How Do You Add TSA PreCheck® to Air Canada?

If you're a frequent flyer between the United States and Canada, you've probably heard of TSA PreCheck®—a program designed to speed up the airport security screening process. But if you’re flying with Air Canada, you might be wondering: How Do You Add TSA PreCheck® to Air Canada? Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned flyer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of TSA PreCheck® benefits when traveling with Air Canada.

What Is TSA PreCheck®?

TSA PreCheck® is a trusted traveler program run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States. Approved members enjoy expedited security screening at over 200 U.S. airports with more than 90 participating airlines, including Air Canada. Passengers with TSA PreCheck® don’t need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets and can keep laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.

The TSA PreCheck® process is available only at U.S. airports, so if you're flying Air Canada from a U.S. city, you may be eligible for this benefit.

Who Can Use TSA PreCheck® with Air Canada?

Air Canada is a participating airline in the TSA PreCheck® program, which means eligible passengers can use TSA PreCheck® lanes when departing from U.S. airports. To qualify, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or a member of a Trusted Traveler Program (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI).
• Have a Known Traveler Number (KTN), issued after your TSA PreCheck® application is approved.
• Include your KTN in your Air Canada reservation and ensure your name matches exactly with your TSA PreCheck® profile.

This leads us to the main question: How do you add TSA PreCheck® to Air Canada?

How Do You Add TSA PreCheck® to Air Canada?

There are two primary ways to add TSA PreCheck® to your Air Canada bookings: through your Aeroplan profile or directly in your individual flight reservation. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide for both options.

1. Add TSA PreCheck® to Your Aeroplan Profile

Adding your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your Aeroplan account is the easiest way to ensure TSA PreCheck® is automatically applied to future bookings.

Steps:

1. Log In to Your Aeroplan Account:
   • Visit www.aircanada.com and log in using your Aeroplan credentials.
2. Access Your Profile:
   • Navigate to the "Profile" or "Account Settings" section.
3. Enter Your KTN:
   • Under “Traveler Information” or “Secure Flight Information,” find the field for “Known Traveler Number.”
   • Enter your KTN exactly as provided by the TSA.
4. Save Your Changes:
   • Confirm and save the information to ensure it is included in all future Air Canada bookings made under your profile.

This method is recommended for frequent travelers because it eliminates the need to manually enter your KTN for each booking.

2. Add TSA PreCheck® to an Existing Air Canada Booking

If you already booked your Air Canada flight but forgot to add your TSA PreCheck® information, don’t worry—you can still include it before you fly.

Steps:

1. Visit the Air Canada Website:
   • Go to www.aircanada.com and click on “My Bookings” or “Manage Bookings.”
2. Retrieve Your Booking:
   • Enter your booking reference number and last name to access your flight details.
3. Edit Passenger Information:
   • Find the section where you can update traveler information or secure flight data.
4. Enter Your KTN:
   • Add your Known Traveler Number to the appropriate field.
5. Double-Check Your Name:
   • Make sure the name on your ticket matches your TSA PreCheck® profile exactly. Even small differences (like middle name or initials) can prevent TSA PreCheck® from appearing on your boarding pass.
6. Save Changes:
   • Confirm the updates and ensure your boarding pass reflects the TSA PreCheck® indicator.

Why Isn’t TSA PreCheck® Showing on My Air Canada Boarding Pass?

If you've followed all the steps above and still don’t see TSA PreCheck® on your boarding pass, here are some common issues to troubleshoot:

1. Name Mismatch:
   • The name on your Air Canada reservation must match exactly with your TSA PreCheck® profile, including middle name or initial if used.
2. Late Addition of KTN:
   • If you added your KTN too close to your departure, it may not process in time. Always update your information at least 72 hours before your flight.
3. Non-Eligible Flights:
   • TSA PreCheck® is only available for flights departing from U.S. airports. It won’t apply to Canadian domestic flights or departures from non-U.S. cities.
4. Booking Through Third Parties:
   • If you booked your flight via a travel agency or third-party site, you may need to contact them or Air Canada directly to add your KTN.
5. KTN Entry Errors:
   • Double-check that your KTN is entered correctly without typos.

