Where to find a plane's location right now

You can track most commercial aircraft in real time using free websites and apps that pull data from radar networks. The most widely used are FlightRadar24, FlightAware, and Plane Finder. Each shows the plane's current position on a map, altitude, speed, and direction of travel. You do not need to pay — the free versions show all active flights.

To track a specific plane, you need either the flight number (like United 447) or the aircraft's tail number (a code starting with N for US planes, like N12345). Flight numbers are easier to find: check your airline confirmation email, your airline's website, or the airport's departures and arrivals board. If you only have the tail number, search it directly in FlightRadar24 or FlightAware and the plane will appear on the map whenever it is airborne.

These services work because commercial aircraft broadcast their location, altitude, and speed continuously through a system called ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast). Ground receivers pick up this signal and feed it to the tracking websites. Military and some private planes do not broadcast this data, so they will not appear.

Key Takeaways

  • FlightRadar24 and FlightAware are the most reliable free tools and work on phones, tablets, and computers.
  • You need either a flight number or the aircraft's tail number to find a specific plane.
  • The map shows real-time location, altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time once the plane is in the air.
  • Most commercial aircraft broadcast their location automatically, but military and some private planes do not appear on these maps.
  • Tracking works best once the plane has taken off; you cannot see it on the map while it is still on the ground.

FlightRadar24 versus FlightAware

Both services show the same basic information — where the plane is, how fast it is going, and when it will land — but they have small differences. FlightRadar24 has a cleaner map interface and works smoothly on phones. FlightAware shows more detailed flight history and lets you see past flights for an aircraft. Both are free to use without signing up.

FlightRadar24 updates every few seconds and shows a trail behind each plane so you can see the path it has taken. FlightAware updates slightly less often but includes information about delays and cancellations. If you are tracking a flight that is delayed, FlightAware often shows the reason (weather, mechanical, crew) while FlightRadar24 focuses on the live position.

For most people tracking a single flight, either one works. Open the website or app, search for your flight number, and watch the plane move across the map. If the flight is not showing up, wait a few minutes — planes appear on the map only after they push back from the gate and begin taxiing.

What information you will see on the map

Once you find your flight, the map shows the plane as a small airplane icon moving in real time. Clicking or tapping the icon opens a panel with details: the current altitude (in feet), ground speed (how fast it is moving over the ground), and the direction it is heading. You will also see the estimated arrival time at the destination airport.

The altitude and speed change constantly as the plane climbs, cruises, and descends. During takeoff, you will see the altitude climb steadily. Once the plane reaches cruising altitude (usually 30,000 to 40,000 feet for long flights), the altitude stays roughly the same for hours. As the plane approaches the destination, the altitude drops gradually.

Both FlightRadar24 and FlightAware show the aircraft type (Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and so on) and sometimes the airline's tail number. Some versions also display the current outside air temperature and wind conditions. The estimated arrival time updates as the plane gets closer and accounts for headwinds or tailwinds.

Tracking a flight before takeoff

You cannot see a plane on the tracking map until it is airborne. While the aircraft is parked at the gate or taxiing on the ground, it will not appear. However, you can still find information about the flight before it takes off by searching the flight number on your airline's website or on FlightAware.

The airline's website shows the gate number, boarding time, and any delays. FlightAware shows the scheduled departure and arrival times, the aircraft type, and whether the flight is on time or delayed. Once the plane pushes back from the gate and begins moving toward the runway, it will appear on the map within a minute or two.

If you are waiting at the airport, the departures board is the most reliable source for gate and boarding information. If you are tracking from home, your airline's app or website is faster than the tracking maps for pre-flight details.

Using tail numbers to find a specific aircraft

If you know the tail number but not the flight number, you can still track the plane. Tail numbers for US aircraft begin with N followed by numbers and letters (like N456AB). Search this code directly in FlightRadar24 or FlightAware and the plane will appear on the map whenever it is flying.

Tail numbers are useful if you are tracking the same aircraft over multiple flights or if you want to see where a plane goes after it lands. For example, if you see a plane land at one airport, you can search its tail number to watch it take off again from that airport hours later on a different route.

You can find a plane's tail number by looking at your airline confirmation email, asking a flight attendant, or checking the aircraft itself if you are at the airport — the tail number is painted on the back of the fuselage. Once you have it, the tracking process is the same as with a flight number.

Why a plane might not appear on the map

If you search for a flight and it does not show up, the most common reason is that the plane has not taken off yet. Planes appear on tracking maps only after they are airborne. If the flight is scheduled to depart in an hour, search again closer to the departure time.

Military aircraft, government planes, and some private jets do not broadcast their location and will never appear on these maps. If you are trying to track a military flight, the tracking websites will not help. Commercial airlines (United, American, Southwest, Delta, and so on) always broadcast their location, so their flights will appear.

Occasionally, a plane's signal is blocked by terrain or distance from ground receivers, which can cause a brief gap in the map. This is rare and usually lasts only a few minutes. If a flight disappears from the map for more than a few minutes, it has likely landed.

Mobile apps versus websites

Both FlightRadar24 and FlightAware offer free apps for iPhone and Android, as well as websites you can use in a browser. The apps are faster and use less data, making them better if you are on a phone plan with limited data. The websites work on any device with a browser and do not require downloading anything.

The mobile apps send notifications when a flight takes off, lands, or is delayed — useful if you are tracking a flight for someone else. The websites do not send notifications but show the same map and information. For tracking a single flight while you wait, either works equally well.

If you plan to track flights regularly, read the app. If you are tracking just once, the website is fine. Both are free and do not require creating an account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track a plane if I only know the airline and departure time?

Not directly — you need the flight number or tail number. However, you can find the flight number by searching your airline's website with the departure city, arrival city, and time. Once you have the flight number, search it in FlightRadar24 or FlightAware.

Does the plane have to be in the air to appear on the map?

Yes. Planes appear on tracking maps only after they take off. While parked at the gate or taxiing, they do not show up. Check your airline's website for gate and boarding information before the flight departs.

What does the trail behind the plane show?

The trail is the path the plane has flown so far on this flight. It helps you see the route and how far the plane has traveled. The trail disappears once the plane lands.

Can I see where a plane is going after it lands?

Yes, if you search the tail number. After a plane lands, it will disappear from the map for a while as it taxis to the gate and parks. Search the same tail number again and you will see it take off on its next flight hours or days later.

Why does the estimated arrival time keep changing?

The arrival time updates as the plane flies and as wind conditions change. Headwinds slow the plane down and push the arrival time later. Tailwinds speed it up and move the arrival time earlier. The estimate becomes more accurate as the plane gets closer to the destination.