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] 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?

  1. 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]
    • If you don’t have an account with Southwest, set one up by clicking the “Enroll” button.
  2. 2
    Click on the “Security” button in the “My Preferences” section. 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. 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]
    • Your KTN is the alphanumeric number ID that you receive after applying for TSA PreCheck. It usually starts with the letters “TT.”[5]
    • 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]
    • Southwest states that adding your KTN to your profile will automatically add your KTN to future bookings.[7] However, TSA officially suggests manually adding your KTN to every flight reservation that you book.[8]
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Question 3 of 6:

How can you add TSA PreCheck to a new reservation?

Question 4 of 6:

How do I know if TSA PreCheck was added successfully?

  1. 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]
    • On a mobile boarding pass, you should see “TSA Pre” along with a green checkmark in the top right corner of the QR code.[13]
Question 5 of 6:

Why am I not getting TSA PreCheck to Southwest?

  1. 1
    Your KTN, birthdate, and name might not match what the TSA has on file. 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.[14]
  2. 2
    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.[15]
    • Redress numbers have to do with TSA’s “Secure Flight” prescreening program, so they aren’t interchangeable with your KTN.[16]
  3. 3
    Your TSA PreCheck or TSA Global Entry membership expired. Both PreCheck and Global Entry memberships last 5 years.[17] If you haven’t renewed your membership, you won’t qualify for PreCheck on future flights.[18] Visit this site to renew your PreCheck membership: https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/workflows?servicecode=1111KF&service=renewal
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About This Article

Amy Tan
Co-authored by:
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
This article was co-authored by Amy Tan and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000. This article has been viewed 56,045 times.
3 votes - 60%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: November 12, 2021
Views: 56,045
Categories: Aviation
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