Where to find live flight information

You can track a flight using the airline's website, a flight tracking website, or your phone. The fastest way is usually the airline's own site or app — go to their homepage, enter your confirmation number and last name, and you'll see your flight status, gate number, and real-time position. Most airlines update this information every few minutes.

If you don't have a confirmation number, use a free flight tracking site like FlightAware, FlightRadar24, or Flightstats. These sites show you where the plane is right now on a map, how fast it's moving, and what altitude it's at. You search by flight number (like "United 447") or by airport and airline. These sites pull data from radar and airline feeds, so the information is current.

Your phone's built-in maps or weather app may also show flight tracking if you search for the flight number directly. Google Maps, Apple Maps, and some weather apps have this feature built in — just type the flight number into the search bar.

Key Takeaways

  • The airline's website or app shows your gate, departure time, and whether the flight is delayed, and updates every few minutes.
  • Free flight tracking sites like FlightAware and FlightRadar24 show the plane's exact location on a map and its altitude and speed.
  • You need either a confirmation number (for the airline) or a flight number (for tracking sites) to look up a flight.
  • Most airlines send text or email alerts if your flight is delayed, cancelled, or if the gate changes — check your confirmation email for how to turn these on.
  • Tracking a flight does not change when it departs; it only shows you what has already happened or what the airline has announced.

What information you'll see when you track

When you pull up your flight, you'll see the scheduled departure time, the actual departure time (if it has already left), and the scheduled arrival time. If the flight is delayed, the site will show the new departure or arrival time. You'll also see the current status — "On Time", "Delayed", "Boarding", "In Flight", or "Landed".

On the airline's site, you'll see your gate number once it's assigned, usually 30 minutes to an hour before departure. On flight tracking sites, you'll see a map with the plane's current location, its altitude in feet, its speed in miles per hour, and how much longer until it lands. Some sites also show the aircraft type (like "Boeing 737") and the tail number.

If your flight is delayed, the site may show a reason — weather, mechanical issue, crew delay, or air traffic control. Not all airlines post the reason, so you may have to call the airline directly to find out why.

Tracking a flight before you leave for the airport

Check your flight status the night before and again one to two hours before your scheduled departure time. This is when most delays are announced. If the flight is on time, you can leave for the airport at your normal time. If it's delayed by more than an hour, you can leave later.

Set up text or email alerts through the airline's website so you don't have to keep checking. Most airlines let you sign up for alerts when you book, or you can add them later by logging into your account. The airline will text or email you if the flight is delayed, cancelled, or if the gate changes.

If your flight is cancelled, the airline's site will show that when ready. You'll also get a text or call from the airline. Do not wait — call the airline right away to rebook on another flight, because phone lines fill up quickly after a cancellation.

Tracking a flight that's already in the air

Once the plane has taken off, use FlightAware or FlightRadar24 to see where it is on a map. These sites update every few seconds. You can watch the plane move across the country in real time, see its altitude and speed, and get an updated landing time based on current conditions.

The airline's site will also show "In Flight" and an estimated arrival time. This time updates as the plane gets closer and as weather or air traffic changes. If the plane is flying into bad weather or heavy traffic, the arrival time may move back by 15 to 30 minutes.

If you're picking someone up, refresh the tracking site about 30 minutes before the scheduled arrival to see the updated landing time. Planes often land a few minutes early or late depending on winds and traffic, so don't plan to arrive at the airport until you see the plane is close.

What to do if tracking shows a delay

If the airline's site shows a delay, that is the official announcement. A delay of 15 minutes or less may clear up as the day goes on — planes sometimes make up time. A delay of 30 minutes or more usually means the flight will be late.

If you're at the airport and your flight is delayed, stay near your gate. The airline may change the gate or move up the departure time if the delay clears. Listen for announcements and watch the display board. Do not leave the gate area without checking with an agent first.

If the delay is more than a few hours and you're not at the airport yet, call the airline to ask about rebooking on an earlier flight. Some airlines will move you to another flight for free if your original flight is significantly delayed. You can also ask about meal vouchers or hotel rooms if the delay is overnight.

Tracking tools and what each one does best

Airline website or app: Shows your specific flight, gate, seat, and boarding time. This is the official source and updates fastest. Best for passengers who have a confirmation number.

FlightAware: Shows live map of where the plane is, altitude, speed, and history of delays for that flight number. Best for watching a plane in the air or checking if a flight is usually late.

FlightRadar24: Similar to FlightAware but with a cleaner map interface and more detailed aircraft information. Best if you want to see the plane's exact position and watch it land in real time.

Flightstats: Shows current status, gate, and historical on-time performance for that airline and route. Best for checking whether a flight is usually on time before you book.

Google Maps or Apple Maps: Type in the flight number and get a quick status card without leaving your phone's default app. Best for a fast check when you're on the go.

Common mistakes when tracking flights

Do not assume a delay shown on a tracking site is final. Delays change throughout the day as weather clears, planes arrive from other flights, or crews become available. Check again 30 minutes before departure to see the most current time.

Do not rely only on a tracking site if you're making a connection. If your first flight is delayed, call the airline when ready to ask if they'll hold your connection. Tracking sites show the plane's location but not whether the airline will wait for connecting passengers.

Do not leave the airport if your flight is delayed and you're already there. Gate changes happen without warning, and the flight may depart sooner than the new time shows. Stay in the gate area and listen for announcements.

Do not confuse "scheduled" time with "actual" time. The scheduled time is when the flight was supposed to leave. The actual time is when it really left. If you see both times and they're different, the flight has already departed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track a flight if I don't have a confirmation number?

Yes. Use FlightAware, FlightRadar24, or Flightstats and search by flight number (like "Southwest 1234") or by entering the airline and departure airport. You do not need a confirmation number for these sites.

How often does flight tracking information update?

Airline websites update every few minutes. Flight tracking sites like FlightAware update every few seconds once the plane is in the air. On the ground, updates may be slower because the plane is not transmitting radar data while parked.

Will tracking a flight tell me if it's going to be cancelled?

Yes. If the airline has cancelled the flight, the status will show "Cancelled" on both the airline's site and on tracking sites. The airline will also send you a text or email. Cancellations are usually announced 24 hours before departure, but can happen closer to the flight time.

Can I see my seat assignment when I track my flight?

Yes, but only on the airline's website or app if you log in with your confirmation number. Tracking sites like FlightAware do not show seat assignments — they only show the flight's location and status.

What does it mean if a flight shows "delayed" but no new time yet?

The airline knows the flight will be late but has not yet determined how late. Check back in 15 to 30 minutes for an updated departure time. If the delay is still unknown after that, call the airline to ask what the issue is.