How Do You Add TSA PreCheck to United Airlines?

Hello, I am Bruno, and most of us usually ask, How Do You Add TSA PreCheck to United Airlines? It is a fast and easy process that enhances your airport experience. After you have your Known Traveler Number with TSA, add it to your United MileagePlus account. You can also add it manually at check in or when changing an itinerary. TSA PreCheck enables approved travelers to pass through some security measures, like taking out electronics or shoes. United makes sure your status is utilized to reduce time in security lines.

What Is TSA PreCheck?

Before diving into how to add TSA PreCheck to your United Airlines profile, let’s briefly cover what TSA PreCheck is and why it’s worth it. TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows low-risk travelers to enjoy expedited security screening at over 200 airports nationwide.

Benefits include:

• No need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets
• Laptops and compliant liquids can stay in your bag
• Shorter lines and faster processing

Once approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) valid for five years. This KTN is the key to unlocking TSA PreCheck benefits when flying with United Airlines or any participating airline.

How Do You Add TSA PreCheck to United Airlines?

Adding TSA PreCheck to United Airlines involves linking your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your reservation or MileagePlus profile. Let’s break down each option step by step.

Option 1: Add TSA PreCheck to Your United MileagePlus Profile

The most efficient way to ensure TSA PreCheck is automatically added to all future bookings is by updating your United MileagePlus account.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your MileagePlus account at united.com.
2. Navigate to “Profile & Preferences” under your account.
3. Click on “Travel documents & identification.”
4. Scroll down to the “Known Traveler Number” section.
5. Enter your KTN (Known Traveler Number) exactly as it appears on your TSA PreCheck approval notice.
6. Save your profile.

Once your KTN is saved in your profile, it will automatically be added to every reservation you book while logged into your United account.

Option 2: Add TSA PreCheck to an Existing United Reservation

If you've already booked a flight and forgot to enter your KTN, don’t worry — you can still add it to your existing reservation.

To do this:

1. Visit the “My Trips” section on United’s website.
2. Enter your confirmation number and last name to retrieve your booking.
3. Select your flight and look for an option to edit traveler information.
4. Locate the field labeled “Known Traveler Number” or “KTN.”
5. Input your KTN and save the changes.

Alternatively, you can also call United Airlines customer service or visit a check-in counter at the airport to add your KTN.

Option 3: Add TSA PreCheck During Online Booking

When you book a flight on United.com, you’ll be prompted to enter passenger details. This is where you can input your Known Traveler Number.

Steps:

1. Choose your flight on United.com.
2. Fill in the passenger information during checkout.
3. Look for the field labeled “Known Traveler Number.”
4. Enter your KTN.
5. Complete the booking.

This method ensures your TSA PreCheck status is applied to that specific trip.

How to Confirm TSA PreCheck Is on Your United Airlines Reservation

After adding your KTN, it’s important to confirm that TSA PreCheck is linked to your boarding pass. Here’s how:

• Check your boarding pass: You should see the TSA PreCheck logo printed on the top.
• Log into “My Trips” on United.com and verify that your Known Traveler Number is listed under your traveler details.
• If you check in using the United mobile app, the app will also display TSA PreCheck eligibility on your digital boarding pass.

If you don’t see the TSA PreCheck indicator, double-check that your name matches exactly with your TSA PreCheck enrollment and that your KTN is correctly entered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure you don’t miss out on TSA PreCheck benefits when flying with United, avoid these common errors:

• Name mismatch: Your name on your United profile and reservation must match exactly with the name you used during TSA PreCheck enrollment, including middle names.
• Incorrect KTN: Double-check that your Known Traveler Number is accurate and contains no typos.
• Booking as a guest: If you book without logging into your MileagePlus account, your saved KTN might not apply.
• Last-minute additions: Adding your KTN too close to departure may not update your boarding pass in time.

Why Use TSA PreCheck with United Airlines?

United Airlines is a proud participant in the TSA PreCheck program, and they make it easy to take full advantage of the expedited screening process. As one of the major U.S. carriers, United offers PreCheck lanes at most of its serviced airports, which means more convenience for frequent flyers.

Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, adding TSA PreCheck to United Airlines can significantly reduce your airport wait time and improve your overall travel experience.

Conclusion

So, how do you add TSA PreCheck to United Airlines? It's simple: update your MileagePlus profile with your Known Traveler Number, add it during booking, or modify an existing reservation. Just be sure your name and KTN match your TSA records exactly. By doing so, you’ll enjoy a faster, smoother airport experience every time you fly with United.