If all else fails, contact Air Canada’s customer service for assistance.

Benefits of Adding TSA PreCheck® to Air Canada

Still unsure why you should add TSA PreCheck® to your Air Canada flights? Here are the main benefits:

• Expedited Security Lines: Spend less time waiting in long airport security queues.
• Convenience: No need to remove shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids.
• Consistency: Travel with ease through U.S. airports, even on international flights.
• Seamless Experience: When added to your Aeroplan profile, TSA PreCheck® benefits automatically apply to future trips.

How to Apply for TSA PreCheck®

If you haven’t enrolled yet, follow these simple steps:

1. Apply Online at TSA.gov:
   • Fill out the application form and schedule an in-person appointment.
2. Attend Your Appointment:
   • Visit an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and proof of ID.
3. Receive Your KTN:
   • If approved, you’ll get a Known Traveler Number within 3–5 days (sometimes up to 60 days).
4. Add Your KTN to Air Canada:
   • Follow the steps outlined above to include your TSA PreCheck® benefits in your future flights.

Final Thoughts

So, how do you add TSA PreCheck® to Air Canada? The process is simple: log in to your Aeroplan account or access your existing booking on Air Canada’s website and enter your Known Traveler Number in the correct field. Ensuring your personal details match your TSA profile exactly is essential for successful use. Once added, you’ll enjoy a faster, more relaxed airport experience when flying from the U.S. with Air Canada.

With just a few clicks, you can skip long lines, keep your shoes on, and breeze through security—making your travel smoother and more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions.(FAQs)

1. How do you add TSA PreCheck® to Air Canada?

You can add TSA PreCheck® to Air Canada by logging into your Aeroplan account and entering your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in your profile. Alternatively, you can manage an existing booking on the Air Canada website and input your KTN under passenger information.

2. Where do I enter my Known Traveler Number when booking a flight with Air Canada?

You can enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN) during the booking process on Air Canada’s website or mobile app. Look for the field labeled "Known Traveler Number" under passenger details before checkout.

3. Can I add TSA PreCheck® to my Air Canada flight after booking?

Yes, if you forgot to add it during booking, you can go to “Manage Bookings” on AirCanada.com and update your reservation with your Known Traveler Number before departure.

4. Why is TSA PreCheck® not showing on my Air Canada boarding pass?

This could be due to a name mismatch, late KTN entry, a non-eligible flight (not departing from a U.S. airport), or an error in your KTN. Double-check your details and ensure they match your TSA profile exactly.

5. Does TSA PreCheck® work for Air Canada flights from Canada?

No, TSA PreCheck® is only available at U.S. airports. You can use it when flying Air Canada from the U.S., but not when departing from Canadian or other international airports.

6. Can non-U.S. citizens use TSA PreCheck® with Air Canada?

Yes, if they are members of a Trusted Traveler Program like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, and have a Known Traveler Number, they can use TSA PreCheck® on eligible Air Canada flights departing the U.S.

7. Do all Air Canada flights offer TSA PreCheck®?

Only Air Canada flights departing from U.S. airports are eligible for TSA PreCheck®. It is not available for Canadian domestic or international flights that do not originate in the U.S.

8. Can I use TSA PreCheck® if I booked my Air Canada flight through a third party?

Yes, but you may need to contact the third-party provider or Air Canada directly to add your Known Traveler Number to the reservation manually.

9. What happens if I enter my KTN incorrectly?

If your KTN is entered incorrectly, TSA PreCheck® will not be applied to your boarding pass. Always double-check for typos or digit errors and make sure the name matches your TSA registration.

10. How do I apply for TSA PreCheck® to use it with Air Canada?

You can apply online at tsa.gov, schedule an appointment, and complete an in-person background check. Once approved, you’ll receive a KTN, which you can add to your Air Canada profile or individual bookings.