Where to check your flight status

The fastest way to check your flight is on your airline's website or mobile app. Go to the airline's homepage, look for a "Flight Status" or "Track My Flight" link, and enter your confirmation number and last name, or your flight number and departure date. Most airlines show you the gate, boarding time, and current status within seconds.

If you don't have your confirmation number, you can search by flight number alone on most sites. The flight number appears on your booking email and your boarding pass — it's usually two letters followed by three or four numbers, like AA 447 or Southwest 1829.

You can also check through third-party flight tracking websites like FlightAware, FlightRadar24, or Google Flights. These sites pull data from the airline and air traffic control systems, so they often update as fast as the airline's own site. Type your flight number into the search box and you'll see the aircraft's current location, altitude, and expected arrival time.

Key Takeaways

  • Your airline's website or app is the official source and shows gate assignments, boarding times, and delays before anywhere else.
  • You need either your confirmation number and last name, or your flight number and departure date to search.
  • Third-party tracking sites like FlightAware update in real time and show you where the plane actually is right now.
  • Set up text or email alerts through your airline so you don't have to keep checking — most send notifications when status changes.
  • If your flight is delayed, check the airline's site for rebooking options and compensation information before calling customer service.

What the status updates actually mean

When you check your flight, you'll see a status like "On Time," "Delayed," "Boarding," or "Departed." On Time means the flight is expected to leave at the scheduled time. Delayed means it will leave later than scheduled, and the site usually shows the new departure time. Boarding means passengers are currently getting on the plane.

Once the plane pushes back from the gate, the status changes to Departed. After that, you can track the flight's progress in the air on FlightAware or FlightRadar24 — you'll see the exact altitude, speed, and how many minutes until landing. Landed means the plane has touched down, though you may still be waiting to get to the gate.

Cancelled means the flight will not operate that day. If you see this status, go directly to your airline's website or call them to find out about rebooking on another flight or getting a refund. Do not wait in the airport.

How often flight information updates

Your airline's website updates its status information every few minutes, especially once your flight is within a few hours of departure. Gate assignments and boarding times often don't appear until one to two hours before the flight leaves, so if you check too early you may not see a gate yet — that's normal.

Once the plane is in the air, third-party tracking sites update every 15 to 30 seconds with the aircraft's exact position. Your airline's app may update less frequently once airborne, since the airline focuses on showing you arrival time and gate information for your destination.

If you're checking because of a delay, refresh the page every 10 to 15 minutes rather than constantly. Airlines update the estimated departure time as they get new information from maintenance, weather, or air traffic control, and refreshing too often won't show you anything new.

Setting up automatic alerts so you don't have to check

Most airlines let you sign up for text message or email notifications about your flight. Log into your airline account, find your booking, and look for an option to add alerts or notifications. You'll usually choose whether you want messages about delays, gate changes, boarding time, or departure.

Google Flights also sends notifications if you search for a flight and click the bell icon. You don't need to book through Google — just search your flight number and date, and Google will track it and alert you to changes.

Setting up alerts means you won't miss a gate change or delay while you're in the airport or on your way there. If your flight is delayed, the airline will notify you before you see it on the website, giving you time to adjust your plans.

What to do if your flight shows a delay

Once you see a delay on the airline's website, check how long it is. A delay of 15 to 30 minutes is usually due to boarding or a minor mechanical issue and will likely be resolved. A delay of one hour or more may mean a weather issue, crew problem, or maintenance that could take longer to fix.

If the delay is significant, go to your airline's website and look for rebooking options. Many airlines let you rebook yourself on a different flight to the same destination without calling. You can usually find this option in your booking or under "Manage My Booking."

Check your airline's delay compensation policy. In the United States, airlines are not required by federal law to pay compensation for delays, but some airlines offer meal vouchers, hotel rooms, or flight credits if the delay is long enough. The policy varies by airline, so look it up on their website or call them to ask.

Checking your flight from the airport

Once you're at the airport, you can check your flight on the departure boards in the terminal. These boards show gate assignments, boarding times, and current status. If you don't see your flight on the board yet, it usually means the gate hasn't been assigned — this is normal up to two hours before departure.

If your gate is listed but you're not sure where it is, ask an airline agent or look at the airport map on your phone. Gate numbers can be far apart, especially in large airports.

If the departure board shows a delay but your airline's website doesn't, refresh the website — the board updates faster sometimes. If there's a big difference between what the board shows and what the website shows, ask an airline agent which one is correct.

Tracking a flight that's already in the air

If you're waiting for someone to arrive, use FlightAware or FlightRadar24 to see exactly where the plane is. Search the flight number and you'll see a map with the aircraft's current location, altitude, and speed. These sites update every 15 to 30 seconds, so you can watch the plane approach the airport in real time.

Both sites show you the expected landing time based on the plane's current speed and distance. This is usually accurate to within 5 to 10 minutes, though weather or air traffic delays can change it. If the landing time keeps getting pushed back, the plane is likely in a holding pattern waiting for a gate or runway to open up.

You can also check your airline's website for the arrival gate, though it often doesn't appear until 30 minutes before landing. Once you see the gate, you'll know where to pick up your passenger or where to meet them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my airline's website show a different time than the airport departure board?

The departure board updates faster than the website because it's connected directly to the airport's system. If there's a difference, the board is usually more current. Refresh your airline's website — it should catch up within a few minutes. If it doesn't, ask an airline agent which time is correct.

Can I check my flight status without my confirmation number?

Yes. Most airlines let you search by flight number and departure date instead. You can also use third-party sites like FlightAware, which only need the flight number. If you don't know your flight number, check your booking email or call the airline.

What does it mean if my flight status says "scheduled" instead of "on time"?

Scheduled means the flight is expected to depart at the time originally booked. It's the same as "on time" — the airline just uses different wording. If the status changes to "delayed," you'll see a new departure time.

How do I know if my flight is delayed because of weather or something else?

Your airline's website usually shows the reason for the delay once it's posted. You can also call the airline or ask an agent at the airport. Weather delays are common and airlines are not required to pay compensation for them, but mechanical delays sometimes may have access to for compensation depending on the airline's policy.

Can I check a flight that's not my own?

Yes, you can check any flight using the flight number and date on FlightAware, FlightRadar24, or Google Flights. You cannot check a flight on the airline's website without the confirmation number and last name of the passenger, since that information is private.