I Have a KTN: Why Didn’t I Get TSA PreCheck?

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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If you’ve become accustomed to speeding through airport security as a TSA PreCheck member, it can be really frustrating to download your boarding pass and not see the green check mark.

In some cases, this is a mistake that can be easily rectified if you know what to do. In other situations, there’s nothing you can do to get expedited screening. Here’s what you need to know if you don’t get PreCheck on your boarding pass despite being a Trusted Traveler program member.

Why Didn’t I Get TSA PreCheck on My Boarding Pass if I’m a PreCheck Member?

There are five reasons reasons that your boarding pass won’t show the PreCheck symbol if you’re a PreCheck/Global Entry member:

Your Known Traveler Number Isn’t Attached to Your Booking

The first reason is that the airline may not have received your known traveler number. This is the number that you’re issued when you become a member of a Trusted Traveler Program (like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry). Sometimes, the airline doesn’t ask you to input this number when buying a ticket, or there was an error and the number didn’t transfer from your frequent flyer profile to the reservation.

You can fix this by calling the airline and asking them to add your known traveler number to your reservation and reissue the ticket. You can also try adding the number yourself online and re-downloading your boarding pass, but you might have to call the airline in order to get the ticket reissued so the TSA PreCheck logo populates.

You’re Flying an Airline That Doesn’t Participate in TSA PreCheck

Not all airlines participate in the TSA PreCheck program, so if you’re flying with a carrier not on this list, you won’t be eligible for PreCheck despite being a member.

Your Membership Has Expired

Before you get mad about your lack of PreCheck, double check that your membership has not expired. You can look up your membership status here.

There’s an Error on Your Booking

A typo in your name, date of birth, or Known Traveler Number will throw off the system and prevent you from being issued TSA PreCheck. Carefully review the information on your boarding pass and airline profile and make sure it exactly matches your Trusted Traveler profile. Even something as small as a hyphen can trigger an error.

You’ve Been Randomly Selected for Extra Screening

As an extra security precaution, the TSA does not guarantee that trusted travelers will receive PreCheck every time they fly. According to the agency, “TSA uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.”

What Should I Do if I Didn’t Get TSA PreCheck on My Boarding Pass?

People placing their shoes and carry-on items in security bins to go through security at airport — Mihail | Adobe Stock

If you’ve checked that your reservation has your correct Known Traveler Number, date of birth, and name—and your membership is still valid—you can submit an online form asking the TSA to look into why you didn’t get PreCheck on your boarding pass.

The TSA asks that flyers complete the form three days before travel so that they have time to troubleshoot the issue, but this can be challenging since you generally can’t check-in online more than 24 hours before your flight. If you need urgent help, try contacting @AskTSA on Twitter (X) or Facebook Messenger.

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