Where to find live flight tracking
You can track a flight in the air using free websites and apps that pull real-time data from radar and airline systems. The most direct routes are FlightAware, FlightRadar24, and Flightstats — all three show the plane's location on a map, current altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time. You do not need to log in or pay.
If you know the flight number, type it into the search bar on any of these sites. If you know only the airline and departure city, you can search by route instead. Within seconds you will see the aircraft's position updated every few seconds to every few minutes, depending on the service.
Most airlines also offer tracking through their own websites and apps. Go to the airline's homepage, find "Track Your Flight" or "Flight Status", and enter your confirmation number or flight number. This route often shows gate information and baggage claim details alongside the map.
Key Takeaways
- FlightAware, FlightRadar24, and Flightstats are free websites that show a plane's real-time location, altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time.
- You can search by flight number, airline and route, or confirmation number depending on which service you use.
- The plane's position updates every few seconds to every few minutes; older or smaller aircraft may update less frequently.
- Tracking data comes from radar and airline systems, so you see the same information air traffic control sees, with a slight delay.
What the map shows you
When you pull up a flight on any tracking site, the map displays the aircraft as a small plane icon moving along a line. That line is the planned flight path. The icon's position is where the plane actually is right now. Below or beside the map, you will see a data box with the flight number, aircraft type, current altitude in feet, ground speed in knots or miles per hour, and the time until landing.
Some services also show the tail number (the aircraft's registration), the airline, and how many other flights that same plane has made today. FlightRadar24 and FlightAware both display the plane's heading — the compass direction it is flying — and whether it is climbing, descending, or level.
The estimated arrival time updates as the flight progresses. If the plane is ahead of schedule, the arrival time moves earlier. If it is behind, the time moves later. This is more accurate than the original scheduled time because it accounts for wind, weather, and actual flight speed.
Why the data has a delay
The position you see on the map is not live in the sense of happening at that exact second. Most tracking sites update every 5 to 15 seconds, though some refresh faster. The delay exists because the data travels from the plane's transponder to ground radar stations, then to the tracking service's servers, then to your screen.
Older aircraft and smaller planes that fly below 10,000 feet may not transmit position data at all, or may transmit it less often. International flights over the ocean can have longer delays because they rely on satellite data rather than ground radar. If you are tracking a flight and the plane suddenly stops moving or disappears from the map, it has likely left radar coverage — this is normal over water or remote areas.
Tracking a delayed or diverted flight
If your flight is delayed, the tracking map will show you whether the plane is still on the ground, in the air, or approaching the airport. A plane sitting at the gate will show zero altitude and zero speed. A plane in the air will show its current altitude and speed. If the plane has not taken off yet and the departure time has passed, you know the delay is real and not just a scheduling error.
If a flight is diverted to a different airport, the map will show the plane changing course and heading toward the new destination. The tracking site will update the destination airport in the flight details. This is useful because you can see the diversion happen in real time rather than waiting for an airline notification.
Tracking also helps you understand how much time remains. If a plane is 30 minutes away and you are picking someone up, you can time your arrival at the airport accordingly. If the plane is still 90 minutes out, you know the delay is significant.
Comparing the main tracking services
| Service | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| FlightAware | Detailed flight history, alerts, and notifications | Free; paid tier adds more features |
| FlightRadar24 | Visual map with many aircraft visible at once | Free; paid tier removes ads and adds filters |
| Flightstats | Airline-specific status and gate information | Free |
| Airline app or website | Gate, baggage claim, and seat information | Free |
FlightAware is the most popular choice for people tracking a specific flight because it shows detailed information and lets you set up notifications. FlightRadar24 appeals to aviation enthusiasts who want to see all aircraft in a region at once. Flightstats and airline apps are best if you want gate and baggage information alongside the flight path.
Setting up notifications for your flight
FlightAware and most airline apps let you turn on notifications so you receive an alert when your flight takes off, when it is about to land, or if the status changes. To set this up on FlightAware, search for your flight, then look for a bell icon or "Notifications" button. You can choose to receive alerts by email, text, or push notification if you have the app installed.
Airline apps usually ask if you want notifications when you enter your confirmation number. You can turn these on or off in the app's settings at any time. Notifications are useful if you are not actively watching the map but want to know the moment something changes.
What you cannot see on a tracking map
Tracking maps show position, altitude, and speed, but they do not show turbulence, weather conditions, or cabin pressure. They also do not show whether the flight is full, whether meals are being served, or any other details about what is happening inside the plane. For those details, you would need to contact the airline directly or wait for a passenger to text you from the flight.
The map also does not show why a flight is delayed or diverted. You can see that it is delayed or that it has changed course, but the reason — weather, mechanical issue, air traffic control, or something else — comes from the airline's website or a call to customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track a flight if I am not the passenger?
Yes. Anyone can search for a flight by flight number or by airline and route on FlightAware, FlightRadar24, or Flightstats. You do not need a ticket or confirmation number. If you want to track a specific passenger's flight through an airline app, you would need their confirmation number or ticket details.
Why does the plane sometimes disappear from the map?
The plane leaves radar coverage when it flies over the ocean, mountains, or remote areas where ground radar stations do not reach. Satellite-based tracking picks it up again once it is over land or near the coast. This is normal and does not mean the flight is in trouble.
How far in advance can I track a flight?
Most tracking sites show a flight starting a few hours before departure, once the plane is assigned and the flight plan is filed. You can search for your flight number the day before or the morning of travel. Some services let you track a flight up to 24 hours in advance.
Is the arrival time on the map accurate?
The estimated arrival time becomes more accurate as the flight gets closer to landing. Two hours out, it may be off by 10 or 15 minutes. 30 minutes out, it is usually within a few minutes. The estimate accounts for wind, current speed, and distance remaining, so it is more reliable than the original scheduled time.
Can I see which seat I am in on the tracking map?
No. Tracking maps show only the aircraft's position and flight data. Seat information is in your airline app or confirmation email. Some airline apps do show a live map of your flight alongside your seat details, which combines both pieces of information in one place.