You can track most commercial planes live using free websites and apps that show their location, altitude, and speed

When a flight is delayed or you want to know where a plane is right now, you do not have to wait for an airline email. Flightradar24, FlightAware, and Plane Finder are free websites and apps that display aircraft positions on a map as they fly. They pull data from ground radar stations and aircraft transponders, so the information updates every few seconds. You can search by flight number, airline, aircraft type, or airport, and see the plane's current altitude, speed, and heading.

The same tools work whether you are tracking your own flight, a connecting flight, or a plane that belongs to someone else. Most delays show up in real time on these platforms before the airline sends a notification, which is why many travelers use them to stay ahead of schedule changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Flightradar24 and FlightAware are the most widely used free tracking sites and show live position, altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time for most commercial flights.
  • You can search by flight number (like "UA456"), airline name, airport code, or aircraft registration to find the plane you want to track.
  • Tracking data updates every few seconds and often shows delays before the airline's website does, so these tools are useful for catching schedule changes early.
  • Some military, private, and regional flights do not appear on public tracking sites because their operators have opted out of data sharing.
  • Airports and airlines also publish live flight information on their own websites and apps, which you can use alongside public trackers.

How to use Flightradar24

Go to flightradar24.com or read the Flightradar24 app on your phone. The home page shows a world map with aircraft currently in the air. To find a specific flight, use the search box at the top and type the flight number (for example, "AA100" for American Airlines flight 100). Press Enter and the map will zoom to that aircraft and highlight it.

Click on the plane icon to open a panel showing the flight number, aircraft type, current altitude, speed in knots or kilometers per hour, and the estimated arrival time at the destination airport. The map also shows the planned route as a line from departure to arrival. You can watch the plane move in real time as it flies, and the arrival time updates as conditions change.

If you do not know the flight number, you can search by airport code instead. Type the departure airport (like "JFK" for New York) or arrival airport, and Flightradar24 will show all flights currently heading to or from that airport. You can then click on the one you want to track.

How to use FlightAware

Visit flightaware.com or use the FlightAware app. The search box at the top accepts flight numbers, airline names, airport codes, or aircraft registration numbers (the tail number, like "N12345"). Type what you know and search.

FlightAware shows the same real-time position as Flightradar24, but it also displays historical data—if you search a flight that has already landed, you can see the exact route it took, how long it actually took, and whether it was early or late. This is useful if you want to understand why a flight was delayed or to check on a flight that landed hours ago.

FlightAware also shows gate information at some airports and links to airline contact details, which can be helpful if you need to call about a delay or change.

What information you can see while tracking

Both trackers show the same core data: the aircraft's current position on the map, its altitude in feet, its ground speed in knots or kilometers per hour, and the direction it is heading. They also display the departure airport, destination airport, and scheduled and estimated arrival times.

Some trackers show additional details like the aircraft's registration number (tail number), the airline, the aircraft type (for example, "Boeing 737-800"), and how long the flight has been in the air. If the flight is delayed, the estimated arrival time will be later than the scheduled time, and that difference is usually visible at a glance.

The map itself shows airways (the routes planes follow), major airports, and sometimes weather radar. You can zoom in and out to see the plane's position relative to cities, coastlines, and other landmarks.

Flights that do not appear on tracking sites

Most commercial airline flights appear on Flightradar24 and FlightAware within minutes of takeoff. However, some aircraft are not tracked publicly. Military flights, government aircraft, and some private jets do not transmit their location to public networks, so they will not show up on these maps.

Some regional airlines and smaller carriers also opt out of data sharing. If you search for a flight and it does not appear, it may be one of these types. In that case, check the airline's own website or app for real-time status, or call the airline directly.

Using airline websites and apps to track your flight

Most airlines have their own flight tracking built into their websites and mobile apps. Log in with your booking reference or frequent flyer number, find your flight, and tap "Track Flight" or a similar button. The airline's tracker shows the same real-time position as Flightradar24, but it may also include gate information, baggage claim details, and notifications about delays or changes.

Airline apps often send push notifications when your flight status changes, which can be faster than checking a website repeatedly. If you are tracking a flight you booked, using the airline's app is usually the most direct way to stay informed.

What to do if your tracked flight shows a delay

If you are tracking your own flight and the tracker shows it is running late, check the airline's website or app for an official delay announcement. Trackers can show a delay before the airline updates its system, but the airline's own notification is the source of truth for rebooking, compensation, or other passenger rights.

If the delay is significant (usually more than a few hours, depending on your location and the airline), you may be may have access to to compensation or a rebooking on another flight. The rules vary by country and airline, so check the airline's policy or contact them directly. Tracking the plane's position does not change your rights, but it does help you understand whether the delay is due to the aircraft running late or to ground operations at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track a plane if I do not have the flight number?

Yes. On Flightradar24 or FlightAware, search by the departure airport, arrival airport, or airline name instead. Both sites will show all flights currently flying to or from that airport, and you can click on the one you want to track. If you know the aircraft's tail number (registration), you can search that too.

How accurate is the real-time position shown on tracking sites?

The position updates every few seconds and is accurate to within a few hundred feet. The data comes from the aircraft's transponder, which broadcasts its location to ground radar stations. The information is reliable for commercial flights, though military and private aircraft may not be tracked at all.

Can I track a flight that landed hours ago?

Yes, on FlightAware. Search the flight number and date, and you can see the route it actually flew, how long it took, and whether it arrived early or late. Flightradar24 also keeps historical data, though you may need to use the paid version to access older flights.

Why does the estimated arrival time keep changing?

The tracker updates the arrival time based on the plane's current speed and distance remaining. If the plane is flying faster than expected, the arrival time moves earlier; if it is flying slower (often due to headwinds or holding patterns near the destination), the arrival time moves later. Weather, air traffic, and ground delays all affect this estimate.

Do I need to pay to use Flightradar24 or FlightAware?

Both sites offer free tracking for most flights. Flightradar24 and FlightAware have paid subscription options that remove ads and add features like historical data or alerts, but the basic tracking is free and works well for checking on a single flight.