Can You Add TSA PreCheck After Booking? Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by Daniel Williams
Traveling through airports can feel like a marathon—long lines, unpacking your bags, and the inevitable shoe removal. But if you’ve got TSA PreCheck, it’s more like a brisk walk: expedited screening, shoes on, and laptops stashed away. For those who’ve already booked a flight and are now wondering, “Can I add TSA PreCheck after booking?”—the answer is a resounding yes, and I’m here to walk you through it. Whether you just enrolled in the program or forgot to include your Known Traveler Number (KTN) earlier, you’ve got options. Let’s dive into the details with all the good stuff you need to know.
What Is TSA PreCheck, Anyway?
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that lets eligible passengers breeze through security at over 200 U.S. airports. For a one-time fee (typically $77.95–$85, depending on the enrollment provider), you get five years of faster screening—no need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets, and you can keep liquids and electronics in your carry-on. As of March 20, 2025, it’s a game-changer for frequent flyers, with 99% of PreCheck users waiting less than 10 minutes at checkpoints, according to TSA stats.
To use it, you need a Known Traveler Number (KTN), a unique identifier issued after you’re approved for the program. That KTN is your golden ticket, and it needs to be tied to your flight reservation for the TSA PreCheck logo to appear on your boarding pass.
So, Can You Add It After Booking?
Here’s the good news: you absolutely can add TSA PreCheck to an existing flight reservation. The TSA doesn’t care when you booked your flight—what matters is that your KTN is in the system before you check in. Airlines and the TSA work together through the Secure Flight program to verify your eligibility, and as long as your KTN, full name, and date of birth match your PreCheck profile, you’re set.
Most airlines make this super easy. You can usually add your KTN online through the airline’s website, over the phone with a reservation agent, or even at the check-in counter. The key is timing—do it as early as possible to ensure the system updates your boarding pass with that coveted TSA PreCheck indicator.
How to Add TSA PreCheck After Booking
Let’s break it down step-by-step, because who doesn’t love a clear plan?
- Find Your KTN: If you’re already enrolled, your KTN is a 9- or 10-digit number (sometimes with letters, depending on the provider—TT for IDEMIA, TE for Telos, AC for CLEAR). Check your approval email, or log into your enrollment provider’s site to retrieve it. Lost it? The TSA has a handy lookup tool at tsa.gov.
- Log Into Your Reservation: Head to the airline’s website and pull up your booking using your confirmation number. Look for a section like “Manage My Booking,” “Traveler Info,” or “Secure Flight Data.” Delta, for example, lets you update this under “My Profile” if you’re logged in.
- Enter Your KTN: Input your KTN exactly as it appears, along with your full name and date of birth as they’re listed in your TSA PreCheck application. Any mismatch (like missing a middle name) could mean no PreCheck for you.
- Save and Confirm: Hit save, and double-check that the system accepted it. Some airlines might take a few hours to process the update, so don’t wait until the last minute.
- Alternative Options: Can’t find the online option? Call the airline’s customer service or ask at the check-in desk when you arrive. Posts on X (like one from @AirFranceUS on March 20, 2025) confirm airlines are flexible—you can often add it at check-in if needed.
Does It Always Work?
Most of the time, yes—but there are a few catches. If your KTN has expired (it’s good for five years), you won’t get PreCheck, even if it’s tied to a booking made before expiration. Renewals are easy and only $70 online, so keep an eye on that date. Also, not every airline participates—over 90 do, but check the TSA’s list at tsa.gov/precheck to confirm yours is onboard. And if you’re flying out of a smaller airport without PreCheck lanes, you’re out of luck, KTN or not.
Why Bother Adding It After Booking?
Why not? It’s a no-brainer if you’ve got PreCheck. You save time, stress, and maybe even a little dignity (no awkward belt-removal dance in front of strangers). Plus, if you’re traveling with kids, those 12 and under can join you in the PreCheck lane for free—no extra enrollment needed. Teens 13–17 can too, as long as they’re on the same reservation and their boarding pass shows the logo. Honestly, if you’re asking yourself, “Can you add TSA PreCheck after booking?” the real question might be, “Why wouldn’t you?”
A Handy Table: Adding TSA PreCheck by Major U.S. Airlines
Here’s a quick rundown of how to add your KTN with some big-name carriers. Policies can shift, so always double-check the airline’s site.
| Airline | Online Option | Phone Option | At Check-In? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Yes, via “Manage Trips” | Yes, 800-433-7300 | Yes | Add to AAdvantage profile for auto-inclusion on future bookings. |
| Delta Air Lines | Yes, under “My Profile” | Yes, 800-221-1212 | Yes | Ensure name matches TSA PreCheck application exactly. |
| United Airlines | Yes, via “Manage Reservations” | Yes, 800-864-8331 | Yes | KTN can be saved in MileagePlus account. |
| Southwest Airlines | Yes, under “Flight Details” | Yes, 800-435-9792 | Yes | No frequent flyer profile needed—just add per trip if you prefer. |
| Alaska Airlines | Yes, via “Manage Reservation” | Yes, 800-252-7522 | Yes | Save in Mileage Plan for convenience. |
Pro Tips from a Fellow Traveler
- Save It Early: Add your KTN to your frequent flyer profiles (if you’ve got them) so it auto-populates on future bookings. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it move.
- Check Your Boarding Pass: No TSA PreCheck logo? Contact the airline ASAP or reach out to TSA via Twitter (@AskTSA) or their Contact Center at 866-289-9673. They’re surprisingly responsive.
- Credit Card Perks: Some travel cards (like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard®) reimburse the application fee—up to $120 every four years. Check your benefits!
Your Ticket to Easier Travel
Adding TSA PreCheck after booking isn’t just a small tweak—it’s a big win for your travel experience. Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or just someone who dreads the security shuffle, that KTN can transform your trip from a slog to a breeze. The flexibility to update your reservation anytime before check-in means you’re never locked out of the perk, even if you enroll at the eleventh hour. And with family-friendly bonuses, like bringing the kids along for free, it’s a practical move for group travelers too.
For the nitty-gritty details or to confirm your airline’s participation, swing by the official TSA PreCheck page at https://www.tsa.gov/precheck. Need more travel prep tips? The FAA’s got you covered at https://www.faa.gov/travelers. Both are reliable go-tos as of March 20, 2025. So go ahead, add that KTN, and enjoy the smoother ride—you’ve earned it!
