How to Track a Flight in Real Time

Real-time flight tracking works through public radar data and airline feeds

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 radar and airline systems. The most common tools are FlightAware, FlightRadar24, and Flightstats—each shows the plane's location on a map, its altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time. You need only the flight number or the airline and departure city to start tracking.

These services update every few seconds during flight. The data comes from two sources: ground-based radar operated by the FAA and other air traffic authorities, and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) signals that planes transmit automatically. This means the information is public and available to anyone, not just the airline or the passenger.

Tracking is most useful when a flight is delayed or you are waiting to pick someone up. You can see exactly where the plane is, whether it is still in the air or has landed, and what time it will actually arrive—often more current than the airline's own website during disruptions.

Key Takeaways

• FlightAware, FlightRadar24, and Flightstats are free websites that show a plane's live position, altitude, speed, and real arrival time.
• You need only the flight number (like United 447) or the airline name and departure city to begin tracking.
• Data updates every few seconds and comes from air traffic control radar and signals the plane broadcasts automatically.
• Tracking is most helpful during delays because it shows actual position and arrival time before the airline updates its website.

How to find and enter a flight number

Your flight number appears on your booking confirmation email, your airline app, or your boarding pass. It is usually two letters followed by one to four numbers—for example, AA 1247 for American Airlines or DL 502 for Delta. The letter code identifies the airline; the number identifies that specific flight on that date.

If you do not have the flight number, you can search by airline and route instead. On FlightAware or Flightstats, select the airline from a dropdown, enter the departure city and arrival city, and the site will show all flights on that route for the day. Then click the one matching your departure time.

Some tracking sites also let you search by aircraft tail number (the registration code painted on the plane's fuselage), though this is less common for casual tracking. Stick with the flight number if you have it—it is the fastest route.

What the tracking map shows you

Once you enter the flight number, the site displays a map with the plane's current position marked as an airplane icon. The map shows the planned route as a line from departure to arrival airport. As the flight moves, the icon updates to show its real location.

Below or beside the map, you will see live data: current altitude (in feet), ground speed (how fast the plane is moving relative to the ground), and heading (the compass direction it is flying). Most sites also display the departure airport, arrival airport, and the scheduled and estimated arrival times. If the flight has already landed, the site shows "Landed" and the actual landing time.

Some sites highlight whether the flight is on time, delayed, or early. This estimate updates as the plane gets closer to its destination and air traffic control refines the arrival window. The estimate is often more accurate than the airline's website during busy periods because it is based on the plane's actual speed and distance remaining.

Using FlightAware for detailed tracking

FlightAware is the most widely used free tracker and includes information beyond just position. Enter the flight number on the homepage, and you will see the map, live data, and a timeline showing when the plane took off, when it is expected to land, and any delays or gate changes.

FlightAware also displays the aircraft type (for example, Boeing 737 or Airbus A320), the tail number, and sometimes the pilot's name. If the flight has already completed, the site shows the actual flight path it took, the time it spent in the air, and the actual landing time. You can also see historical data for that flight on previous days to spot patterns—for instance, whether this route is typically delayed.

The free version updates every few seconds and requires no account. If you create a free account, you can save favorite flights or set up notifications, though notifications are a paid feature on FlightAware.

Using FlightRadar24 for visual tracking

FlightRadar24 emphasizes the visual map experience. The interface shows thousands of planes in the air at once, each as a small airplane icon color-coded by airline or aircraft type. Click on any plane to see its flight number, altitude, speed, and route. The map is interactive—you can zoom in and out, and the view updates in real time.

FlightRadar24 is particularly useful if you want to see air traffic patterns around an airport or watch multiple flights at once. The free version shows most flights; some premium features (like detailed historical data or alerts) require a paid subscription. For basic tracking of a single flight, the free version is sufficient.

The site also has a mobile app for iOS and Android, which many people find easier to use than the website when tracking from a phone or tablet.

What to do if tracking shows a delay

If the tracking map shows the plane is moving slower than expected or is still far from the destination with little time remaining, the flight is likely to arrive late. The estimated arrival time on the tracking site will update to reflect this. Check the airline's website or app at the same time—sometimes the airline updates its official arrival time before the tracking site does, or vice versa.

If you are picking someone up, use the tracking site's estimate to decide when to leave for the airport. Arriving too early wastes time; arriving too late means waiting outside baggage claim. Most tracking sites update every few seconds, so you can check again 30 minutes before the estimated arrival to confirm the latest time.

If the delay is very long (more than an hour), contact the airline directly to ask about rebooking, meal vouchers, or other support. The tracking site shows position and timing but not the airline's policies on compensation or information.

Tracking international flights and flights over water

Tracking works the same way for international flights, but coverage varies depending on the country. Flights over the continental United States, Europe, and most populated areas have continuous radar coverage. Flights over the ocean or remote regions may have gaps in tracking data because there is no ground radar over water.

For long international flights, you may see the plane's position update regularly until it reaches the ocean, then the updates may slow or stop for hours while it is over water. This is normal and does not mean the tracking is broken. Once the plane approaches land again, updates resume. The plane is still transmitting its ADS-B signal, but no ground receiver is picking it up over the ocean.

Some airlines provide their own tracking on their website or app, which may use satellite data to fill in gaps over water. Check your airline's app if you are tracking a long international flight and want continuous updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track a flight if I am not the passenger?

Yes. Flight tracking data is public, so anyone can track any flight using the flight number. You do not need a ticket or a seat assignment. This is why friends and family often track a loved one's arrival without being on the flight themselves.

How far in advance can I track a flight?

Most tracking sites show scheduled flights a few hours before departure, but live position data appears only after the plane pushes back from the gate and begins taxiing. You can see the flight listed and its scheduled departure time hours ahead, but the map will show "Not airborne" or similar until the plane is actually in the air.

What if the flight number does not appear on the tracking site?

Small regional flights or charter flights may not appear on public tracking sites. Check the airline's own website or app for real-time information. If the flight is scheduled but not yet showing on the tracker, wait a few minutes—the site may not have updated yet. If it still does not appear an hour before departure, the flight may not be tracked publicly.

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

Both work equally well. FlightAware, FlightRadar24, and Flightstats all have free websites you can use in any web browser. They also have mobile apps if you prefer tracking on your phone. The website and app versions show the same live data and update at the same speed.

Can I track a flight that has already landed?

Yes. After a flight lands, the tracking site shows "Landed" and displays the actual landing time and gate information (if available). You can also see the complete flight path it took and how long the flight took. This historical data stays available for several days or weeks depending on the site.