Where to find your flight number
Your flight number appears on your airline confirmation email, on your airline's website under "My Bookings" or "Manage My Reservation", and on your boarding pass — both the paper version and the digital version in your phone. If you booked through a travel site like Kayak, Expedia, or Google Flights, log back into that site and find the booking confirmation; it will show the flight number there too.
The flight number is a two-letter airline code followed by one to four digits. American Airlines flight 247 shows as AA247. Southwest flight 1402 shows as SW1402. United flight 85 shows as UA85. This combination is unique to that specific flight on that specific date — the same airline will run a different AA247 tomorrow, so the date matters when you search.
If you have already checked in and received a boarding pass, the flight number is printed in the upper left or right corner, usually above or near the barcode. On a mobile boarding pass, swipe up or look for a details section to see the full flight information.
Key Takeaways
- Your flight number is a two-letter airline code plus digits (like AA247 or SW1402) and appears on your confirmation email, airline website, and boarding pass.
- Check your airline's website by logging into your account under "My Bookings" or "Manage My Reservation" if you cannot find your confirmation email.
- Travel booking sites like Expedia and Google Flights keep your confirmation in your account history, even if the original email is deleted.
- The flight number plus your departure date identifies your specific flight; the same number runs different routes on different days.
Checking your airline's website
Go to your airline's main website and look for a link that says "Manage My Booking", "My Reservations", "Check In", or "My Trips". Click it. You will be asked to enter your confirmation number (a six-character code from your email) and either your last name or the email address you used to book. Once you log in, your upcoming flights will display with the flight number, departure time, gate (if assigned), and seat number.
If you cannot remember your confirmation number, most airlines let you search by name and departure date instead. Enter your last name, first name, and the date you are traveling. The system will pull up all reservations under that name for that date.
This method works even if your confirmation email is deleted or lost. The airline's system is the source of truth — if it shows there, the flight exists and you are booked on it.
Finding your flight number if you booked through a third party
If you booked through Expedia, Kayak, Google Flights, Costco Travel, or another travel site, log into that site using the email and password you created. Look for "My Trips", "My Bookings", or "Reservations". Your booking will show the flight number, airline, departure time, and confirmation number.
You can also contact the travel site's customer service with your confirmation number, and they will tell you the flight number. However, logging in yourself is faster and does not require waiting on hold.
Some travel sites also send a separate confirmation email from the airline itself. Check your email for messages from the airline directly — these often contain the flight number and a link to manage the booking on the airline's own website.
Using flight tracking websites to find your flight number
If you know your departure airport, destination airport, and departure date but not the flight number, you can search on FlightAware, FlightRadar24, or your airline's website directly. Enter the departure city and arrival city, select your date, and the site will show all flights between those two cities that day. Match the departure time to your flight, and you will see the flight number.
This method is useful if you booked a long time ago and cannot locate your confirmation. It also works if someone else booked your ticket and you need the flight number to check in or track delays.
Note that these sites show scheduled flights, not always real-time seat assignments or gate numbers. For those details, use your airline's website or app after you have the flight number.
Checking your email for the confirmation
Search your email inbox for the airline name or the word "confirmation". Most airlines send a confirmation email within minutes of booking that includes the flight number, confirmation code, departure time, and a link to manage the booking. If you booked through a travel site, search for the travel site's name instead.
Check your spam or promotions folder if the email is not in your inbox. Airlines often land in these folders by mistake. Search for the sender's email address (like reservations@united.com) to narrow the results.
If you still cannot find it, contact your airline or travel site with your name and departure date. They can resend the confirmation or tell you the flight number over the phone.
What to do with your flight number once you have it
Once you have the flight number and date, you can check real-time delays on FlightAware, FlightRadar24, or your airline's website. Enter the flight number and date, and the site will show whether the flight is on time, delayed, or cancelled. You can also set up notifications so you receive an alert if the status changes.
You will also need the flight number to check in online (usually 24 hours before departure), to contact the airline about changes or delays, and to track your baggage if it is lost. Keep it handy or screenshot your boarding pass so you have it when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the flight number the same as the confirmation number?
No. The confirmation number is a six-character code unique to your booking (like 4K9X2L). The flight number is the airline code plus digits (like AA247). You need both — the confirmation number to manage your booking, and the flight number to track delays or check in.
Can two flights have the same flight number on the same day?
No. A flight number is unique to one specific route on one specific date. However, the same flight number runs on different dates with different aircraft and crews. AA247 on Monday is a different flight from AA247 on Tuesday, so always include the date when you search.
What if my airline's website is down?
Use FlightAware or FlightRadar24 to find your flight number and check its status. You can also call the airline's customer service line — the number is on your confirmation email or on the airline's website. Have your name and departure date ready.
Do I need the flight number to check in online?
No. Most airlines let you check in using your confirmation number and last name, or your email address. However, having the flight number handy makes it easier to find your flight in the airline's system if there are multiple flights on your itinerary.