Where to find your flight status right now
The fastest way to track your flight is the airline's own website or app. Go to the carrier's homepage, find the "Flight Status" or "Track Your Flight" section, and enter your confirmation number and last name, or your flight number and travel date. The airline will show you the current gate, departure time, arrival time, and any delays or cancellations.
If you do not have your confirmation number, the flight number alone works on most sites. You can find the flight number on your boarding pass, in your email confirmation, or by searching the airline's schedule for your route and time of day.
The airline's app is often faster than the website because it can send you push notifications when your flight status changes. Most major carriers — American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, Spirit, and Frontier — have free apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Key Takeaways
- Your airline's website or app is the most reliable source and shows real-time gate assignments, departure times, and delays before any other service does.
- Flight-tracking websites like FlightAware and FlightRadar24 show you where the plane actually is in the air, but they lag behind the airline's own data by a few minutes.
- Turning on push notifications in your airline's app means you will hear about gate changes and delays without checking repeatedly.
- If your flight is cancelled or delayed more than a few hours, contact the airline directly through the app or phone number on your ticket rather than waiting for an update.
Third-party flight tracking websites
FlightAware and FlightRadar24 are the two most popular independent tracking sites. Both show you the plane's live location on a map, its altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time. You do not need a confirmation number — just search by flight number or route.
These sites pull data from radar and aircraft transponders, so they show where the plane physically is. However, they update every few minutes, not in real time, and they do not always have gate information or the most current delay estimates. Use them to see if the plane is actually in the air and moving toward your destination, but check your airline's site for official timing and gate assignments.
FlightAware has a free version and a paid subscription. The free version is sufficient for tracking a single flight. FlightRadar24 also offers both free and paid tiers, with the paid version showing more aircraft and historical data.
What information each source shows you
| Source | Gate Assignment | Departure Time | Live Aircraft Location | Delay Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airline website or app | Yes | Yes, updated often | No | Yes, sometimes |
| FlightAware | No | Estimated only | Yes, a few minutes delayed | No |
| FlightRadar24 | No | Estimated only | Yes, a few minutes delayed | No |
| Airport website | Yes | Yes, updated often | No | Rarely |
Using your airport's website to check departures
Most major airports publish a live departures board on their website. Search "[your airport name] departures" and you will find a page showing all flights leaving that day, their gates, and current status. This is useful if you want to see whether your flight is delayed compared to other flights leaving around the same time.
Airport departure boards update every few minutes and show gate assignments before the airline's app sometimes does. However, they do not show you the plane's location once it is airborne, and they only cover flights from that one airport.
Setting up notifications so you do not miss updates
Open your airline's app and look for a "Notifications" or "Alerts" section in the settings menu. Turn on push notifications for your booking. Most airlines will then send you a message when your gate is assigned, when there is a delay, when boarding begins, and when the flight departs.
You can also add your flight to your phone's calendar. Some airlines send you a calendar invite in your confirmation email; if not, create a manual event with your flight number and departure time. Set a reminder for two hours before departure so you have time to get to the airport if something changes.
Do not rely on email alone — airlines send status updates by email, but they are often delayed by 15 to 30 minutes compared to the app. The app is faster.
What to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled
If your airline's app or website shows a delay of more than two hours, or a cancellation, contact the airline when ready through the app's messaging feature or by calling the number on your ticket. Do not wait for an automated email. The airline's phone lines and app chat often have shorter waits in the first 10 to 15 minutes after a delay is posted.
Ask whether the airline will rebook you on another flight the same day, whether you are may have access to to a meal voucher or hotel if the delay is overnight, and what compensation you may be owed under the airline's policy. Have your confirmation number ready.
If you booked through a travel website like Expedia or Kayak, you can contact the airline directly — your booking is still with the airline, not with the website. The website cannot rebook you or issue compensation.
Tracking checked baggage
Most airlines now tag checked bags with a barcode or RFID chip. After you check your bag, the airline's app will show you its location — usually "checked," "in transit," or "arrived" at your destination. Some airlines provide more detail, showing when the bag was loaded onto the plane and when it arrived at baggage claim.
If your bag does not arrive with you, report it to the airline's baggage office at the airport before you leave. They will give you a reference number and contact information. The airline will usually deliver the bag to your address within 24 to 48 hours if it is on a later flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track a flight if I am not the passenger?
Yes, on FlightAware and FlightRadar24 — just search the flight number. On the airline's website, you need the passenger's confirmation number and last name. Airport departure boards are public and show all flights without a login.
Why does my airline app show a different arrival time than FlightAware?
The airline's time is the scheduled or updated official estimate. FlightAware calculates arrival time based on the plane's current speed and distance, which changes as weather and air traffic affect the flight. The airline's estimate is more reliable for planning.
What if I booked my flight through a travel website, not directly with the airline?
You can still track the flight using the airline's app or website — enter your confirmation number from the airline, not from the travel website. The airline issued your ticket, so their system has your booking.
Do I need to pay for FlightAware or FlightRadar24 to track my flight?
No. Both sites offer free flight tracking. FlightAware and FlightRadar24 have paid subscriptions with extra features, but the free version shows you everything you need to track a single flight.
How often do flight tracking websites update?
FlightAware and FlightRadar24 update every few minutes based on radar and aircraft data. Your airline's app updates more frequently — sometimes every 30 seconds — because it has direct access to the airline's systems. Neither is truly real-time, but the airline's app is closest.