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How To Add TSA PreCheck To An Existing United Reservation

Published:

Modified: 5 October 2026

by Annemarie Dougherty

How To Add TSA PreCheck To An Existing United Reservation

To add TSA PreCheck to an existing United reservation, enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN) into the booking. The only catch is that you must already have a KTN from TSA PreCheck or another trusted traveler program to use this method.

Step 1: Research TSA PreCheck Eligibility

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

To check eligibility, visit the official TSA website and navigate to their PreCheck page. You'll find a list of requirements and a tool that asks for your full name, date of birth, and gender to determine if you qualify.

If you are eligible, proceed to the next step. If not, the TSA also offers 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, and requires a background check and an in-person interview at a designated enrollment center. If you are eligible for Global Entry, consider applying for that program instead.

Once you have determined your eligibility, move on to updating your United profile with your known traveler number. The cost of TSA PreCheck is subject to change; check the official TSA website for the current five-year membership fee. To update your United profile with your KTN, log in to your United Airlines account, click on your profile or account settings, and navigate to your personal or travel identification details in the MileagePlus profile. Look for a field that allows you to enter your known traveler number, and enter your KTN in the designated field.

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 for personal or travel identification details in your MileagePlus profile, such as "Traveler Information," "Passenger Details," or "Known Traveler Number / Redress."
  4. Look for a field that allows you to enter your known traveler number. Enter your KTN in the designated 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. If you need to add a trip to your Southwest account or book round-trip flights with different airports, those are separate processes.

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. Enter your KTN in the designated field.
  6. 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.

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.

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 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, the final step is to update your boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator. This indicator informs TSA agents 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 check-in, verify that your known traveler number (KTN) is listed on your reservation. To add your KTN to your profile beforehand, log in to your United Airlines account, go to your profile or account settings, and look for "Traveler Information," "Passenger Details," or "Known Traveler Number / Redress" to edit passenger info. Enter your KTN in the designated field.
  3. Review your boarding pass for the TSA PreCheck indicator, usually represented by "TSA PreCheck" or a similar designation.
  4. If you don't see the indicator, contact United Airlines customer service for assistance.

Once your boarding pass is updated, you are ready to proceed through dedicated security lanes. Show your boarding pass and valid ID to TSA agents, who will direct you to the PreCheck checkpoint.

Note: While TSA PreCheck provides expedited screening, it does not guarantee bypassing all security measures. Random or targeted additional screening may still occur at TSA discretion.

Congratulations! You have successfully added TSA PreCheck to your United reservation and updated your boarding pass. Safe travels!

Conclusion

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

We began by researching TSA PreCheck eligibility, ensuring you meet program requirements and that your departure airport supports it. Then, we moved on to updating your United profile with your known traveler number. To update your United profile with your KTN, follow these simple steps: Log in to your United Airlines account on their official website. Click on your profile or account settings. Navigate to the personal or travel identification details in your MileagePlus profile. Enter your KTN in the designated field.

Next, we discussed adding TSA PreCheck to your existing United reservation, a quick process within your account settings. Finally, we covered updating your boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck indicator, ensuring you will be directed to the dedicated PreCheck security lanes.

Now that you are equipped with these steps, you can enjoy smoother travels. Remember, TSA PreCheck is one of many tools to streamline air travel; consider other trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry or NEXUS for expedited screening on international trips. For example, if you plan to travel internationally, you might also want to learn how to book a KLM stopover or book a British Airways stopover in 5 easy steps to maximize your journey. We hope this guide has been helpful, and we wish you safe travels.