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How To Add TSA PreCheck To An Existing United Reservation

Published:

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Annemarie Dougherty

how-to-add-tsa-precheck-to-an-existing-united-reservation

Introduction

Welcome to the world of air travel, where convenience and efficiency are paramount. As frequent flyers, we all know the frustration of long security lines and the hassle of removing shoes, belts, and laptops at the checkpoint. But fear not! There is a solution that can greatly streamline your travel experience – TSA PreCheck.

 

TSA PreCheck is a program offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows pre-approved travelers to use dedicated security lanes at participating airports. With TSA PreCheck, you can breeze through security without the need to remove your shoes, belt, or jacket, and you can leave your laptop and liquids in your bag. It saves time, reduces stress, and makes your journey more enjoyable overall.

 

If you already have an existing United Airlines reservation and want to add TSA PreCheck to it, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the simple process of adding TSA PreCheck to your United reservation, so you can enjoy the benefits of expedited security screening and a smoother travel experience.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to air travel, TSA PreCheck can make a world of difference. No more rushing through security or fretting about missing your flight. Let’s dive in and learn how to add TSA PreCheck to your existing United Airlines reservation.

 

Step 1: Research TSA PreCheck Eligibility

Before adding TSA PreCheck to your existing United reservation, it’s important to verify your eligibility for the program. TSA PreCheck is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents, as well as to citizens of certain other countries. However, not all airports and airlines participate in the program, so it’s vital to confirm that your departure airport supports TSA PreCheck.

 

To check if you are eligible for TSA PreCheck, visit the official TSA website and navigate to their PreCheck page. You’ll find a list of eligibility requirements and a tool to determine if you qualify. This tool will ask for some basic information such as your full name, date of birth, and gender. Once you provide this information, it will let you know if you are eligible for TSA PreCheck.

 

If you are eligible for TSA PreCheck, you can proceed to the next step. If not, there are still options available to you. The TSA also offers a similar expedited screening program called Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck benefits. Global Entry is available to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as citizens of certain other countries. It requires a background check and an in-person interview at a designated enrollment center. If you are not eligible for TSA PreCheck but are eligible for Global Entry, you may want to consider applying for that program instead.

 

Once you have determined your eligibility for TSA PreCheck, it’s time to move on to the next step – updating your United profile with your known traveler number.

 

Step 2: Update United Profile with Known Traveler Number

Now that you have confirmed your eligibility for TSA PreCheck, it’s time to update your United Airlines profile with your known traveler number (KTN). Your KTN is a unique 9-digit identification number issued to you once you are approved for TSA PreCheck or another trusted traveler program.

 

To update your United profile with your KTN, follow these simple steps:

  1. Log in to your United Airlines account on their official website.
  2. Click on your profile or account settings.
  3. Navigate to the section that allows you to add your TSA PreCheck or known traveler number. This section may be labeled as “Secure Flight Passenger Data” or similar.
  4. Enter your KTN into the appropriate field.
  5. Save your changes to ensure that your KTN is successfully added to your profile.

By updating your United profile with your KTN, you are signaling to the airline that you are a trusted traveler and eligible for expedited screening. This information will be automatically included when you book flights and will help ensure that you receive TSA PreCheck benefits.

 

Once you have updated your United profile with your KTN, it’s time to move on to the next step – adding TSA PreCheck to your existing United reservation.

 

Step 3: Add TSA PreCheck to Existing United Reservation

Now that your United profile is updated with your known traveler number (KTN), it’s time to add TSA PreCheck to your existing United reservation. Fortunately, United Airlines makes this process quick and straightforward.

 

To add TSA PreCheck to your existing United reservation, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the United Airlines website and log in to your account.
  2. Navigate to the “My trips” or “Manage reservations” section.
  3. Locate the reservation to which you want to add TSA PreCheck.
  4. Click on the reservation and look for a link or option to update or modify the reservation.
  5. Look for a checkbox or field that allows you to indicate that you have TSA PreCheck or a known traveler number.
  6. Check the box or enter your KTN in the designated field.
  7. Save your changes to confirm that TSA PreCheck has been added to your reservation.

