Where to check your flight in real time

The fastest way to check a flight is through your airline's website or app. Go to the airline's home page, find the "Flight Status" or "Track Flight" section, and enter your confirmation number and last name, or your flight number and travel date. The airline will show you the current gate, departure time, arrival time, and any delays or cancellations.

If you do not have your confirmation number, use your flight number instead — it is printed on your ticket and usually starts with two letters (like AA for American Airlines or DL for Delta). The airline's system updates every few minutes during the day of travel.

For flights you have not booked yet, use Google Flights, Kayak, Skyscanner, or Expedia to see schedules and prices across multiple airlines at once. These sites pull data directly from airlines and update throughout the day. You can set price alerts on most of them so you get notified when fares drop for a route you are watching.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your booked flight on your airline's website or app by entering your confirmation number or flight number — this is the most current source.
  • For flights you have not booked, use Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner to compare prices and schedules across airlines.
  • The FAA's Flight Delay Information System shows delays at major U.S. airports, but does not track individual flights.
  • Set up price alerts on booking sites if you are watching a route, so you know when fares change.
  • Airport websites and flight-tracking apps like FlightRadar24 show real-time aircraft movement but do not always include gate or baggage claim information.

Using airport websites and real-time tracking apps

Most major airports have a "Departures" and "Arrivals" board on their website where you can search by airline or flight number. This shows the current status, gate assignment, and estimated time. Go to your airport's main website and look for "Flight Information" or "Flight Status" in the top menu.

Apps like FlightRadar24 and FlightAware show where a plane is right now on a map, its altitude, and its speed. These are useful if you want to watch an incoming flight or see if a plane is on the ground or still in the air. However, they do not always show gate numbers or baggage claim information — for that, stick with the airline or airport website.

Checking delays at your airport

The FAA's Flight Delay Information System (at faa.gov) shows whether major U.S. airports are experiencing delays and the reason — weather, air traffic, runway maintenance, or staffing. It does not track individual flights, but it tells you whether conditions at your departure or arrival airport are causing slowdowns across the board.

If you see delays listed for your airport, check your airline's website next to see how your specific flight is affected. Some airlines handle delays better than others, and your flight might be on time even if the airport as a whole is backed up.

Comparing prices across dates and airlines

If you have flexibility on when you travel, use the calendar view on Google Flights or Kayak to see prices for each day of the month. This shows you the cheapest days to fly a route without having to check each date separately. Prices usually drop on Tuesday and Wednesday and rise on Friday and Sunday.

You can also set a price alert by entering your departure city, arrival city, and travel dates. The site will email you when the price drops below a threshold you set. Most alerts update once or twice a day, so you will not see every price change, but you will catch the big drops.

What to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled

If your flight is delayed, your airline is required to tell you the reason and your options. Check your airline's website or call the number on your ticket. You may be offered a rebooking on another flight, a refund, or a travel credit depending on the airline's policy and the reason for the delay.

If your flight is cancelled, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra cost, or refund your ticket. If the cancellation is due to weather or an act of God, the airline does not owe you compensation. If it is due to a mechanical issue or crew problem, you may be may have access to to compensation under U.S. Department of Transportation rules — check the DOT website for the current amounts based on how long your delay is.

Tracking a flight for someone else

If you are picking someone up or dropping someone off, you can track their flight without a confirmation number. Go to the airport's website and search by airline and flight number, or use FlightRadar24 to see where the plane is. The airport's arrivals board will show the gate and baggage claim once the flight lands.

Ask the person traveling to text you their flight number before they leave home. That way you can check the status 30 minutes before they land and know whether to head to the airport or wait a bit longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check a flight without a confirmation number?

Yes. Use the flight number and travel date on your airline's website, or search by airline and flight number on the airport's departures or arrivals board. FlightRadar24 also lets you search by flight number alone.

How often does flight information update?

Airline websites and airport boards update every few minutes during the day of travel. Price comparison sites like Google Flights update throughout the day but may lag by an hour or two. Real-time tracking apps like FlightRadar24 update continuously.

What is the difference between a flight number and a confirmation number?

A flight number is the airline's code for that specific flight — for example, AA 456. A confirmation number is the booking reference your airline gives you when you purchase a ticket — usually six letters or numbers. You need the confirmation number to check your booked flight; the flight number works for any flight, booked or not.

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

The airline's website shows scheduled time; the airport board shows actual time based on current conditions. If there is a gap, the flight is delayed. Always trust the airport board or the airline's real-time status page closer to your travel time.

Do I need an app to check my flight, or can I use a website?

Either works. Websites are faster if you are checking once or twice. Apps are better if you want notifications — most airline apps will alert you to gate changes, delays, or cancellations automatically.