Updated TSA Travel Tips for Global Entry and TSA Precheck
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
The TSA has just released an updated list of tips for travelers enrolled in expedited security, trusted traveler programs like Global Entry and TSA Precheck, and I want to pass them along to you—along with a few reminders of my own.
Airlines That Participate in TSA Precheck
The TSA says that you'll receive TSA Precheck on a consistent basis as long as you have a Known Traveler Number (KTN)—also known as your PASSID, which generally starts with 98—and add it to your airline frequent flyer profiles. However, the TSA now recommends that you also add your KTN to your profiles on the 11 airlines that participate in TSA Precheck.
For each of these 11 airlines, enter your confirmation number/name to access your booking info:
Air Canada. In the "Update Passport Information (APIS)" field, include passport info, and in the "NEXUS PASS ID" field, enter your KTN. (NOTE: TSA Precheck is only available at U.S. airports.)
Alaska Airlines. Under "Traveler Documentation," click "Enter Known Traveler/Redress number" and enter your KTN. If your KTN has already been added, you'll see the message, "Known Traveler number has already been collected for this traveler."
American Airlines. Under the "Passenger Summary" tab, click "Add/Edit Passenger Information" and verify your name and KTN in the "Known Traveler ID" field. (Passengers won't be able to edit this information online after check-in.)
Delta Air Lines. Under the "Secure Flight Passenger Data & Contact Information" tab, verify gender/date of birth/KTN. (Passengers won't be able to edit this information online within 72-hours of departure.)
Hawaiian Airlines. Under the "Additional Passenger Information" tab, click "Make Changes." Verify name/date of birth, click "Add Known Traveler #," and enter your KTN.
JetBlue Airways. Click "Itinerary options," then "Add/Edit TSA Precheck," and enter your KTN.
Sun Country Airlines. You may add your KTN during the check-in process if not provided previously.
United Airlines. Click "Edit traveler information," and enter your KTN in the "Known Traveler Number/Pass ID" field.
US Airways. You may add your KTN during the check-in process if not provided previously.
Booking/Changing Reservations
Note that entering your KTN on your frequent flyer profile won't automatically update previously booked reservations. If you make reservations via a third-party website (that is, not directly on the airline's website) and/or travel agency, your KTN may not be shared with the airline. Remember to always enter your KTN when booking/changing your reservation, even when using your frequent flyer profile.
TSA recommends you contact your air carrier directly to add your KTN to your reservation, either by calling them or contacting them via Twitter to verify that your Secure Flight data (e.g., your KTN, first/middle/last name, gender, correct date of birth).
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here: Citi Prestige
If You Don't Receive TSA Precheck on Your Boarding Pass
If you check-in online before your flight and don't see a TSA Precheck indicator on your boarding pass, contact your airline or check your airline accounts online to ensure that your Secure Flight information is updated right away. If you have flights with multiple TSA Precheck-participating carriers, ensure that your KTN is listed with each individual carrier, as they submit this data to the TSA for TSA Precheck verification starting 72 hours prior to departure.
If everything matches, you'll be able to re-print your boarding pass again, hopefully with TSA Precheck this time!
How to Get Global Entry Paid For With Credit Cards
A Global Entry application costs $100 and includes TSA Precheck. If you didn't already know, several credit cards enable you to get the $100 Global Entry fee credited or refunded:
The Platinum Card® from American Express. The personal, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and Merecedes-Benz Platinum versions of this card offer a statement credit for the Global entry fee, even for additional cardholders.
Citi Prestige, the flagship card of the ThankYou Rewards program, will also refund your Global Entry fee. Check out this post for more on the benefits of this card, which includes airline transfer partners, free hotel nights, air travel credit, lounge access at 9 airports, and a 3x bonus category for airlines, hotels, and travel agencies.
Advantage Aviator Silver Card. Offered only to existing US Airways Barclaycard cardholders, this card provides a credit for the Global Entry fee. Note that once US Airways and American Airlines merge, Barclaycard won't be able to accept new applications for American Airlines co-branded cards, so they're offering Aviator Red and Silver products as upgrades to existing cardholders. If you want to be able to have one of these Aviator cards, you must apply now through the US Airways card, and then you'll be converted.
Also be aware that while United elites (those with Global Services, Premier 1K or Platinum status) used to be refunded for the Global Entry fee, United MileagePlus discontinued this benefit as of February 1, 2015.
Still don't have Global Entry (which includes TSA Precheck)? The TPG team and I have written extensively on the subject, so take a look at these posts to learn more—and go get Global Entry, already!
Global Entry, Nexus and Precheck: A Comprehensive Guide & FAQ
Top 12 Things You Didn't Know About Global Entry
6 Reasons Why Global Entry Rocks
How to Apply & Get Approved for Global Entry
How Can I get Global Entry if I Already Have TSA Precheck?
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