By adding TSA PreCheck to your existing United reservation, you are ensuring that you will receive the benefits of expedited screening when you arrive at the airport. This includes access to dedicated security lanes, where you can enjoy a faster and more streamlined screening process.

 

Once you have added TSA PreCheck to your reservation, it’s time to move on to the next step – paying for the TSA PreCheck service, if you haven’t already done so.

 

Step 4: Pay for TSA PreCheck Service

Adding TSA PreCheck to your existing United reservation is not enough to enjoy the benefits of expedited security screening. To complete the process, you must also pay for the TSA PreCheck service.

 

The cost of TSA PreCheck is $85 for a five-year membership. This fee covers the background check and your enrollment in the program. Payment can be made online through the TSA PreCheck website using a credit card, debit card, or electronic payment method.

 

To pay for the TSA PreCheck service, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the TSA PreCheck website at www.tsa.gov/precheck.
  2. Click on the “Apply Now” button.
  3. Fill out the online application form with your personal information.
  4. Schedule an appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center.
  5. Pay the $85 fee using a credit card, debit card, or electronic payment method.

Once your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with further instructions on how to complete the enrollment process. This typically involves visiting an enrollment center for an in-person interview and fingerprinting.

 

It’s important to note that the TSA PreCheck fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements and provide accurate information during the application process.

 

By paying for the TSA PreCheck service, you are securing your membership and access to expedited security screening for the next five years. This investment in convenience and efficiency will greatly enhance your air travel experience.

 

Once you have paid for the TSA PreCheck service, it’s time to move on to the final step – updating your boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator.

 

Step 5: Update Boarding Pass with TSA PreCheck Indicator

Now that you have added TSA PreCheck to your existing United reservation and paid for the service, the final step is to update your boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator. This indicator informs the TSA agents at the airport that you are eligible for expedited screening.

 

To update your boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator, follow these steps:

  1. Check-in for your flight using the United Airlines website, mobile app, or at the airport kiosk.
  2. During the check-in process, make sure to verify that your TSA PreCheck or known traveler number is listed on your reservation.
  3. Review your boarding pass and look for the TSA PreCheck indicator. This is usually represented by the letters “TSA” followed by the words “PreCheck” or a similar designation.
  4. If you don’t see the TSA PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass, contact United Airlines customer service for assistance.

Once your boarding pass is updated with the TSA PreCheck indicator, you are ready to proceed through the dedicated security lanes at the airport. Simply show your boarding pass and valid identification to the TSA agents, and they will direct you to the appropriate PreCheck checkpoint.

 

It is important to note that while TSA PreCheck provides expedited screening for eligible travelers, it does not guarantee that you will bypass all security measures. Random or targeted additional screening may still occur at the discretion of the TSA.

 

Congratulations! You have successfully added TSA PreCheck to your existing United reservation, paid for the service, and updated your boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator. Now you can enjoy a more efficient and hassle-free airport experience.

 

Safe travels!

 

Conclusion

Adding TSA PreCheck to your existing United Airlines reservation is a simple and worthwhile process that can significantly enhance your travel experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the benefits of expedited security screening, saving valuable time and reducing stress at the airport.

 

We began by researching TSA PreCheck eligibility, ensuring that you meet the program’s requirements and determining if your departure airport supports TSA PreCheck. Then, we moved on to updating your United profile with your known traveler number, a crucial step in signaling your eligibility for expedited screening.

 

Next, we discussed adding TSA PreCheck to your existing United reservation, a quick and easy process within your account settings. We also explored the importance of paying for the TSA PreCheck service to finalize your membership and secure access to expedited screening for the next five years.

 

Finally, we covered the essential step of updating your boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator, ensuring that you will be directed to the dedicated PreCheck security lanes at the airport.

 

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge and steps to add TSA PreCheck to your existing United reservation, you can enjoy smoother and more efficient travels. Say goodbye to long security lines and the inconvenience of removing your shoes, belts, and laptops at the checkpoint.

 

Remember, TSA PreCheck is just one of many tools available to streamline your air travel experience. Additionally, consider exploring other trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry or NEXUS, which offer similar benefits and expedited screening for international travels.

 

Thank you for choosing United Airlines and TSA PreCheck. We hope this guide has been helpful, and we wish you safe and pleasant travels!