Learn About Adding TSA PreCheck to Southwest

Understanding TSA PreCheck: What It Is and How It Works

TSA PreCheck is a program run by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration that allows certain travelers to go through a faster security screening process at U.S. airports. Instead of standing in regular security lines, PreCheck members use dedicated lanes where the screening process is streamlined. This means you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on during screening. You can also leave your laptop and liquids bag in your carry-on luggage, which saves time at the checkpoint.

The program has grown significantly since its launch in 2011. As of 2024, more than 15 million people hold active TSA PreCheck memberships. The program operates at over 200 U.S. airports, with PreCheck lanes available at major hubs like Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles International, and Chicago O'Hare, as well as many smaller regional airports.

TSA PreCheck membership is separate from other trusted traveler programs. While some programs like Global Entry (which costs $100 for five years) include TSA PreCheck benefits, you can also get TSA PreCheck on its own. The standard TSA PreCheck membership costs $78 to $85 for five years, depending on the application channel you use. This breaks down to roughly $16 per year.

The program works by having the TSA conduct a background check on members before they receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN). This number is linked to your airline reservations, so TSA officers know you're a PreCheck member when you arrive at security. The background check includes fingerprinting and a review of criminal history, immigration status, and other factors.

Practical Takeaway: TSA PreCheck is a paid membership program that reduces security screening time at airports. Understanding its basic function—faster lines in exchange for a membership fee and background check—helps you decide if it matches your travel patterns.

Adding TSA PreCheck to Your Southwest Airlines Account

Once you've completed your TSA PreCheck membership and received your Known Traveler Number (KTN), you need to add this number to your Southwest Airlines account. This step connects your PreCheck status to your reservations, which tells TSA officers at the airport that you're a PreCheck member. Without linking your KTN to your airline account, TSA may not recognize your PreCheck status even if you're a paying member.

To add TSA PreCheck to your Southwest account, log into your account on Southwest.com or through the Southwest mobile app. Navigate to your profile settings or account information section. Most travelers find this under "My Account" or a similar heading. Look for options related to traveler information or security programs. Southwest's website has a dedicated section for adding your KTN.

When you find the right section, you'll enter your Known Traveler Number exactly as it appears on your TSA PreCheck approval letter or TSA.gov account. The KTN is typically 10 to 15 characters long and is case-sensitive in some systems, though Southwest's system generally accepts it regardless of case. Double-check the number before submitting to avoid typos that could prevent the system from recognizing your PreCheck status.

You can also add your KTN when making a new Southwest reservation. During the booking process, there's usually a field for traveler information where you can enter security program numbers. If you're a frequent Southwest flyer, adding it to your account profile means you won't need to re-enter it for every booking.

Southwest allows you to update your KTN anytime if your PreCheck membership expires and you renew it with a different number. You should update this information to maintain continuous PreCheck benefits on your Southwest flights.

Practical Takeaway: Adding your TSA PreCheck KTN to your Southwest account takes just a few minutes online and ensures your PreCheck status is recognized on all your future bookings with the airline.

How to Obtain Your TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number

Before you can add TSA PreCheck to Southwest, you need to complete the TSA PreCheck enrollment process and receive your Known Traveler Number. This process involves submitting information, undergoing a background check, and paying the program fee. The entire process typically takes 3 to 6 weeks from start to finish, though some applicants receive approval faster.

There are several ways to begin your TSA PreCheck enrollment. You can go directly to the TSA PreCheck website (tsa.gov/precheck) and start an online application. Alternatively, you can visit one of nearly 380 enrollment centers across the United States in person. Some CVS and Walgreens locations offer TSA PreCheck enrollment services, as do many local police departments and travel-related businesses. You can also enroll through certain Global Entry enrollment centers if you're pursuing that program instead.

The online application asks for personal information including your name, date of birth, citizenship status, contact information, and more. It also asks about criminal history, drug use, and immigration violations. The TSA reviews this information as part of its background check process. The application typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete online.

After submitting your online application, you'll need to schedule an appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center for an in-person visit. During this appointment, a TSA officer will verify your identity using documents like a passport or driver's license, take digital fingerprints, and take a photo. This appointment usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. You'll also pay the enrollment fee at this time, which is typically $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment location.

Once the TSA completes your background check and approves your membership, you'll receive a Known Traveler Number by mail or email. Some people receive their KTN within a few weeks, while others may wait up to six weeks. You can check your application status on the TSA website using your application reference number.

Practical Takeaway: Obtaining your TSA PreCheck KTN involves an online application and an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. Plan for this process to take several weeks before you can link it to your Southwest account.

What Information You Need Before You Start

Before logging into your Southwest account to add TSA PreCheck, gather a few key pieces of information. Most importantly, you need your Known Traveler Number exactly as it appears on your TSA PreCheck approval documentation. This 10- to 15-character code is essential for linking your PreCheck status to your airline reservations.

You'll also need access to your Southwest account, which means having your username and password ready. If you don't have a Southwest account yet, you'll need to create one first. This takes only a few minutes and requires an email address and basic personal information. Southwest asks for your name, date of birth, and contact information to set up your account.

Have your TSA PreCheck approval letter or confirmation available. This document contains your KTN and other important information about your membership. If you received your PreCheck approval by email, you can simply reference that email or save it for later. If you haven't received physical documentation yet, you can log into your TSA PreCheck account at tsa.gov to view your KTN.

It's helpful to have your Southwest Rapid Rewards membership number if you're already a member, though this isn't required to add your PreCheck information. You may also want to have a list of any upcoming Southwest flights, though you can add your KTN to your account at any time regardless of upcoming reservations.

Before making changes to your account, verify that your personal information in your Southwest profile matches your identification documents. Southwest uses your name and date of birth to match your PreCheck status at the airport, so discrepancies can cause problems. If your name on your driver's license differs from what's in your Southwest account, update your Southwest profile first.

Practical Takeaway: Gathering your Known Traveler Number, Southwest login credentials, and having your TSA PreCheck approval documentation on hand ensures the linking process goes smoothly without delays.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Adding Your KTN to Southwest

Once you have all the necessary information, adding your TSA PreCheck KTN to your Southwest account is straightforward. Start by going to Southwest.com or opening the Southwest app on your mobile device. Log into your account using your email or username and password