How to Add TSA Precheck to Southwest Airlines booking?

Johan JackyJohan Jacky
5 min read

Add TSA PreCheck to your Southwest booking for faster screening. Call +1‑833‑341‑3894 for step-by-step guidance and support.

Traveling by air doesn’t have to be a stressful experience—especially when you can breeze through security lines with TSA PreCheck. If you’re flying with Southwest Airlines, adding your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your booking ensures you can take full advantage of TSA PreCheck’s benefits. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from enrollment to adding TSA PreCheck to your current or future Southwest Airlines flights.


What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program run by the Transportation Security Administration. It offers expedited security screening at over 200 airports in the U.S. for eligible, low-risk travelers. With TSA PreCheck, you don’t have to remove:

  • Shoes

  • Belts

  • Light jackets

  • Laptops

  • Liquids from your carry-on

The goal is to make the airport security process quicker, more convenient, and less invasive.


Step 1: Enroll in TSA PreCheck

Before adding TSA PreCheck to your Southwest booking, you must enroll and be approved.

How to Apply:

  1. Visit the TSA PreCheck Website: Go to tsa.gov/precheck.

  2. Fill Out the Online Application: Provide your name, date of birth, citizenship info, and other personal details.

  3. Schedule an In-Person Appointment: Choose a nearby enrollment center.

  4. Attend the Appointment: Bring valid ID and proof of citizenship. Fingerprints will be taken.

  5. Pay the Fee: The application fee is $78 (valid for 5 years).

  6. Receive Your KTN: If approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), usually within a few days.


Step 2: Add Your KTN to Your Southwest Airlines Booking

Once you have your Known Traveler Number, it must be linked to your Southwest Airlines reservation or Rapid Rewards profile.


Option A: Add TSA PreCheck During a New Booking

If you're booking a flight on Southwest.com or the Southwest mobile app, you can enter your KTN during the booking process:

  1. Start your flight booking at southwest.com.

  2. Enter your personal information on the Passenger Details page.

  3. Locate the field labeled “Known Traveler Number”.

  4. Enter your KTN exactly as provided.

  5. Complete your booking.

By entering your KTN during booking, the TSA PreCheck logo should appear on your boarding pass once it’s issued.


Option B: Add TSA PreCheck to an Existing Southwest Booking

If you already booked your flight but forgot to enter your KTN, no worries—it’s easy to add it afterward.

Via Southwest.com:

  1. Visit southwest.com.

  2. Go to the “Manage Reservations” section.

  3. Enter your confirmation number and name.

  4. Click on “Add/Edit Passenger Information”.

  5. Enter your Known Traveler Number and save changes.

Via the Southwest App:

  1. Open the app and tap on “Trips.”

  2. Select your upcoming flight.

  3. Choose “Edit Traveler Information.”

  4. Enter your KTN and save.


Option C: Add TSA PreCheck to Your Rapid Rewards Profile

If you’re a Rapid Rewards member, it’s smart to save your KTN to your profile so it's automatically included in future bookings.

Here’s how:

  1. Log in at southwest.com.

  2. Click on your name to access your Account.

  3. Go to “Profile”“Personal Information.”

  4. Scroll to find the “Known Traveler Number” field.

  5. Enter your KTN and save.

Now, whenever you book a flight while logged in to your account, your TSA PreCheck info will be applied automatically.


Step 3: Confirm TSA PreCheck on Your Boarding Pass

After adding your KTN, your boarding pass should display “TSA Pre✓” if everything is correctly set up. This indicates you can use the TSA PreCheck lanes at security.

Important Tips:

  • Your name on your booking must exactly match the name used on your TSA PreCheck application.

  • Always double-check your KTN entry to avoid typos.

  • If you still don’t see the PreCheck indicator, contact Southwest Airlines support or call +1‑833‑341‑3894 for assistance.


Why Use TSA PreCheck with Southwest Airlines?

Here are some advantages of using TSA PreCheck when flying Southwest:

  • Quicker Security Lines: Skip the regular lines and enjoy shorter waits.

  • Less Hassle: Keep shoes and belts on; laptops stay in your bag.

  • Smoother Family Travel: Kids 12 and under traveling with a PreCheck-approved parent can also use the expedited lanes.

  • More Time to Relax: Spend less time at security and more time enjoying your pre-flight experience.


What If TSA PreCheck Doesn’t Show Up?

If your boarding pass doesn’t show “TSA Pre✓” even after entering your KTN, consider these troubleshooting steps:

  • Recheck Name Format: Ensure your name matches your TSA application exactly.

  • Try Re-entering KTN: Sometimes simply re-saving the KTN helps.

  • Contact Customer Service: Call +1‑833‑341‑3894 for help updating your reservation.


Bonus Tip: Combine with CLEAR for Faster Screening

Southwest passengers can also use CLEAR—another identity verification program—for even faster access to security checkpoints. If you're a frequent flyer, consider combining CLEAR with TSA PreCheck for the ultimate streamlined travel experience.


Final Thoughts

TSA PreCheck is a simple yet powerful way to improve your travel experience with Southwest Airlines. Once enrolled, adding your Known Traveler Number to your Southwest bookings or profile ensures you’ll enjoy faster, more relaxed airport security screening.

Whether you’re booking a new flight or updating an existing one, the process only takes a few minutes but can save you a lot of time and frustration at the airport. For any issues or if you prefer personalized assistance, you can always contact Southwest support at +1‑833‑341‑3894.

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Written by

Johan Jacky
Johan Jacky