You can track most commercial flights live using free websites and apps that show the plane's location, altitude, and speed

The easiest way to track a flight is to visit FlightAware.com or FlightRadar24.com, type in the flight number (like AA123 or United 456), and watch the plane move across a map in real time. Both sites pull data from aircraft transponders — the same signals air traffic control uses — so the information updates every few seconds. You do not need to log in or pay anything.

If you know only the airline and departure time, both sites let you search by route instead. You can also track a plane using the airline's own app or website: American, Delta, United, Southwest, and most major carriers show live maps of their flights. The airline map usually updates less frequently than FlightAware or FlightRadar24, but it includes details specific to your booking, like gate changes and baggage claim information.

Key Takeaways

  • FlightAware and FlightRadar24 are the fastest and most detailed free tracking sites, updating every few seconds with location, altitude, and speed.
  • You need only the flight number to search; both sites work on desktop and mobile without requiring an account.
  • Airline apps show the same live map but update less often and include gate and baggage information tied to your booking.
  • Military and private planes may not appear on public tracking sites because their operators can request data blocking.

What information you see when you track a flight

When you pull up a flight on FlightAware or FlightRadar24, the map shows the plane's current position, the direction it is heading, and its ground speed (how fast it is moving relative to the ground). Below the map you will see the altitude in feet, the outside air temperature, and how far the plane has traveled versus how far it still has to go.

Both sites also display the aircraft type — for example, Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 — and the tail number (a unique identifier painted on the plane). If there are delays, the tracking page usually notes the reason: weather, mechanical, air traffic control, or crew. This information comes from the airline, not the tracking site itself.

How to find a flight number if you do not have one

If you booked a ticket, the flight number is on your confirmation email or in your airline app under "My Trips" or "Reservations." It is usually two letters followed by one to four numbers — for example, BA287 or Southwest 1402.

If you are tracking someone else's flight and do not have the confirmation, you can search by airline and route on FlightAware or FlightRadar24. Enter the departure airport code (like LAX for Los Angeles or JFK for New York), the arrival airport code, and the approximate departure time. The site will show all flights on that route within a few hours of the time you entered. If you know roughly when the plane took off, you can narrow it down quickly.

Differences between FlightAware and FlightRadar24

FlightAware focuses on commercial airline flights and includes delay information, gate assignments, and baggage claim details. It is the better choice if you are tracking a scheduled passenger flight and want to know why it is late. The free version shows the current flight; the paid version lets you track historical flights and set up alerts.

FlightRadar24 tracks all aircraft — commercial, military, cargo, and private planes — and shows more technical detail like heading, climb rate, and transponder code. It updates faster and covers more of the world, but it does not include airline-specific information like gate numbers. The free version is limited to a smaller map area and slower updates; the paid version removes those limits.

For most people tracking a commercial flight, FlightAware is simpler. If you want to see every plane in the sky over a region, Flightradar24 is the better tool.

Why some planes do not appear on tracking sites

Military aircraft, government planes, and some private jets do not show up on public tracking sites because their operators have requested data blocking. The transponder signal is still there, but the tracking sites are contractually prohibited from displaying it. This is why you cannot track Air Force One or most military transport planes.

Commercial flights are required to broadcast their location, so they always appear. If a commercial flight is not showing up, it usually means the flight has not taken off yet, has already landed, or the search did not match the actual flight number or airline.

Using your airline app to track your own flight

Every major airline has a mobile app that includes a live flight map. Open the app, go to "My Trips" or "Reservations," select your flight, and tap the map icon. The airline map shows your plane's position and usually includes a timeline of events: scheduled departure, actual departure, estimated arrival, and gate information.

Airline apps update less frequently than FlightAware — usually every 30 seconds to a minute instead of every few seconds — but they integrate with your booking. You will see your seat number, baggage allowance, and notifications about gate changes or delays sent directly to your phone. If you are waiting at the airport, the airline app is usually the fastest way to know your gate number.

What to do if a flight is delayed or diverted

If you are tracking a flight and see it slowing down, circling, or changing course, check the tracking site's delay information first. FlightAware usually posts the reason within a few minutes. Common causes are weather, air traffic control delays, or mechanical issues.

If the flight is diverted to a different airport, both FlightAware and the airline app will show the new destination. The airline will also send a notification to your phone and email. If you are a passenger, contact the airline directly through the app or by phone — the tracking site cannot change your booking or rebook you on another flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. FlightAware and FlightRadar24 let anyone search by flight number or route without logging in. You do not need a booking confirmation or seat assignment. This is useful if you are picking someone up at the airport and want to know when they will land.

How often do tracking sites update?

FlightRadar24 updates every few seconds on the free version, though with a slight delay. FlightAware updates every 30 seconds to a minute. Airline apps update at similar rates. The exact timing depends on your internet connection and the site's server load.

Why does the tracking map sometimes show the plane in the wrong place?

Occasionally the transponder signal drops or the plane's reported position lags behind its actual location. This usually corrects itself within a minute or two. If the plane appears to be on the ground in the middle of the ocean, it is almost always a temporary glitch, not a real problem.

Can I set up alerts if a flight is delayed?

FlightAware's paid version and most airline apps let you turn on notifications for delays, gate changes, and landing. The free version of FlightAware does not include alerts, but you can refresh the page manually or check your airline app, which usually sends notifications automatically.

What is the difference between ground speed and airspeed?

Ground speed is how fast the plane is moving relative to the ground — what you see on the tracking map. Airspeed is how fast the plane is moving through the air. A strong tailwind increases ground speed without changing airspeed. Tracking sites show ground speed because that is what determines arrival time.