How to Add TSA PreCheck to Southwest

Co-authored by Amy Tan and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: September 8, 2024 Fact Checked

The security lines are one of the worst parts of airports, no matter which airline you’re traveling with. Thankfully, plenty of airlines like Southwest offer a TSA PreCheck line, which lets you speed your way through security without having to remove your coat, shoes, or laptop.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Amy Tan
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers

Expert Interview. 5 March 2020.} Ready to save some time before your next Southwest flight? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading for all the answers to your most common questions.

Question 1 of 6:

How do I add my TSA PreCheck to Southwest?

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1
Click on the “Login” button in the top-right corner of Southwest’s homepage. Type in your account number or username and password to enter the site.^{[2]
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- If you don’t have an account with Southwest, set one up by clicking the “Enroll” button.
Click on the “My Account” button in the upper right corner, which brings up multiple sections: “My Rapid Rewards,” “My Trips,” and “My Preferences.” Scroll down to the “My Preferences” section and click on “Security,” which has a symbol of a lock right next to it.^{[3]
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3
Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in the corresponding field. The “Known Traveler Number” field is between the boxes for “Preferred First Name” and “Redress Number,” toward the top of the page. Click the yellow “Save” button, and you should be good to go!^{[4]
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- Your KTN is the alphanumeric number ID that you receive after applying for TSA PreCheck. It usually starts with the letters “TT.”^{[5]
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  U.S. Transportation Security Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
  
  Go to source}
- If you’re a member of TSA Global Entry, you’ll receive a PASSID, a 9-digit number that can be used interchangeably as a KTN. This ID usually starts with the numbers “15,” “98,” and “99.”^{[6]
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  U.S. Transportation Security Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
  
  Go to source}
- Southwest states that adding your KTN to your profile will automatically add your KTN to future bookings.^{[7]
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  Research source} However, TSA officially suggests manually adding your KTN to every flight reservation that you book.^{[8]
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  U.S. Transportation Security Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
  
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Edward Hasbrouck, Travel Expert

TSA PreCheck lets verified travelers bypass airport headaches. Enrolling saves precious minutes through faster security lanes where you can keep shoes and laptops stowed. Savvy passengers explore all such services beforehand, understand requirements, and complete necessary steps proactively. Check your airport for PreCheck eligibility, register missing info online, and know guidelines for permitted items. Staying informed and acting early makes transit less taxing for everyone. Travel smarter by preparing today.

Question 2 of 6:

How can you add TSA PreCheck to an existing reservation?

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Type in the confirmation number for your flight, along with the first and last name that you used for your flight reservation. From there, you can add your KTN to your previously booked flight.^{[9]
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Research source} You can get started here: https://www.southwest.com/air/manage-reservation/index.html?page=ADD-SECURE-TRAVELER-INFORMATION.

Question 3 of 6:

How can you add TSA PreCheck to a new reservation?

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After confirming the price for your flight, the Southwest website will redirect you to the “Purchase” page, which has “Enter Traveler Info” and “Who’s Flying” as headers on the page. Type in your full name and date of birth in the provided fields, and list your KTN in the “Known Traveler #” field.^{[10]
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Research source}^{[11]
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Expert Source

Amy Tan
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers

Expert Interview. 5 March 2020.}

Question 4 of 6:

How do I know if TSA PreCheck was added successfully?

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Look for a special label in the top-left corner of your boarding pass. Look above your printed name on the boarding pass, directly beneath where “Southwest Airlines” is printed. You should see “TSA PRE” printed on your ticket, written in all caps.^{[12]
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- On a mobile boarding pass, you should see “TSA Pre” along with a green checkmark in the top right corner of the QR code.

Question 5 of 6:

Why am I not getting TSA PreCheck to Southwest?

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If your information is even slightly different from your TSA PreCheck or TSA Global Entry registration, the PreCheck label won’t show up on your boarding pass.^{[13]
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U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

Go to source}
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You entered your KTN in the wrong field. Most webpages have at least 2 boxes: Redress Number and Known Traveler Number. If you enter your KTN in the “Redress Number” section, your PreCheck status won’t show up on your boarding pass.^{[14]
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- Redress numbers have to do with TSA’s “Secure Flight” prescreening program, so they aren’t interchangeable with your KTN.^{[15]
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  U.S. Transportation Security Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
  
  Go to source}
3
Your TSA PreCheck or TSA Global Entry membership expired. Both PreCheck and Global Entry memberships last 5 years.^{[16]
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Research source} If you haven’t renewed your membership, you won’t qualify for PreCheck on future flights.^{[17]
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U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

Go to source} Visit this site to renew your PreCheck membership: https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/workflows?service=renewal&servicecode=1111KF
- Click here to renew your Global Entry status: https://ttp.dhs.gov

Question 6 of 6:

How do I find my KTN?

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Check through the TSA’s enrollment website. Provide all the requested information, including your birthdate, first name, surname, email, and phone number.^{[18]
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Research source} You can find their website here: https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/workflows?service=renewal&servicecode=1111KF
- Click here to double-check your PASSID: https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/

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Some customers have had trouble adding TSA Precheck to their boarding passes after checking into the flight. Call Southwest’s customer service line to clear up this issue: 1-800-435-9792.^{[19]
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