Editor’s Note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
When you travel, there is some information that you may want to keep with you including frequent flyer numbers, passport numbers and trip confirmation numbers.
However, another number appears if you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: Your known passenger number or “KTN”. It’s an important number that guarantees access to TSA . pre-check lane.
Here’s what to know about getting a KTN, how to find it, and how to make sure it’s attached to your flight booking.
What is the number of known tourists?
KTN is the nine-digit code that each TSA PreCheck and Global Entry member receives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) upon approval of either program. Member of another number Trusted Traveler Program getting a KTN is good.
This code can be a combination of both letters and numbers.
Your identification number proves you are a member of one of these programs and shows that you are eligible to use TSA Pre-Check lanes at US airports.
Travelers with a KTN have experienced a registration and screening processand they are known and recognized as visitors by the US government.
Should you apply for a Known Traveler Number?
Your KTN is useful when traveling because it’s your key to accessing TSA’s Pre-Check lanes; these lanes typically have shorter wait times and allow members to undergo a less intrusive screening process than standard lanes.
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There are several ways to receive KTN through various Trusted Travelers programs run by DHS.
Each program requires visitors to apply for and go through an interview process. Those interviews typically take place in person at admissions centers for first-time applicants, with many admissions centers located at airports. The government is allowing virtual interview to certain applicants, usually those who wish to renew their membership.
Each program offered to KTN travelers comes for a fee, and memberships in all programs are valid for five years. Many credit cards also offer registration fees credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Pre-check TSA
If you applied for TSA PreCheck, went through the screening process, and received confirmation of program approval, you will receive a KTN from the government.
TSA PreCheck provides a fast tracked security experience for its members. When traveling through PreCheck lanes, you usually won’t have to remove your shoes, get your laptop or liquid out of your bag, or go through a full-body scanner.
The application fee is $85.
Related: Denied Global Entry or Pre-Check? Here’s how to appeal
Global Entry
If you received your TSA PreCheck membership by applying for Global Entry, you will receive KTN through your Global Entry membership.
Global Entry is a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows travelers designated by the US government as low-risk to use faster customs routes back to the US. from abroad. However, members also have access to TSA PreCheck.
The fee for an application for this program is $100.
If you are planning to travel internationally and within the US within the next five years, Global Entry is probably your better choice as it helps you with fast checks both at customs and at TSA checkpoints with just a few minutes. $15 off a standard TSA PreCheck membership.
Related: Things you should know about Global Entry
NEXUS and SENTRI
DHS has two other Trusted Travelers programs for travelers to the United States from Canada and/or Mexico. NEXUS and SENTRI also provides members with TSA PreCheck access and, therefore, a KTN.
NEXUS allows pre-screened travelers to use expedited processing when entering the United States from Canada by air or land. The application fee for this program is $50.
SENTRI allows pre-screened travelers to expedite entry into the United States from Canada and Mexico by air, land, or sea. The application fee for this program is $122.25.
How to add a Known Passenger Number to your flight ticket?
Once approved for TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI, you will have to follow an additional step to ensure “TSA Pre-Check” is printed on your boarding pass: You must attach your number to your airline profile.
If you only want to attach your number to a single booking, you can usually do this when filling in your personal information at checkout when booking your flight.
However, we recommend that you always fly with a frequent flyer account to earn miles. If you have an account, you can attach your KTN permissions to the personal information section of your airline profile.
After you do this, your KTN will automatically be added to every booking you make with that airline.
Usually, you can also add your KTN to an existing booking.
Related: What to do if your boarding pass is not marked TSA PreCheck
Where can you find your Known Passenger Number?
The time when you’ll most likely need your handy KTN is when booking a flight or updating your airline profile.
This applies to new members of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS, or existing members who may be flying with an airline for the first time since joining one of those programs.
For example, I recently booked a flight directly through JetBlue’s website for the first time since becoming a Global Entry member in 2018. As a result, I took a moment to update my TrueBlue profile. myself to include my KTN, so I can make sure I got on the plane. the card will say “TSA PreCheck” on it when I check in.
However, with all the numbers, passwords, and accounts we all have to keep track of in our lives, it’s easy to lose your KTN… and most of us probably don’t know our numbers by heart.
If you are a standard member, TSA PreCheck wants to track your number, you can use this page from DHS to enter your personal information and look up your number.
If you received your KTN through the Global Entry program, you have a few options. If you have your actual, physical Global Entry card, check the back. Your nine-digit “PASSID” is your KTN; it can begin with “15,” “98” or “99.”
I circled my number position in blue on my card while blurring the digits.
You can also log in to your Global Entry or other trusted Traveler Program account; there you will be able to see which program you are subscribed to as well as the PASSID which is, again, your KTN. You can also see when your membership expires.
There is also a third way you can track your number. If your membership in one of the Trusted Traveler Programs is active and you’ve used TSA PreCheck before, think about which airline you’ve flown with. Your KTN may be on that airline’s file.
Go to your profile with that airline and you’ll see it listed below your personal information. For example, I found my KTN by getting the personal information section of my AAdvantage account on the American Airlines app. It’s listed under “travellers safe.”
bottom line
KTN is the code that gets you into the TSA PreCheck lane. That’s how airlines and governments recognize a trusted traveler as a member of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or other similar programs.
Keep your number handy and add it to your airline profile. If you’re not a member, consider signing up for one of these programs to give you KTN and make your trip through the airport less hassle.
