Whether you're flying to the next state over or taking off on a dream trip to Bangkok, having a known traveler number can smooth the trip through the airport. A known traveler number, or KTN, is assigned to you if you apply for and are approved into the Transportation Security Administration's TSA Precheck program. It's the number airlines use to identify you as part of the program. Show
What if I'm not in the TSA Precheck program?Even if you're not a TSA Precheck member, you might have a number that gets you access to TSA Precheck perks. Anyone who is approved for the Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI programs, which are used for international travel, is given a Customs and Border Patrol PASSID. Those programs include TSA Precheck benefits, so you can use a CBP PASSID as your known traveler number when flying out of the U.S. Provide this number when you book an airline reservation so the airline and TSA agents will know about your status.
How do I find my KTN?If you've been approved for TSA Precheck or one of the CBP programs, you should have received your known traveler number in your approval paperwork. Anyone who applies for TSA Precheck must complete an in-person interview, and applicants who are approved usually receive a confirmation email within a few days including a KTN. If you can't find the email containing your KTN, look it up online through the "Service Status" page of the TSA website. Enter some basic personal information, including your name and birth date, to gain access to your KTN. What about my CBP PASSID?If you're approved for Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI, the CBP should send you a membership card that includes a PASSID. The number usually begins with 98. You can also find your PASSID by logging onto the Global Online Enrollment System, a website run by the CBP. Why do I need my KTN?Your KTN is how airlines identify you as an approved member of TSA Precheck. You have to provide a valid KTN for your boarding pass to be printed with the indicator that shows you're eligible for expedited screening. With the TSA Precheck indicator on your boarding pass, you can join the shorter TSA Precheck line at security, keep your shoes and jacket on during screening and leave your laptop and liquids in your carry-on bag during the inspection process. How do I use my KTN?You must provide your airline with your KTN before your boarding pass is printed. You can't show your CBP membership card or any other form of proof at the security checkpoint; you'll only have access to TSA Precheck perks if your boarding pass is printed with the indicator. Enter the number when you book your flight. Each airline has its own policies, but you'll usually see a field asking for a known traveler number on the screen that asks for your name and date of birth. You can also provide your KTN after you've booked your ticket by calling the airline or visiting an airport ticket desk or ticket kiosk. Save time and hassle by adding your KTN to your frequent-flier profiles with the airlines you use often. Familiarize yourself with your airlines' policies around KTNs, because different carriers have different rules. For instance, United requires passengers to add their KTNs to their MileagePlus profiles at least seven days before a flight for its system to recognize the number as eligible. If you get a KTN five days before a United flight, add the number directly to your reservation, rather than assume that adding it to your MileagePlus account is sufficient. And you can always call your airline for specific help if necessary. Traveling with ease is important and can give peace of mind to any traveler. Having a Known Traveler Number (KTN), knowing what it is and understanding how to use it can be a powerful tool when flying. Get the latest travel news by signing up for TPG’s free daily newsletter. What is a Known Traveler Number?Depending on which Trusted Traveler Program you join through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security site, your KTN is your membership number and main link to access lanes for programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. The number is issued when you have been approved for one of these programs. Related: Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck Why do you want a Known Traveler Number?When you enroll in a Trusted Traveler Program and add your KTN to an airline reservation, you'll receive access to TSA's PreCheck security screening lanes. If you only have TSA PreCheck, that KTN does not give you access to Global Entry. Having a KTN helps create a better travel experience, as it typically results in less intrusive screenings and less time waiting in lines.
How to get a Known Traveler NumberThere are several ways to get a KTN through different Trusted Traveler programs, each of which requires submitting an application. For all programs, you must also set up an in-person interview at an enrollment center or a participating airport. Each program has a fee and is valid for five years. Many credit cards also offer credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees. Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows travelers who are designated by the U.S. government as low risk to use faster customs lines when returning to the U.S. from abroad. The fee for an application to this program is $100 which is valid for five years. Related: Things you should know about Global Entry NEXUS allows pre-screened travelers to use expedited processing when entering Canada or the United States. There are NEXUS kiosks for air entry to Canada, and members can receive faster processing when arriving by sea at some locations as well. Canadian citizens and residents are eligible for Global Entry benefits through membership in the NEXUS program. The fee for this program’s application is $50. Sign up for our daily newsletter Email address Sign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy. SENTRI is a program for travelers entering the United States from Mexico through a screening process for pre-approved members. Travelers who have SENTRI can enter the United States via dedicated primary lanes for expedited border crossing. Additionally, SENTRI members are allowed to use the NEXUS lanes when they enter the U.S. from Canada by land. The application fee for this program is $122.25. Related: Denied for Global Entry or PreCheck? Here’s how to appeal TSA PreCheck offers fast-tracked security screenings at hundreds of airports across the U.S. Through this program, flyers usually don’t need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets. Certain other programs, such as Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI, provide TSA PreCheck as an added benefit. While many people opt to enroll in Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI to also take advantage of TSA PreCheck, those who rarely travel outside the U.S., don't have a passport, want to spend less on a Trusted Traveler Program may find more value in joining TSA PreCheck. The application fee for this program is $85 and is valid for five years. Related: The definitive guide to all airlines offering TSA PreCheck
Which credit cards cover fees for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?Several credit cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, provide statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees every four to five years. Some hotel rewards credit cards, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card, also offer this benefit. Related: The Top 8 Cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Once you have a Known Traveler Number, how and why should you add it to airline profiles and bookings?Congratulations, you’ve successfully been approved for one of the programs above. Now what? When you’re given a KTN, you need to add it to your frequent flyer account profiles or when entering your personal information while purchasing tickets. This is so the number is attached to your airline reservations. You will need to fly via airlines that participate in TSA PreCheck and other programs in order to reap the benefits of having a KTN. When traveling, you will know if you are able to use the Global Entry, NEXUS, TSA PreCheck and SENTRI lanes when you see it noted on your boarding pass. If you do not see it noted, you can ask whether your KTN is attached to your reservation. You might be able to add it at the airport so you can access the expedited lines. Where can you find your Known Traveler Number if you forget it?If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck program, you can look up your KTN online. For another program mentioned above, you can log on to the Trusted Traveler Program website to find your KTN. Global Entry members will also find their KTN (also known as a CBP PASSID) on the back of their Global Entry card issued by the CBP, in the upper left corner. The number is nine digits long and typically starts with 15, 98 or 99. Bottom lineYour KTN is your key to TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. It can make the airport and overall travel experience quicker and easier for those who have chosen to participate. Attaching your KTN to your flight reservations is worth it to skip the ever-growing lines at security checkpoints in airports in and out of the US. How do I find my KTN number?For members approved for Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, the KTN is the CBP PASSID. This nine-digit number usually begins with 15, 98 or 99 and can be found on the back of your NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry card or by logging on to the Trusted Traveler Program website.
How do I look up my TSA PreCheck status?To check the status of your application online, please visit Universal Enroll and select “Check my Service Status” if you enrolled using TSA's enrollment provider. If your state does not use the TSA enrollment provider, please check your application status with your state licensing agency.
Is TSA PreCheck and KTN the same?A Known Traveler Number (KTN) is issued to all individuals approved to receive TSA PreCheck® expedited screening. The KTN must be added in the KTN field when booking airline travel reservations to have the TSA PreCheck® indicator appear on your boarding pass.
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How do i look up my ktn
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