Travel Glossary · Documents & Entry
Known Traveler Number (KTN)
Definition
Known Traveler Number (KTN): A Known Traveler Number is the ID issued to members of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI that you add to airline bookings to receive PreCheck screening.
Your KTN is how airlines know to print the PreCheck indicator on your boarding pass. TSA PreCheck members receive one on approval; for Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI members, the PASSID on the back of the membership card serves as the KTN. Enter it in the Known Traveler field of each reservation or, better, save it in your airline loyalty profiles so it attaches automatically.
The details must match. The name, date of birth, and gender on your booking need to align with your trusted traveler record, or the indicator may not appear. Even with a valid KTN, TSA uses random screening, so PreCheck is never guaranteed on every trip. Membership lasts five years, and renewing on time typically keeps the same number active.
In a corporate program, storing each traveler’s KTN in their traveler profile is one of the easiest wins. See our TSA PreCheck guide to enroll or renew.
Go deeper
- Travel GuidesTSA PreCheck Guide: Cost, How to Apply, and Whether It’s Worth ItTSA PreCheck explained: how expedited screening works, 2026 enrollment costs, how to apply and renew, rules for kids, and when Global Entry is the better buy.
- Travel GuidesGlobal Entry Guide: Cost, Interview, and How It WorksGlobal Entry explained: the 2026 fee, what’s included, how the interview and Enrollment on Arrival work, and whether it’s worth it for international travelers.
- CompareGlobal Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which Should You Get?Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck: costs as of 2026, what each speeds up, eligibility, kids, and how to apply, so you can choose the right trusted traveler program.
- Corporate TravelTraveler Profile Checklist for Business TravelA traveler profile checklist for companies: ID and passport details, trusted traveler numbers, loyalty programs, seat and hotel preferences, emergency contacts.
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