Real-time flight tracking uses radar and satellite data that airlines and tracking websites update every few seconds
You can watch a plane move across a map while it is in the air using free websites and apps that pull live data from air traffic control radar and aircraft transmitters. The most common trackers—FlightRadar24, FlightAware, and Plane Finder—show you the plane's exact location, altitude, speed, and direction as it flies. This same data is what air traffic controllers use, so the information is accurate and updates continuously during the flight.
The tracking works because every commercial aircraft broadcasts its position automatically through a system called ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast). The plane's transponder sends out its location, altitude, and speed several times per second. Ground receivers pick up this signal and relay it to tracking websites. You do not need special permission or a password—the data is public and free to view.
Key Takeaways
- FlightRadar24, FlightAware, and Plane Finder are the three most widely used free trackers and work on phones, tablets, and computers.
- To find a flight, you need the airline name and flight number (printed on your ticket or confirmation email), or you can search by aircraft registration number.
- The map shows altitude in feet, speed in knots or kilometers per hour, and updates every few seconds while the plane is airborne.
- Tracking works only when the plane is in the air; it stops once the aircraft lands or is still on the ground.
Finding your flight on FlightRadar24
FlightRadar24 is the most popular tracker and works on any web browser or smartphone app. Go to flightradar24.com or open the app, then look for the search box at the top of the screen. Type in your flight number (for example, "United 447" or "UA447") and press Enter. The website will show you a list of matching flights—select the one that matches your departure time and airport.
Once you select the flight, a map appears with a plane icon showing exactly where the aircraft is right now. Below the map you will see real-time data: current altitude, ground speed, direction of travel, and how long until landing. The map updates every 2 to 5 seconds. You can zoom in and out, and click on the plane icon to see more details like the aircraft type and tail number.
If you do not have a flight number, you can search by airport instead. Click on the airport name on the map, and FlightRadar24 will show all flights currently departing from or arriving at that airport. This is useful if you are tracking someone else's flight and only know their departure city.
Using FlightAware and Plane Finder as alternatives
FlightAware (flightaware.com) works almost identically to FlightRadar24. Enter your flight number in the search box, and the map shows the plane's current position, altitude, and speed. FlightAware also displays the flight's history—you can see the exact route it took, how long it has been in the air, and an estimated landing time. The app is free on iOS and Android.
Plane Finder (planefinder.net) is a third option with a slightly different interface but the same core information. All three trackers pull data from the same ADS-B network, so they show the same plane position. The choice between them comes down to which map layout and extra features you prefer. Many people use more than one to cross-check information or because they like different features on different trackers.
What information you will see on the map
When you are tracking a flight, the map displays several pieces of data in real time. The altitude is shown in feet above sea level—a typical cruising altitude for commercial flights is 30,000 to 40,000 feet. The ground speed is how fast the plane is moving over the ground, usually shown in knots (nautical miles per hour) or kilometers per hour depending on your settings. A typical cruising speed is 450 to 500 knots.
The heading or direction is shown as a compass bearing (0 to 360 degrees, where 0 is north). You will also see the vertical speed—how fast the plane is climbing or descending, measured in feet per minute. During takeoff, this number is positive and large. During cruise, it is near zero. During descent into landing, it becomes negative.
Most trackers also show an estimated landing time based on the plane's current speed and distance to the destination airport. This estimate updates as the flight progresses and becomes more accurate the closer the plane gets to landing. Some trackers display the aircraft type (for example, "Boeing 737-800") and the tail number, which is the plane's unique registration.
Why tracking stops when the plane lands
Once an aircraft touches down and comes to a stop at the gate, the tracking data disappears from the map. This is because ADS-B transmitters are designed to broadcast only when the plane is airborne. The moment the wheels touch the runway, the transponder stops sending position updates, and the tracking websites lose the signal.
If you want to know whether a flight has landed, you can check the flight status on the airline's website or app instead. Most airlines update their flight status to "Landed" within a few minutes of touchdown. You can also call the airline's customer service line or check the airport's arrivals board if you are picking someone up.
Common reasons tracking may not work
Sometimes you search for a flight and nothing appears on the map. This usually happens because the flight number was entered incorrectly, or the flight has not taken off yet. If the plane is still at the gate or in the terminal, it will not show up on the tracker. Wait until the scheduled departure time has passed, then search again.
Another reason is that some small regional flights or military aircraft do not broadcast ADS-B data, so they will not appear on public trackers. International flights over oceans may also have gaps in coverage because there are fewer ground receivers over water. In those cases, the plane will disappear from the map for a period of time and reappear once it enters airspace with better receiver coverage.
If a flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, it may still appear in the tracker's search results, but the map will show it on the ground at the departure airport rather than in the air. Check the flight status on the airline's website to confirm whether the flight is still scheduled to depart.
Tracking a flight you are not on
You can track any commercial flight in the world using these tools, even if you are not a passenger. This is useful if you are picking someone up at the airport and want to know how much longer until they land, or if you are curious about a plane flying overhead. straightforward enter the flight number or search by airport, and the map will show you the same real-time data that passengers see.
If you only know the airline and approximate departure time but not the flight number, search by airport instead. Most trackers let you filter by airline, so you can narrow down the list to find the flight you are looking for. Once you find it, you can bookmark it or add it to your favorites so you can check on it again without searching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track a flight if I only know the passenger's name?
No. Tracking websites do not have access to passenger lists or personal information. You need either the flight number (from a ticket or confirmation email) or the airline and departure airport. If you know when and where the person is flying from, you can search by airport and airline to find their flight.
Do pilots know they are being tracked?
Pilots do not receive a notification that someone is watching their flight on a tracking website. The ADS-B data they broadcast is public information used by air traffic control, and tracking websites straightforward receive the same signal. It is not a privacy concern because the data shows only the plane's location and speed, not who is on board.
Why does the plane sometimes disappear from the map?
This usually happens over oceans or remote areas where there are fewer ground receivers to pick up the ADS-B signal. The plane is still flying, but the tracking website cannot receive its position updates. Once the plane enters airspace with better coverage, it will reappear on the map.
Can I track a flight on my phone without downloading an app?
Yes. FlightRadar24, FlightAware, and Plane Finder all work in a mobile web browser without downloading anything. straightforward visit the website on your phone and search for the flight the same way you would on a computer. The app versions offer some extra features, but the basic tracking works the same in a browser.
How far in advance can I track a flight?
You can search for a flight as soon as it appears in the airline's system, which is usually 24 to 48 hours before departure. However, the flight will not show up on the map until it actually takes off. Once airborne, you can track it in real time until it lands.