Is Known Traveler number necessary?

The last time you booked a flight a flight online, you may have noticed a field for entering a KTN (Known Traveler Number). While this number isn't required, having a KTN offers some benefits. If you're flying more than once a year, having a KTN could make your time in airport security faster and easier.



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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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Your KTN is helpful when traveling because it's your key to access the TSA PreCheck lanes; these lanes typically have shorter wait times and allow members to undergo a less intrusive screening process than the standard lanes.

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The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $78 for 5 years.

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While the availability of use once you receive your Known Traveler Number, especially for the price you pay, makes TSA PreCheck a great option, the availability to enroll once getting your conditional letter is a true con of this program.

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TSA estimates that 95% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than five minutes in the security line. This is a small amount of time separating you from the back of the security line to the terminal, meaning the most useful benefit is, of course, saving time.

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With a $78 one-time fee, you pay about $15.50 per year over five years. What do you get for your money? Shorter wait times. In May 2023, 89% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes in security lines, according to the TSA.

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Technically your spouse can't go through the TSA PreCheck lane without their own account. In some instances, however, security may allow them through when it's clear that their boarding passes match yours as the primary account holder.

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Most applicants receive approval notification in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. Considering this, applicants are encouraged to renew at least 60 days prior to expiry. TSA will notify members with eligibility results. How much does TSA PreCheck® renewal cost?

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How Do I Get TSA Precheck for Free?
  1. Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  2. The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  3. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
  4. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card.
  5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.


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Once you complete enrollment and are deemed eligible for the program, wait three to five days for a Known Traveler Number. However, keep in mind that it can take up to 60 days to be approved in some cases. After approval, return to the TSA PreCheck website and click the Check My Service Status link to find your KTN.

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The fastest and easiest way to enroll in TSA PreCheck® is to start the application online.

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If you still do not have a TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass, please call the TSA Contact Center at (866) 289-9673, submit an online form, or contact us at @AskTSA on Twitter and Facebook Messenger.

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For Existing Reservations Log into your flight reservation under the Traveler Info section and add your KTN there. You must have been approved for TSA PreCheck before you booked the flight in order for it to be used during a trip.

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If you don't find out about the missing PreCheck designation until you're at the airport, take your boarding pass back to the airline check-in counter and ask them to add your KTN to your itinerary — even if you think it's not worth the trouble at that point.

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Generally, an interview calls for you to wear professional attire. That said, a TSA PreCheck interview is pretty informal, so you can likely get away with dressing casually. Still, we recommend you leave the pajamas at home.

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ACT NOW before your known traveler number (KTN) expires. That's right, your TSA Pre?® eligibility expires after five years. So if you want to keep enjoying your member benefits, renew now before your membership lapses.

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