Track your American Airlines flight using the airline's website, mobile app, or by phone

You can follow your American Airlines flight from booking through landing using three main methods: the American Airlines website, the mobile app, or a phone call to customer service. The website and app both show your flight's current status, gate number, departure and arrival times, and any delays in real time. You do not need to be the ticket holder to track a flight — you only need the confirmation number and the passenger's last name, or the flight number and date.

Real-time tracking updates every few minutes once your flight is within 24 hours of departure. The information comes directly from American Airlines' operations system, so it reflects what the airline knows at that moment. If your flight is delayed, the tracking page will show the new departure time, the reason for the delay (weather, mechanical, air traffic control, or crew), and estimated gate arrival time.

Key Takeaways

  • You can track any American Airlines flight using the confirmation number and passenger last name, or the flight number and date — you do not need to be the ticket holder.
  • The American Airlines website and mobile app update every few minutes once your flight is within 24 hours of departure and show gate number, current status, and delay reasons.
  • Text and email notifications are turned off by default; you must opt in during booking or through your account to receive automatic delay alerts.
  • If you booked through a third-party site like Expedia or Kayak, you can still track the flight on the American Airlines site using your confirmation number.

Track a flight on the American Airlines website

Go to aa.com and look for the "Check Flight Status" link, usually located in the top navigation or under a "Manage Booking" section. Enter either your confirmation number and passenger last name, or your flight number and the date of travel. Click "Check Status" and the page will display your flight's current status, scheduled and estimated times, gate number (once assigned, usually 1 to 2 hours before departure), and any delays with reasons.

The status page also shows your aircraft type, the departure and arrival airports, and a timeline of what has happened so far — for example, "departed on time" or "delayed due to weather." If your flight has not yet been assigned a gate, the page will say "gate to be announced" or "TBA." Gate assignments typically post 60 to 90 minutes before departure, though this varies by airport congestion.

Use the American Airlines mobile app to track in real time

read the free American Airlines app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app, tap "Check Flight Status" at the bottom, and enter your confirmation number and last name or your flight number and date. The app shows the same information as the website — current status, times, gate, and delay reason — but updates slightly faster and sends you a notification if you have opted in.

If you have already checked in through the app, your upcoming flights appear automatically on your home screen without needing to search. The app also shows seat assignments, boarding group, and a countdown to boarding time. Push notifications are off by default; to turn them on, go to Settings within the app and enable "Flight Status Notifications."

Set up text or email alerts for delays

American Airlines can send you a text message or email if your flight is delayed, cancelled, or rerouted. These notifications are turned off by default and must be enabled during booking or afterward through your account. During checkout, look for a checkbox that says "Notify me of flight status changes via text" or "Email me about my flight." If you did not enable it at booking, you can turn it on later by logging into your American Airlines account, finding your reservation, and selecting notification preferences.

Text alerts arrive faster than emails and are useful if you are traveling and do not have reliable internet. Email alerts include more detail, such as the reason for the delay and rebooking options. You can receive both at the same time. Note that American Airlines sends alerts only for significant changes — a 5-minute delay may not trigger a notification, but a 30-minute or longer delay usually will.

Track a flight booked through a third-party website

If you booked your ticket through Expedia, Kayak, Google Flights, or another travel site, you can still track your flight on the American Airlines website. You will have received a confirmation number from American Airlines in your booking email — this is different from the confirmation number the third-party site gave you. Use the American Airlines confirmation number on aa.com to check your flight status. The third-party site may also have a tracking feature, but the American Airlines site is always the most current source.

Some third-party sites offer their own notifications, but these are often delayed compared to American Airlines' own alerts. For the fastest updates, track directly on aa.com or use the American Airlines app.

What to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled

Once you see a delay on the tracking page, contact American Airlines when ready if you need to rebook or if the delay affects a connection. You can call 800-433-7300, use the app to message customer service, or visit the airport ticket counter. American Airlines prioritizes rebooking passengers on the next available flight to the same destination at no extra charge. If the delay is caused by the airline (mechanical, crew, or scheduling), you may be may have access to to a meal voucher or hotel stay depending on how long the delay is and whether it is overnight.

If your flight is cancelled, American Airlines will automatically rebook you on the next available flight. Check your email and the app for the new flight details — do not assume you will be on the same flight the next day. If the new flight does not work for you, you can request a refund or a flight credit instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track a flight if I do not have the confirmation number?

Yes. Use the flight number and the date of travel instead. Go to aa.com, click "Check Flight Status," and enter the flight number (for example, AA 100) and your departure date. This works for any American Airlines flight, whether or not you are a passenger.

How often does the tracking information update?

The website and app update every few minutes once your flight is within 24 hours of departure. Before that window, status information updates once or twice daily. After takeoff, updates reflect the aircraft's actual position and estimated arrival time based on weather and air traffic.

Why does my gate number keep changing?

Gate assignments are not final until 60 to 90 minutes before departure. American Airlines may reassign gates due to aircraft changes, airport congestion, or operational needs. Check the tracking page again 1 to 2 hours before your flight to confirm your final gate.

What if the app says my flight is on time but I heard there is a delay?

The app may not have updated yet. Refresh the page or close and reopen the app. If you are at the airport, check the airport's own flight information display boards — these sometimes show delays before the airline's system updates. You can also call American Airlines at 800-433-7300 to confirm the current status.

Can I track a flight for someone else?

Yes. You need either the confirmation number and the passenger's last name, or the flight number and date. You do not need to be the ticket holder or have the passenger's permission to check a public flight's status.