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TSA PreCheck®

TSA PreCheck® KTN Lookup

Enter information.

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 website or on their Trusted Traveler card. Employment-based TSA PreCheck® members can find more details here: DoD HME TWIC®

Note: information provided below must match information provided during enrollment.

Please Provide Method of Contact ( * At least one is required )

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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. Save your KTN to any frequent flyer profiles, employer booking systems or online travel websites that you use.

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Known Traveler Number: What You Need to Know

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Table of Contents

What is a Known Traveler Number?

How to get a known traveler number, can i add my ktn to an existing reservation, can you add a ktn after checking in, ktn lookup tips, where is a known traveler number on a global entry card, a known traveler number unlocks tsa precheck.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration launched TSA PreCheck in December 2013. This Trusted Traveler Program, designed to make airport security a smoother experience for its members at select airports across the U.S., is available to travelers who pay an $78 fee and complete a background check, in-person interview and fingerprint scan.

After completing the necessary application steps, approved TSA PreCheck members are given what’s called a Known Traveler Number, or KTN.

TSA PreCheck members aren't given identification cards like members of other Trusted Traveler Programs (e.g., Global Entry , Nexus , SENTRI ).

Instead, the KTN is the primary identifier and effectively serves as your TSA number. Travelers are wise to keep this number handy, as it must be input into every eligible flight booking to take advantage of screening benefits.

Any U.S. citizen, U.S. national and legal permanent resident — without a criminal history — is eligible for preapproval for the TSA PreCheck membership program. Immigrants can learn more about the necessary application materials on the Department of Homeland Security website .

You can apply online quickly. Then, you’ll need to schedule an in-person TSA PreCheck interview appointment at an enrollment center. The interview process is fairly straightforward; most importantly, you will need to bring several documents and proof of identity to your appointment. Examples of approved unexpired U.S. government-issued photo identifications include your passport, driver’s license or birth certificate.

Children 12 and younger don't need their own TSA PreCheck membership. As long as they are traveling with an adult who is a member, they can use the TSA Security lanes, too. Children 13-17 can as well, but only if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding passes.

You can find out more about applying for TSA PreCheck to get a Known Traveler Number in our full article on how to get TSA PreCheck .

How long does it take to get a KTN number?

Most applicants will get their KTN within three to five days of membership approval. The TSA PreCheck website also states that it can take up to 90 days to receive a KTN.

Now that you have a Known Traveler Number, it's time to start taking advantage of the benefits. Because airlines are unaware of which passengers have TSA PreCheck screening benefits and which don't, you'll need to add your KTN to each flight booking.

This is most easily done at the time of booking. Your boarding pass should show something like "TSAPRECHK," "TSA PRE," or "TSA Pre✓" to indicate that your KTN was successfully added to your reservation. The specific type of indicator depends on the airline and type of boarding pass (i.e., digital or printed).

However, if you forget, it’s still possible to add your KTN to your ticket ahead of travel. We’ve broken down the steps in this article for passengers flying on Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines: How to Add TSA PreCheck to Your Airline Ticket .

» Learn more: How to skip long airport lines for free

If you have a flight coming up shortly and have yet to add your KTN to your ticket, you’re not out of luck. But there are a few extra steps involved before you’re able to enjoy the security benefits.

For those who’ve checked in online without a KTN in the system, you may need to call the airline’s customer service to add your KTN and have a new boarding pass issued.

If call wait times are long, you can also add your KTN to your ticket at the airport. Visit a service desk agent or check-in agent before passing through security. After providing your KTN, these agents should be able to print your boarding pass with the necessary information so you can use the faster security lines.

You might be wondering: How do I find my KTN number? If you’ve forgotten your KTN, the process to retrieve it is simple. Head to the TSA website and click the link to “Look up your KTN online.” You’ll input your full name, date of birth and at least one method of contact (phone or email).

If you’re an automatic member of TSA PreCheck due to your Global Entry enrollment, you won't be able to do a Known Traveler Number lookup through the TSA website. Instead, log into your Global Entry account on the Homeland Security website and locate your PASSID. This applies for Nexus and SENTRI members as well.

You can also use your Universal Enroll ID, or UEID, number and date of birth to conduct a Known Traveler Number lookup. Your UEID is assigned when you apply for TSA PreCheck online and before your interview; see your confirmation email to find this information.

What if I can’t find my KTN number?

You might input your information into the KTN lookup link and receive a denial message that says “No status found.”

In the case that your information is correctly provided and you’re still unable to be located in the system, you can call Homeland Security at 855-347-8371 for assistance.

Your Known Traveler Number, also known as PASSID, can be quickly retrieved by reading the back of your Global Entry card. This number is typically nine digits long and usually begins with 15, 98 or 99.

TSA PreCheck members are identifiable through a Known Traveler Number. This number needs to be added to individual flight bookings to ensure access to expedited airport security screening; it can be added to flight reservations at the time of booking, after booking and even after checking in.

If you’ve lost your KTN, you can use a Known Traveler Number lookup online to retrieve your identification number or find it from the back of your Global Entry card.

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

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

UponArriving

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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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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.

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CBP Trusted Traveler programs Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

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 4 years. To receive reimbursement, you must charge the application fee to your Citi ® / AAdvantage ® Executive Mastercard ® .

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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.

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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.