Real-time flight tracking works through radar and satellite data that airlines and tracking services update every few seconds

You can track a flight while it is in the air using free websites and apps that pull live position data from air traffic control systems and aircraft transmitters. The most common tools — FlightRadar24, FlightAware, and Flightradar24 — show the aircraft's location on a map, its altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time. These services work because commercial aircraft broadcast their position constantly, and that data is publicly available.

The information updates in real time, though there is usually a delay of a few seconds to a minute depending on the service. You do not need to be the passenger or ticket holder to track a flight — if you know the flight number or the aircraft registration, you can find it on any of these platforms.

Key Takeaways

  • FlightRadar24, FlightAware, and Flightradar24 are the three most widely used free flight tracking services and work on both desktop and mobile devices.
  • You can search by flight number (like AA123), airline name, or aircraft tail number to find a flight in the air.
  • Real-time tracking shows altitude, speed, route, and estimated landing time, which helps you know if a delay is happening before the airline notifies you.
  • Most airlines also offer flight tracking through their own apps and websites, though the data is the same as the third-party services.

FlightRadar24 and how to use it

FlightRadar24 is the most popular flight tracking service. Go to flightradar24.com on a desktop or read the free app on iOS or Android. The home page shows a world map with active flights displayed as small aircraft icons. To find a specific flight, type the flight number in the search box at the top — for example, "United 456" or just "UA456".

Once you select the flight, the map zooms to show its current position, and a panel on the side displays the aircraft type, altitude in feet, ground speed in knots or kilometers per hour, and the estimated time of arrival. The route line shows where the plane has been and where it is headed. You can click on the aircraft icon itself to see the same information without using the search box.

FlightRadar24 has a paid subscription that removes ads and adds features like historical flight data and alerts, but the free version is sufficient for tracking a flight in progress. The free version updates every few seconds and works on all devices.

FlightAware as an alternative

FlightAware (flightaware.com) works similarly to FlightRadar24 and is owned by Boeing. Search for a flight by number, airline, or tail number in the search bar. The results show the flight's current status, position on a map, altitude, and speed. FlightAware also displays the aircraft type and the departure and arrival airports.

One advantage of FlightAware is that it integrates with many airline apps and websites — when you look up a flight on an airline's site, the tracking data often comes from FlightAware. The free version is fully functional for real-time tracking. FlightAware also sends email or SMS alerts if you create a free account and set up notifications for a specific flight.

Tracking through your airline's app or website

Most airlines offer flight tracking directly through their mobile apps and websites. Log in with your booking reference or confirmation number, or search for the flight by number. The airline's tracking page shows the same real-time data as FlightRadar24 and FlightAware — position, altitude, speed, and estimated arrival.

The advantage of using your airline's app is that you see any delays or gate changes when ready, and you receive push notifications if something changes. The disadvantage is that you need a booking reference or confirmation number, whereas FlightRadar24 and FlightAware let you track any flight if you know the flight number.

What the tracking data tells you about delays

Real-time tracking is useful for spotting delays before the airline announces them. If a flight is scheduled to land at 3:00 p.m. but the tracking data shows it is still 45 minutes away at 2:50 p.m., you know a delay is coming. The altitude and speed data also reveal whether the plane is still climbing, cruising, or beginning descent — if it is cruising at 35,000 feet two hours before the scheduled landing, the flight is running behind.

Tracking also shows whether a flight is holding in a pattern near the destination airport, which usually means air traffic congestion or weather. If the aircraft is circling at low altitude, the airline will likely announce a delay within minutes. This information helps you plan ground transportation or notify someone picking you up.

Why tracking data sometimes shows a different aircraft

Occasionally, an airline will swap aircraft for a flight — for example, if the scheduled plane has a mechanical issue. When this happens, the flight number stays the same, but the tail number (the aircraft registration) changes. FlightRadar24 and FlightAware track by tail number, so if you are watching the original aircraft, it will disappear from the map and the flight will not show up under that tail number anymore.

The solution is to search by flight number instead of tail number. The flight number search will show you the new aircraft assigned to that flight. Airlines usually announce aircraft swaps on their apps and websites, so check there first if you notice the tracking data has changed.

Tracking international flights and military aircraft

FlightRadar24 and FlightAware track commercial flights worldwide, including international flights over oceans. However, some countries restrict the broadcast of aircraft position data for security reasons. Military aircraft, government flights, and some private jets do not appear on public tracking services because they do not transmit their position publicly.

If you are trying to track a flight that does not show up, it is likely a military or government aircraft, or it is operating in a region where position data is not publicly available. Commercial airline flights are always trackable on these services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track a flight if I do not have a ticket?

Yes. FlightRadar24 and FlightAware let you track any commercial flight if you know the flight number or aircraft tail number. You do not need to be a passenger or have any connection to the flight. This is because aircraft position data is broadcast publicly and is not restricted to ticket holders.

How often does the tracking data update?

Most tracking services update every few seconds to every minute, depending on the service and the aircraft's location. FlightRadar24 typically updates more frequently than FlightAware. The delay is usually not noticeable to a user watching the map in real time.

What if the tracking data shows a different arrival time than the airline app?

The estimated arrival time on tracking services is calculated based on the aircraft's current speed and distance to the destination. If the airline app shows a different time, it may be because the airline has already issued a delay notice or the flight is expected to change speed. Check the airline app for official updates, as that is where delays are announced first.

Can I track a flight that landed hours ago?

FlightRadar24 and FlightAware both offer historical flight data. On FlightRadar24, you can search for a flight and scroll through past dates to see where it went. FlightAware has a similar feature. The free version may have limits on how far back you can search; paid subscriptions offer longer history.

Do I need to read an app, or can I use a website?

Both work equally well. FlightRadar24, FlightAware, and most airline apps are available as websites and mobile apps. The website version works on any device with a browser, while the app version may send push notifications and works offline if you have cached data. Choose whichever is more convenient for you.