Check your airline's website or app first

The fastest way to learn about your flight is delayed is to go directly to your airline's website or mobile app and enter your confirmation number and last name. Most airlines—United, American, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, and others—show real-time status updates on their booking pages. You do not need to log in; the confirmation number alone pulls up your reservation.

Open the airline's app if you have it installed, since push notifications will alert you to delays automatically once you've booked. The app typically updates more frequently than the website and sends alerts to your phone without you having to check manually. If you booked through a travel site like Expedia or Kayak instead of directly with the airline, you can still go to the airline's site—just use your confirmation number, which appears on your booking confirmation email.

Key Takeaways

  • Your airline's website or app shows delay status when you enter your confirmation number and last name, and updates in real time.
  • Flight tracking sites like FlightAware and FlightRadar24 show delays even if you are not a passenger, and include reasons for the delay.
  • The airline will contact you by phone, email, or text if there is a significant delay, but checking yourself means you know when ready.
  • Delays under 15 minutes may not show up on tracking sites right away, so refresh the page every few minutes if your departure time is approaching.
  • Airport departure boards and airline customer service phone lines confirm delays, but websites and apps are faster for checking from home.

Use a flight tracking website for real-time updates

FlightAware and FlightRadar24 are free websites that track flights in real time and show delays, cancellations, and the reason for the delay. You do not need to be a passenger to use them—type your airline name and flight number (for example, "United 447") into the search box, and the site pulls up the current status. These sites often show delays before the airline's own website does, especially for small delays of 10 to 20 minutes.

FlightAware also shows the aircraft's current location, altitude, and speed, which helps you understand why a delay might be happening. For example, if the plane is still in the air from a previous flight, you will see that. If weather is the reason, the site usually notes it. FlightRadar24 has a similar map view and is particularly useful if you want to watch the plane's progress in real time while you wait.

Check the airport departure board if you are already there

If you are at the airport, the departure board in the terminal shows your flight's status, gate number, and any delays. Look for your airline and flight number on the main board, or ask an airline representative at the ticket counter or gate. Gate agents have access to the most current information and can tell you whether the delay is expected to be short or long, and sometimes the reason.

Departure boards update every few minutes, so if you see a delay listed, check again in five minutes to see if it has changed. Delays under 15 minutes sometimes do not appear on the board right away, so if your departure time is very close and the board shows "on time," ask the gate agent directly.

Call or text the airline directly

Every airline has a customer service phone number on its website. Call that number, select the option for flight status, and provide your confirmation number. The wait time varies depending on how busy the airline is, but you will reach a representative who can tell you the exact status and expected departure time.

Some airlines also offer text message alerts. Check your airline's website for a link to sign up for SMS notifications about your flight. Once you are enrolled, the airline sends you a text when your flight is delayed, cancelled, or boarding. This is the most hands-off way to stay informed if you do not want to check manually.

Understand what the status updates mean

On Time means the flight is scheduled to depart at the listed time. Delayed means the departure has been pushed back; the website will show the new departure time. Boarding means passengers are currently boarding the plane. Departed means the plane has left the gate and is taxiing to the runway or is already in the air.

Cancelled means the flight will not operate that day. If your flight is cancelled, the airline will rebook you on another flight at no extra cost, or you can request a refund. Diverted means the plane is landing at a different airport than planned, usually because of weather or a medical emergency. If your flight is diverted, the airline will arrange ground transportation to your original destination or rebook you on another flight.

Set up alerts so you do not have to check manually

Most airline apps let you turn on notifications for your booked flights. Open the app, find your reservation, and look for a bell icon or "alerts" option. Toggle notifications on, and you will receive a push notification on your phone when your flight status changes. This is the easiest way to stay informed without checking the website repeatedly.

If you prefer email, some airlines send status updates to the email address on your reservation. Check your airline's website under "manage my booking" or "account settings" to see whether email alerts are turned on by default. You can also sign up for text alerts through the airline's website, which is faster than checking a website or app if you are away from your phone.

What to do if your flight is delayed

If your flight is delayed by more than a few hours, contact your airline to ask about meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or rebooking on an earlier flight if one is available. Airlines are not required by federal law to provide these, but many do for delays within their control. If the delay is caused by weather or another circumstance outside the airline's control, the airline may not be required to offer compensation, though some airlines do anyway.

If you are connecting to another flight, call the airline when ready to let them know you may miss your connection. The airline can hold your connection or rebook you on the next available flight. If you are driving to the airport and your flight is delayed significantly, you may want to leave later to save parking fees or gas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do flight status websites update?

Most airline websites and apps update every few minutes. FlightAware and FlightRadar24 update in real time as the plane moves, but may show a delay a few minutes before the airline's own website does. If you are checking close to your departure time, refresh the page every two to three minutes to catch updates.

Will the airline contact me if my flight is delayed?

The airline will send a notification if you have signed up for alerts through their app, email, or text. If you have not signed up, the airline may not contact you—you will need to check yourself. Always sign up for notifications when you book, especially if you are traveling on a tight schedule.

Can I get a refund if my flight is delayed?

Federal law does not require airlines to refund you for delays, even long ones. However, some airlines offer meal vouchers, hotel rooms, or rebooking on another flight. Check your airline's website or call customer service to ask what they will provide. If you purchased trip insurance, it may cover delays over a certain length.

What if the flight status says "on time" but I think it might be delayed?

If your departure time is within the next hour and the status still shows "on time," ask a gate agent in person. They have the most current information and can tell you if a delay is expected but not yet posted. Delays under 15 minutes sometimes do not appear on the board or website when ready.

Is FlightAware or FlightRadar24 more accurate than the airline's website?

Both are accurate, but they show different information. The airline's website shows the official status and new departure time. FlightAware and FlightRadar24 show the plane's actual location and sometimes detect delays before the airline updates its website. Use both: check the airline's site for the official status, and use FlightAware if you want to see why the delay is happening.