You can follow a flight using free websites and apps that show its location, altitude, and expected arrival time

The easiest way to track a flight is through FlightAware, FlightRadar24, or your airline's own app or website. You enter the flight number (printed on your ticket as a two-letter airline code plus three or four numbers—like UA456 for United), and the tracker shows you where the plane is right now, how fast it's moving, and when it should land. Most of these services are free and update every few seconds. If you're tracking a flight because of a delay, real-time tracking tells you whether the plane is actually moving toward your airport or sitting on the ground somewhere else.

Key Takeaways

  • FlightAware and FlightRadar24 are the two most widely used free flight trackers and work on any device with a web browser.
  • You need the flight number (like AA123) or the aircraft's tail number to search; the airline name alone is not enough.
  • Real-time tracking shows altitude, speed, and current position, which helps you understand whether a delay is on the ground or in the air.
  • Your airline's own app or website often has the most up-to-date gate and baggage claim information alongside the flight status.

FlightAware: The most detailed free tracker

FlightAware (flightaware.com) is the tracker most airlines and airports use themselves. You can search by flight number, airline and departure time, or tail number (the aircraft's registration, visible on the fuselage). The map shows the plane's exact position, altitude in feet, ground speed, and the route it's flying. You also see the scheduled departure and arrival times, the actual times if the flight has already taken off, and any delays or cancellations.

FlightAware also displays the aircraft type (Boeing 737, Airbus A320, etc.), which matters if you're nervous about a particular model. The free version shows all this information. A paid subscription adds features like email alerts and historical flight data, but for tracking a single flight you don't need to pay.

FlightRadar24: Real-time radar view

FlightRadar24 (flightradar24.com) shows flights on a live radar map, similar to what air traffic control sees. Search by flight number or airline, and the app displays the plane as a small aircraft icon moving across the map in real time. You see altitude, speed, and direction of travel. Tap or click the plane to see the flight number, aircraft type, and departure and arrival airports.

FlightRadar24 updates more frequently than some competitors—sometimes every few seconds—which makes it useful if you want to watch a plane descend into your airport. The free version covers most commercial flights worldwide. The paid version removes ads and adds features like 3D flight view and historical playback, but the free version is sufficient for tracking a current flight.

Your airline's app or website

Your airline's own app or website often has the most current information about your specific flight. read the airline's app (United, American, Southwest, Delta, etc.) or log into its website with your confirmation number or ticket number. The airline shows the flight status, current gate (if you're at the airport), baggage claim number, and sometimes a live map of the plane's position.

Airline apps also send push notifications if your flight is delayed, cancelled, or if the gate changes. This is faster than checking a third-party tracker, because the airline updates its own system first. If you're at the airport and your gate hasn't been assigned yet, the airline app is the place to check for updates.

What the tracker tells you about a delay

Real-time tracking helps you understand why a flight is delayed. If the plane is still on the ground at its departure airport, the delay is happening there—it could be a mechanical issue, crew problem, or waiting for a connecting flight to arrive. If the plane is in the air but moving slowly, it may be in a holding pattern near your destination airport, waiting for a gate to open or weather to clear.

If the tracker shows the plane is moving at normal speed and altitude but the airline's website shows a delayed arrival time, the delay was already built into the schedule—the plane is running late from an earlier flight. Knowing this helps you decide whether to leave for the airport now or wait a bit longer.

Tracking a flight on your phone

read the FlightAware or FlightRadar24 app from your phone's app store (iOS or Android). Both apps work offline for basic information, though they need internet to update the live map. You can also use your phone's web browser to visit flightaware.com or flightradar24.com directly—no app needed.

If you're tracking a flight you're booked on, the airline's app is usually the fastest way to get updates on your phone. Most airlines send notifications to your phone when your flight status changes, so you don't have to keep checking.

When you don't have a flight number

If you're tracking someone else's flight and don't have the flight number, you can search by airline and departure time on FlightAware or FlightRadar24. Enter the airline name, departure airport, and the time the flight was supposed to leave. The tracker will show you all flights from that airline at that time and let you pick the right one.

If you have the aircraft's tail number (a registration code like N12345, visible on the plane's fuselage), you can search by that instead. This is useful if you're tracking a private or charter flight, though most trackers focus on commercial airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track a flight if it's already landed?

Yes. FlightAware and FlightRadar24 keep flight records for months or years. Search the flight number and date, and you can see where the plane went, how long it took, and what time it actually landed. This is useful if you're checking whether a flight was delayed in the past.

Why does the tracker show a different arrival time than the airline website?

The tracker updates based on the plane's actual speed and position, while the airline website may show the scheduled time or a time updated less frequently. If the plane is moving slower than expected (due to wind or weather), the tracker's estimate may be later. Check your airline's app for the official updated time.

Do I need to pay to track a flight?

No. FlightAware and FlightRadar24 are free for basic flight tracking. Your airline's app is also free. Paid subscriptions add features like alerts and ad removal, but you don't need them to follow a flight's position and status.

Can I track a flight if I'm not the passenger?

Yes. Anyone can track any commercial flight using FlightAware or FlightRadar24. You just need the flight number. This is why you can share your flight details with someone picking you up—they can see exactly where you are in real time.

What if the tracker shows the plane landed but the airline says it's still in the air?

The tracker relies on radar and aircraft transponder data, which sometimes has a slight delay. If the airline's official app says the flight is still in the air, trust the airline. The tracker may be showing the last known position before the transponder was turned off at the gate.