Airline travel can be a daunting task, especially if you are an avid flyer. Signing up for trusted traveler programs like the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can make your airport experience so much easier for frequent flyers. These programs make security checks much faster, bypassing long lines and keeping shoes and laptops in place during checks.
To fully reap the rewards of these benefits when flying with Alaska Airlines, Go to the ‘About You’ section, and click on ‘Travel documents’. Select ‘Add Known Traveler’ and type in your known traveler number. Here is how to make your journey that much smoother on your next flight and make the most of your services.
Trusted traveler programs: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security runs expedited security screening for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The most common programs are:
Once you are accepted into any of the above programs, you are issued a Known Traveler Number (KTN). This unique number links all your airline reservations to your status as a recognized traveler. Therefore, you enjoy expedited security lines.
To enjoy TSA PreCheck or Global Entry with Alaska Airlines, your KTN must be associated with your flight reservations. The airline will not recognize your trusted traveler status without it, which means you would miss out on the expedited screening benefits.
Alaska Airlines has some easy ways through which you can add your KTN to your profile or reservations:
Note: Adding your KTN to your profile ensures it’s automatically included in all future reservations.
Note: It is advisable to input your KTN at least 72 hours before your flight so that it can be processed.
Note: You can also add your KTN when you check-in. For smooth processing, it’s advisable to attach your KTN to your profile or the reservation well ahead of check-in.
Linking your KTN to your Alaska Airlines profile and reservations will open up the following benefits:
Here is a summary of the different ways you can add your KTN to Alaska Airlines in the table below.
Method | When to Use | Steps | Pros | Cons |
Mileage Plan Profile | For all future reservations | Update your profile on the Alaska Airlines website or app | Automatically applied to all bookings | One-time effort required |
Existing Reservation | Before your trip | Add KTN via the “My Trips” section on the website or app | Easy to update | Must be added separately per booking |
During Check-In | At the time of check-in (online or app) | Input your KTN during the check-in process | Last-minute option | Risk of not being processed in time |
When your boarding pass still doesn’t contain the TSA PreCheck indicator, even after entering your KTN, then possibly;
If the TSA PreCheck indicator is missing from your boarding pass, try the following:
This simple step makes a significant difference in ensuring that your Alaska Airlines travel becomes easy and hassle-free. Whether a frequent traveler or a seasonal one, this difference can be of immense value because of the extra time saved via TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
Increase your chances of benefiting from your trusted traveler by following these steps. Update your profile on the Mileage Plan, check your reservations for accuracy, and benefit from expedited security screening to avoid wasted hours standing in lines and sitting on the plane.
Ready to simplify your travel with Alaska Airlines? Log in to your Mileage Plan account today and add your Known Traveler Number now!
A Known Traveler Number is a unique ID assigned to travelers approved for programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. It links your traveler status to your airline reservations, which enables you to access expedited security lanes.
Yes, KTNs can be added to an existing reservation by going back through the system and editing your passenger details from the Alaska Airlines website or app.
You will not be able to use your TSA PreCheck on that flight if you forget to add your KTN. You can add your KTN during check-in or call Alaska Airlines customer service for help.
This could be because KTN has been entered wrongly, the name of the reservation is not the same as in the trusted traveler account, account has expired trusted traveler program membership.
Log into your Mileage Plan account and select “Profile” from under “Personal Information.” Verify your KTN is typed correctly.
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