Track American Airlines flights using their website, mobile app, or text message

You can watch an American Airlines flight move across the map in real time using three main tools: the American Airlines website (aa.com), the American Airlines mobile app, or a text message service. Each method shows you the current location, altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time. The website and app also display gate information, baggage claim details, and any delays or cancellations as soon as the airline updates them.

You do not need a ticket to track a flight — you only need the flight number or the departure and arrival cities. If you have a confirmation number from a booking, that works too. Tracking updates every few minutes while the plane is in the air.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Airlines website and app both show real-time flight location, altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time without requiring a ticket number.
  • Text message tracking through American Airlines sends updates to your phone at no cost, though you must initiate the request through the website or app first.
  • Gate information and baggage claim numbers appear in the app and website once the plane lands, usually 15 to 30 minutes before passengers disembark.
  • Delays and cancellations post to your tracking page within minutes of the airline's decision, and you can set notifications to alert you automatically.

Track a flight on the American Airlines website

Go to aa.com and look for the "Track Your Flight" link, usually near the top of the page. Enter either the flight number (for example, AA 247) or the departure and arrival cities. If you have a confirmation number, you can enter that instead. Click "Track Flight" and the page will load with the current status.

The tracking page shows the aircraft's position on a map, the current altitude and ground speed, the departure gate, the arrival gate (once assigned), and the estimated arrival time. Below the map you will see a timeline: scheduled departure, actual departure, scheduled arrival, and estimated arrival. If there is a delay, the page will say so and often explain the reason — weather, mechanical, or air traffic control, for example.

Refresh the page every few minutes to see updates, or close the tab and return to it later. The information stays current for 24 hours after the flight lands.

Use the American Airlines mobile app to track flights

read the American Airlines app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open it and tap "Track a Flight" from the home screen. Enter the flight number or departure and arrival cities, then tap "Track." The app works the same way as the website but updates automatically without you having to refresh.

The app also lets you set push notifications so your phone alerts you when the flight departs, when it lands, or if there is a significant delay. Tap the bell icon on the tracking page to turn notifications on. You can choose which updates you want to receive. This is especially useful if you are picking someone up or waiting for luggage — you will know the moment the plane touches down instead of checking repeatedly.

If you booked the flight through American Airlines, you can also add it to your app by entering your confirmation number. The flight will then appear on your "Upcoming Trips" list, and you can track it from there without entering the flight number each time.

Get text message updates for a flight

American Airlines offers flight status updates by text message at no cost. To set this up, go to aa.com or open the app and find the flight you want to track. Look for an option that says "Get text updates" or "Text alerts" — the exact wording varies. Follow the prompts to enter your phone number and confirm your request.

Once you have signed up, American Airlines will send you text messages when the flight departs, when it is about to land, and if there is a delay of more than 15 minutes. You will receive one message per event, not a continuous stream. Text alerts work even if you do not have the app installed or if you are away from a computer.

To stop receiving texts, reply to any message with "STOP" or visit your account settings on the website and turn off text notifications.

What information appears on your tracking page

The tracking page shows different details depending on when you look at it. Before the flight departs, you will see the scheduled departure time, the gate number (if assigned), and the aircraft type. Once the plane pushes back from the gate, the map activates and shows the aircraft moving in real time.

During flight, the page displays the current altitude (in feet), ground speed (in miles per hour), and time remaining until landing. You will also see the current outside air temperature. The map shows the flight path and the plane's position along it.

Once the plane lands, the page updates to show the actual landing time, the arrival gate, and the baggage claim carousel number. Gate and baggage information usually appear 15 to 30 minutes after landing. If the flight is delayed, the page will show the new estimated arrival time and often the reason for the delay.

Set up notifications so you do not have to check manually

Both the website and the app let you turn on alerts for specific events. In the app, tap the bell icon on the flight's tracking page. You will see options to notify you when the flight departs, when it lands, and when there is a delay. Check the boxes for the updates you want.

On the website, look for a "Notifications" or "Alerts" button near the flight information. The options are the same: departure, arrival, and delay alerts. Once you turn on notifications, your phone will send you a push notification (if you are using the app) or a text message (if you signed up for text alerts) when each event happens.

Notifications are most useful for delays. If weather or mechanical issues cause a delay, you will know within minutes instead of discovering it when you arrive at the airport. This gives you time to call the airline, rebook if needed, or let someone know you will be late.

Track a flight without a ticket number or confirmation code

You do not need to have booked the flight or have a ticket to track it. straightforward enter the flight number (AA followed by three or four digits) or the departure and arrival cities on the tracking page. The system will find the flight and show you its status.

This is useful if you are picking someone up and want to know when they will land, or if you are waiting for a package being shipped via American Airlines. The tracking information is the same whether you booked the flight or not — you will see the map, altitude, speed, and arrival time.

If multiple flights operate the same route on the same day, entering the cities will show you all of them. Look for the one that matches the time you are expecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the flight tracking map update?

The map updates every few minutes while the plane is in the air. The app updates automatically, while the website requires you to refresh the page to see the latest position. Once the plane lands, updates slow down as the airline processes gate assignment and baggage information.

Can I track a flight that departed hours ago?

Yes. Tracking information stays available for 24 hours after a flight lands. If the flight landed more than 24 hours ago, the tracking page will no longer show it. For very recent flights, all information including the final arrival time and gate will be visible.

What does it mean if the map shows the plane circling?

Circling usually means the plane is in a holding pattern, waiting for clearance to land. This happens when the airport is busy or weather is affecting landing procedures. The estimated arrival time on the tracking page will update to reflect the delay. You will also receive a delay notification if you have alerts turned on.

Will I see the gate number before I arrive at the airport?

Gate assignments usually post 30 to 60 minutes before departure, though this varies. For arriving flights, the gate appears after the plane lands. If you are picking someone up, check the tracking page about an hour before the scheduled arrival time to see which baggage claim carousel to go to.

Can I track a connecting flight through the American Airlines app?

If you booked a multi-leg trip through American Airlines, the app shows all segments under your confirmation number. You can track each leg separately by tapping on it. If you booked the connection through a different airline, you will need to use that airline's tracking tool for the second flight.