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Anyone who’s been to an airport can tell you the experience is, in a word, unpleasant. Long lines, flight delays and uncomfortable terminals can make the experience less than enjoyable. That’s why some enterprising vacation-seekers may be inclined to do whatever they can to make the journey easier.
Several services can help with this, including TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, Global Entry and CLEAR Plus. These programs allow those approved to expedited airport screening to skip the lines, saving time and stress.
Enter the known traveler number or KTN. Simple in concept—although requiring a bit of upfront effort—a KTN can be an essential tool in the seasoned traveler’s arsenal.
What Is a Known Traveler Number?
A known traveler number is a nine-digit number issued to those approved for TSA PreCheck or similar services that allow for expedited airport screening. The nine digits are a mix of letters and numbers, typically beginning with “TT” for those who enroll through IDEMIA or “TE” for those who enroll through Telos.
IDEMIA and Telos are the two official TSA PreCheck enrollment providers. For members approved for Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI, the KTN is known as the CBP PASS ID. This number functions the same as a KTN, usually begins with 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 50, 70, 80, 95, 98 or 99, and can be found on the back of your NEXUS, SENTRI or Global Entry card. You can also access it by logging on to the Trusted Traveler Program website.
When booking flights online, there should be a field for your KTN or PASS ID. Remember to add the number to your booking, as this is what will ensure that your TSA PreCheck approval appears on your reservation and, ultimately, your boarding pass. It can be difficult or impossible to add the KTN after booking, meaning you lose out on your speedy benefits if you don’t remember it when you enter your flight information.
Who Can Use a Known Traveler Number?
Anyone approved for TSA PreCheck, CLEAR Plus, NEXUS or Global Entry will be issued a KTN. Which service is right for you will depend on your travel needs. However, it’s important to remember that only U.S. citizens, nationals and permanent residents can apply for PreCheck. Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI, however, allow some foreign citizens to apply. You’ll need to pass a background check and provide your personal information to the government. Your KTN will be emailed to you when you pass that hurdle.
To locate your KTN, log in to the trusted traveler website. TSA doesn’t send physical mail regarding PreCheck approvals, so make sure you can readily access the email provided for your KTN.
How To Get a Known Traveler Number
The application process for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS is fairly simple. First, applicants fill out a brief online application, after which they must schedule an in-person appointment to submit fingerprints, a background check and other necessary documents.
Be aware that only websites ending in .gov provide legitimate applications. Never give your personal information to a non-.gov site claiming to be an application portal.
Next, pay the application fee. For TSA PreCheck, you’ll pay $77.95 for five years. The price varies depending on which service you apply for. It’s important to note that if this is your first time applying for TSA PreCheck, you cannot submit the payment online. Instead, bring it in person to a TSA enrollment center. The TSA website offers a tool to find a TSA PreCheck® enrollment center near your location. Enter your zip code and you’ll be directed to the nearest center.
Once your application is approved, you should receive your KTN in three to five days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. Applicants can receive updates on their enrollment application status by email, phone, text or by checking online through the enrollment provider they applied with.
Cards With Free TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or CLEAR Plus
While $77.95 for five years of service is a pretty sweet deal, it can be even better. Many credit cards will offer a reimbursement of the TSA PreCheck application fee as a perk of card ownership.
For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply. See rates & fees) both offer reimbursement for some of these services. If you’re not keen to pay such a high annual fee, there are cards for less than $100 a year that offer this benefit, such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees), the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card or the United℠ Explorer Card.
This perk shouldn’t be overlooked—if you’re a frequent traveler, having TSA PreCheck will save you heaps of time and hassle, all for less than $20 a year—or nothing if you have the right credit card).
Read more. Best Travel Credit Cards
Bottom Line
If you have the time and the money—or a credit card that offers this perk—getting one of these travel services and the KTN that comes with them will be a massive upgrade. The airport has often been a stressful experience for many people, but it doesn’t have to be that way. A little bit of upfront work can earn you years of stress-free traveling. It’s certainly worth the effort.
To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
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