Where to find delay information right now

The fastest way to check a flight delay is on the airline's own website or app. Log in with your confirmation number and last name, or search by flight number — most airlines show real-time status updates there before anywhere else. If you booked through a third party like Kayak or Expedia, go to the airline's site directly instead, because those booking sites sometimes lag by 15 minutes or more.

The FAA Flight Delay Information page (faa.gov/air_traffic/delays) shows ground stops and airport-wide delays by location. This tells you whether the problem is your specific flight or the whole airport. If your airport is experiencing delays, the FAA page will say so and explain why — weather, staffing, or equipment issues.

For international flights, check your airline's website first. If you need a second source, FlightRadar24 and FlightAware are free tracking sites that show aircraft position, altitude, and estimated arrival time. These sites pull data from radar and aircraft transponders, so the information is current but not always as detailed as what the airline posts.

Key Takeaways

  • Your airline's website or app shows delay status fastest because the airline updates it in real time as conditions change.
  • The FAA website tells you whether the delay affects your specific flight or the entire airport, which helps you understand how long the wait might be.
  • Free tracking sites like FlightRadar24 and FlightAware show where your plane actually is, but they do not always have the airline's official delay reason or revised landing time.
  • Check your airline's notification settings so you receive text or email alerts about delays without having to refresh the website repeatedly.

How to set up delay alerts on your airline account

Most airlines let you turn on notifications for free through their website or mobile app. Log into your account, find the booking or reservation section, and look for a link that says "Manage alerts," "Notifications," or "Trip alerts." You can usually choose to receive texts, emails, or both.

Once alerts are on, the airline will text or email you if your flight is delayed, cancelled, or rebooked. These notifications come faster than checking the website yourself, and you will see the new departure time and the reason for the delay. Some airlines also let you set alerts for specific events — for example, you can ask to be notified only if the delay is more than 30 minutes.

If you booked through a third-party site like Expedia or Kayak, those sites may also offer alerts, but the airline's own alerts are more reliable. Set up both if you want the fastest possible notice.

What to do when you see a delay posted

If your flight shows a delay of 30 minutes or more, contact your airline to ask about rebooking on an earlier flight the same day. Many airlines will rebook you at no charge if space is available, especially if the delay is their fault rather than weather. Call the airline's customer service line or use the chat feature on their website — do not wait for the airline to offer.

If the delay is more than a few hours and you have a connecting flight, ask the airline whether they will rebook you on a later connection or a different route. Some airlines do this automatically; others require you to ask. Get the new flight number and confirmation in writing, either by email or screenshot, so you have proof if there is a problem at the gate.

For delays caused by weather or air traffic control, the airline is not required to provide a hotel or meal voucher under U.S. law, though some airlines do anyway. For delays caused by the airline itself — mechanical issues, crew problems, or overbooking — policies vary by airline and by how long the delay is. Check your airline's policy on their website before you call.

Tracking a flight that is already in the air

Once your plane has taken off, the airline's website will show the current altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time. This information updates every few minutes. If you want a more detailed view, FlightRadar24 and FlightAware show the exact flight path on a map, which can help you see whether the plane is on course or being diverted.

If your flight is delayed while in the air, the airline will update the estimated arrival time on their website. You do not need to do anything — just check back every 15 to 20 minutes if you are waiting to pick someone up or if you have a tight connection. If the delay grows large enough to affect a connection, the airline will usually contact you automatically.

Understanding delay codes and reasons

Airlines post a reason for each delay, and the reason matters because it affects what you are may have access to to. Weather delays — thunderstorms, snow, fog, or wind — are not the airline's fault, so you get a rebooking but no compensation. Mechanical delays — engine problems, hydraulic leaks, or avionics issues — are the airline's responsibility, and you may be may have access to to compensation depending on how long the delay is and which airline you flew.

Other common codes are "crew delay" (the flight crew was late arriving), "air traffic control delay" (the airport or airspace was congested), and "ground stop" (the FAA ordered all flights to stop departing for safety or weather reasons). Ground stops are not the airline's fault, so compensation does not explore. Crew delays are usually the airline's fault, so compensation may explore.

The airline's website will tell you the reason, but if it does not, call customer service and ask. Write down the reason and the time you were told, because you may need this information later if you file a complaint or claim compensation.

Checking delays for flights you are not on

If you need to track someone else's flight — a family member or friend arriving at your airport — use FlightRadar24 or FlightAware with just the flight number. You do not need a confirmation number or booking details. Search for the flight, and the site will show you the current status, altitude, and estimated arrival time.

If you want more detail, ask the passenger to share their airline confirmation number with you, and then you can log into the airline's website yourself. This gives you access to the official delay reason and any rebooking information the airline has posted.

What to do if you cannot find delay information

If the airline's website is down or not showing your flight, call the airline's customer service line directly. Have your confirmation number and last name ready. The phone line will have the most current information, and a representative can also rebook you if needed.

If you are at the airport and the flight status is unclear, go to the airline's ticket counter or gate agent. They have access to real-time systems that show delays, cancellations, and rebooking options. Do not rely on the airport's general information board alone, because it sometimes lags behind the airline's own system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does delay information update on the airline website?

Most airlines update their website every 5 to 15 minutes once a delay is posted. During fast-changing situations like severe weather, updates may come more often. The airline's mobile app usually updates at the same speed as the website.

Can I get compensation if my flight is delayed?

Compensation depends on the delay length, the reason, and your airline. Weather and air traffic control delays do not may have access to. Mechanical and crew delays may may have access to if the delay is more than three hours for domestic flights or more than four hours for international flights, but rules vary by airline and by whether you are flying within the U.S. or internationally. Check your airline's policy or contact them directly.

What is the difference between a delay and a cancellation?

A delay means the flight will depart and arrive late. A cancellation means the flight will not operate at all that day. If your flight is cancelled, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight at no charge, or refund your ticket. Cancellations usually trigger compensation, but delays do not unless they are very long or caused by the airline.

Should I call the airline or check online first?

Check online first — the airline's website updates faster than the phone line, and you can see the delay reason and new departure time when ready. Call only if you need to rebook, ask about compensation, or if the website is not working.

Do I need to pay extra to get delay alerts?

No. All major airlines offer free delay alerts through their website or app. You do not need to purchase anything or sign up for a special program.