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If you ask anyone about their favorite part of their last vacation, they’re unlikely to mention waiting in line at airport security or going through customs. Even seasoned travelers dread removing their shoes and separating their belongings under the pressure of a long line. That’s where Trusted Traveler Programs come in. With these programs, you’re pre-approved to access shorter lines and easier processes. Once you’re accepted, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that allows you to enter lanes at the airport specifically for members. Here is what you need to know about getting a KTN and how having the right credit cards could help you cover the cost.
What is a Known Traveler Number?
A Known Traveler Number is a number that identifies you as a member of a Trusted Traveler Program. You’ll get a KTN when you apply for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI.
There are key differences between the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs. With TSA PreCheck, you’ll get shorter security lines, and you won’t have to remove items from your bag or take off your shoes or belt. Global Entry is intended for international travelers. It provides the TSA PreCheck benefit and also allows speedy clearance through U.S. Customs and Border Protection with automatic kiosks. NEXUS and SENTRI are less popular in the U.S., but both offer similar benefits.
Once you’re approved for a Trusted Traveler Program, you’ll get a KTN, which you’ll need to provide every time you make a reservation with a participating airline. Your TSA PreCheck indicator will then be embedded in the barcode on your boarding pass; you won’t use an ID card to get entry to the TSA PreCheck lanes.
4 benefits of having a Known Traveler Number
- Wait five minutes or less. Nearly 94% of TSA PreCheck members waited just five minutes or less in their security lanes in January 2020.
- Leave on your shoes, belt, and jacket. With your Known Traveler Number, you’ll be able to fly through security without removing lightweight jackets, belts, or shoes, so you won’t have to step on a dirty airport floor, lose your pants, or catch a chill.
- Leave your bag closed. There’s no need to remove your laptop or liquid items from your bag when you have a Known Traveler Number.
- Enjoy the benefits at major U.S. airports and worldwide. TSA PreCheck is available at more than 200 airports and 73 airlines. If you have Global Entry, you’ll also get access to expedited entry in other countries. NEXUS provides expedited entry into the U.S. from Canada, and SENTRI provides expedited entry into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico.
How to get a Known Traveler Number
To get a KTN, you’ll need to apply for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. To apply for each program, you need to complete an online application and schedule an in-person appointment. Here’s what’s required for each.
|
|
TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | NEXUS | SENTRI |
| Fee | $78 | $100 | $50 | $122.50 |
| Documents required | Your passport/green card or a photo ID plus proof of citizenship | Valid passport plus one other form of identification, permanent resident card (if applicable) | Proof of citizenship plus a valid photo ID, or permanent resident card (if applicable) | Proof of citizenship plus a valid photo ID, or permanent resident card (if applicable) |
| What to expect | Background check and fingerprinting (takes 10 minutes) | Background check, fingerprinting, and interview | Interview and fingerprinting | Background check, fingerprinting, and interview |
| How long membership lasts | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Best for... | Departing from U.S. airports | Entering the U.S. via plane, car, or boat from international destinations | Entering the U.S. from Canada | Entering the U.S. from Mexico |
Once you’re approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number for TSA PreCheck or a PASSID for Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. Both can be used as a KTN when making a reservation.
FAQs about Known Traveler Numbers
Can I look up my Known Traveler Number?
Yes. If you’re a member of TSA PreCheck, you can look up your KTN online. You’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, and one method of contact. If you’re a member of Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, login to the Trusted Traveler Program site to obtain your PASSID, which you’ll use as your Known Traveler Number.
Is a redress number the same as a Known Traveler Number?
No. A redress number is the identifier you get when you apply for redress through the DHS Travel Redress Inquiry Program. This is an option for travelers who have been repeatedly flagged for additional screening and want to have errors corrected in the DHS system. A KTN, on the other hand, gets you access to TSA PreCheck lanes.
Can I add my Known Traveler Number after booking?
Yes. You’ll need to contact your airline by phone or online to add your KTN to your reservation.
How many digits are in a Known Traveler Number?
There are nine digits in a Known Traveler Number. PASSID numbers are also nine digits and can be used as a Known Traveler Number.
Why is my Known Traveler Number not on my boarding pass?
Your Known Traveler Number will not be listed on your boarding pass. Instead, your boarding pass will have a TSA PreCheck indicator. If you don’t see the indicator, it may be because:
- You forgot to enter your Known Traveler Number during booking
- You entered your Known Traveler Number in the redress number field
- Information, such as your name, was entered incorrectly
- You had a disqualifying criminal offense
The final word on Known Traveler Numbers
It’s not just a nine-digit number; It’s your ticket to shorter lines and less stress, so you can start relaxing before you reach your destination. Membership to Trusted Traveler Programs is good for five years, which makes the brief appointment and fee well worth it for frequent travelers. Many of the best travel credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, offer fee credits for Trusted Traveler Programs as well. (You can get reimbursed for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry fees with these 20 cards.) To enjoy less waiting and hassle next time you go to the airport, apply for your KTN today.
Benefits
Card Details
- Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
- Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
- Longer intro APR on qualifying purchases and balance transfers
- No foreign transaction fees
- Apply Now
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
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Intro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
$0
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