancel your check-in, add your KTN number to your reservation and then check in again. By doing this, you may run the risk of losing overhead bin space or a chosen seat when you cancel your check-in.

    This may not be possible close to the flight departure time, as some airlines have cut-off times for modifying check-ins. Contact your airline's customer service for specific procedures and guidelines.

    It is generally recommended that passengers add their TSA PreCheck number to their reservation when booking to avoid issues.

    TSA PreCheck on a mobile boarding pass

    Your PreCheck status will likely be included on your mobile boarding pass, typically by displaying the TSA PreCheck logo or indicator. The presence of this indicator allows passengers to access the TSA PreCheck security lanes at the airport.

    TSA PreCheck logo not displaying

    If the logo does not show up on your pass, this could be for a few reasons, including:

    • Mismatched name
    • Random security check
    • Expired TSA PreCheck status

    You may want to check your airline reservation for the correct TSA PreCheck number or contact the airline if you have issues with the TSA PreCheck logo not displaying on your boarding pass.

    You can also troubleshoot your status with the TSA by texting "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872), contacting the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673 or by filling out one of these contact forms.

    In summary

    Adding TSA PreCheck to a ticket is typically as simple as adding your KTN to your airline reservation. It is generally recommended to add the number at booking, but you might be able to update your reservation with it after.

    If the TSA PreCheck logo doesn’t show up on your boarding pass, you may want to check that your name is spelled right, your KTN was entered correctly and that your TSA PreCheck status has not expired. If possible, you may want to contact TSA within 72 hours of experiencing problems to allow TSA the ability to troubleshoot the issue.

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