How to Add TSA PreCheck to United Airlines Booking?

Johan JackyJohan Jacky
5 min read

Add TSA PreCheck to your United booking for faster security. Call +1‑833‑341‑3894 for quick assistance and step-by-step help.

Navigating airport security can be one of the most stressful parts of air travel. Fortunately, TSA PreCheck offers a faster, easier, and more efficient security screening process for eligible passengers. If you're flying with United Airlines, adding TSA PreCheck to your booking ensures you can take advantage of these expedited benefits. This guide will walk you through the entire process—from enrollment to updating your United reservation.


What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to use dedicated security lanes at over 200 U.S. airports. Travelers with TSA PreCheck don’t need to remove their shoes, belts, or light jackets, and can keep laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.

To enjoy these benefits, travelers must apply for the program, complete a background check and fingerprinting, and receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN). This KTN must be added to your airline reservation or frequent flyer profile to activate TSA PreCheck privileges.


Step 1: Enroll in TSA PreCheck

If you're not already a TSA PreCheck member, you need to enroll first:

How to Enroll:

  1. Online Application: Start by visiting the official TSA website at tsa.gov/precheck.

  2. Submit Personal Info: Fill out your application with details like your name, date of birth, and citizenship status.

  3. Schedule an Appointment: Choose a nearby enrollment center and set up an in-person appointment.

  4. In-Person Visit: Bring a valid government-issued ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Fingerprints will also be taken.

  5. Pay the Fee: A non-refundable fee of $78 is required (valid for five years).

  6. Receive Your KTN: Once approved, you’ll be issued a Known Traveler Number (KTN), usually within 3–5 business days.


Step 2: Add Your Known Traveler Number to Your United Airlines Booking

Once you have your KTN, the next step is to ensure it's added to your United Airlines reservation or frequent flyer profile.


Option A: Add TSA PreCheck During New Booking on United

When you're making a new reservation on united.com or the United mobile app, you can enter your KTN during the booking process:

  1. Begin your booking on united.com or via the United app.

  2. During the passenger details section, you’ll see a field labeled “Known Traveler Number”.

  3. Enter your KTN exactly as provided by the TSA.

  4. Complete your booking. TSA PreCheck will be linked automatically.


Option B: Add TSA PreCheck to an Existing United Reservation

If you’ve already booked your flight, you can still add your KTN later:

Through United.com:

  1. Go to united.com.

  2. Click on “My Trips” at the top of the page.

  3. Log in to your account or enter your confirmation number and last name.

  4. Open your reservation and click “Edit Traveler Information”.

  5. Input your Known Traveler Number in the proper field and save changes.

Via the United Mobile App:

  1. Open the United Airlines app.

  2. Tap on “Trips” and select your upcoming flight.

  3. Go to “Edit Traveler Information.”

  4. Add your KTN and save.

Need Help?

If you're having trouble adding your KTN, contact United Airlines customer support at +1‑833‑341‑3894 for prompt assistance.


Option C: Add TSA PreCheck to Your MileagePlus Profile

To save time on future bookings, it’s smart to store your KTN in your MileagePlus account:

  1. Log in to your MileagePlus account at united.com.

  2. Click on your name at the top right corner and go to “Profile & Preferences.”

  3. Navigate to “Personal Information.”

  4. Under the “Traveler Information” section, find the “Known Traveler Number” field.

  5. Enter your KTN and save your changes.

By doing this, every reservation you book while logged in will automatically include your TSA PreCheck info.


Step 3: Confirm TSA PreCheck on Your Boarding Pass

Once your KTN is successfully added to your booking, it should reflect on your boarding pass. Look for the “TSA Pre✓” indicator on your paper or digital pass.

If it’s missing, consider these possibilities:

  • Incorrect Name: Your name on the ticket must exactly match your TSA PreCheck application (including middle name or initial).

  • Wrong KTN: Verify that your KTN was entered correctly—no typos.

  • Booking via Third Party: If you booked through a third-party travel site, log in to United or call support to manually add your KTN.


Benefits of TSA PreCheck with United Airlines

  • Faster Security Lines: TSA PreCheck lanes are usually shorter and move more quickly.

  • No Need to Undress: Keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on.

  • Electronics Stay in Bag: No need to remove your laptop or liquids.

  • Family Friendly: Children under 12 can accompany a TSA PreCheck parent through expedited lanes.


What to Do if PreCheck Isn’t Showing

If you followed the steps above but TSA PreCheck doesn’t appear on your boarding pass:

  1. Recheck Your Details: Make sure your name and birthdate match what TSA has on file.

  2. Try Reentering Your KTN: Sometimes re-saving the information helps.

  3. Call United Support: Dial +1‑833‑341‑3894 and ask a representative to manually add your KTN.


Bonus Tip: Combine TSA PreCheck with CLEAR

United partners with CLEAR, another expedited security program. When used in combination with TSA PreCheck, CLEAR lets you skip the ID check line entirely. It’s especially useful in busy airports like Newark, Chicago O'Hare, and Denver.


Final Thoughts

Adding your TSA PreCheck number to your United Airlines reservation is one of the easiest ways to streamline your airport experience. Whether you’re booking a new flight or updating an existing one, make sure your Known Traveler Number is correctly added to your profile or ticket.

This small step can make a huge difference—saving you time, reducing stress, and giving you a smoother journey from check-in to gate.


Need Assistance?

For any booking issues or help adding TSA PreCheck to your reservation, contact:

📞 United Airlines Support: +1‑833‑341‑3894

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Johan Jacky
Johan Jacky