Real-time flight tracking shows you where a plane is, how fast it's moving, and when it will land

If you're waiting for someone to arrive or watching a delayed flight, you can see the aircraft's location, altitude, speed, and estimated landing time on free websites and apps. These trackers pull data from radar networks and aircraft transmitters, so the information updates every few seconds. You don't need to know the passenger's name or have a ticket—only the flight number, airline, or aircraft registration.

The most common trackers are FlightAware, FlightRadar24, and Flightstats. Each one works slightly differently and shows different details, so if one isn't loading or seems behind, switching to another usually helps. All three are free to use on a web browser or mobile app, though paid versions exist with extra features.

Key Takeaways

  • FlightAware, FlightRadar24, and Flightstats all show live aircraft position, altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time without requiring a ticket or passenger name.
  • You need either the flight number (like AA1234) or the aircraft tail number (like N12345) to search; the flight number is easier to find on an airline confirmation or news report.
  • Radar data updates every few seconds, but the estimated landing time may not change until the pilot files a new flight plan or the aircraft is within an hour of landing.
  • If a flight is delayed, the tracker will show the aircraft on the ground or in a holding pattern, and the estimated arrival time will update as conditions change.
  • Some trackers show historical flight data, so you can look up where a plane was hours or days ago if you're investigating a past delay.

Finding the flight number or aircraft tail number

The easiest way to track a flight is to use the flight number—the two-letter airline code plus a number, like UA456 (United) or DL789 (Delta). You can find this on a booking confirmation email, airline website, or boarding pass. If you don't have the ticket, a news report about the delay will usually mention the flight number.

If you only know the airline and departure or arrival city, you can search the airline's website directly. Most airlines have a "Flight Status" page where you type in the flight number and see real-time updates. This is often faster than a third-party tracker because the airline's own system has the most current information.

If you have the aircraft tail number (the registration code painted on the fuselage, like N12345), you can search that instead. This is useful if you're tracking a specific plane across multiple flights or if the flight number isn't available. FlightRadar24 and FlightAware both search by tail number.

Using FlightAware to watch a flight

Go to flightaware.com or open the FlightAware app. In the search box, type the flight number (for example, AA100) and select the airline from the dropdown. Press Enter or tap Search. The tracker will show you a map with the aircraft's current position, a line showing the planned route, and a sidebar with details: current altitude, ground speed, departure and arrival airports, and estimated landing time.

The map updates every few seconds. If the flight is delayed, you'll see the aircraft either still on the ground at the departure airport or in a holding pattern near the destination. The "Estimated" arrival time will change as the flight progresses. FlightAware also shows a timeline of the flight's history—when it took off, how long it's been airborne, and how much longer until landing.

If you scroll down, you can see the aircraft type (Boeing 737, Airbus A320, etc.), the tail number, and sometimes the airline's gate information. FlightAware also stores historical data, so you can look up past flights to see if a plane was delayed before or if it's a chronic problem.

Using FlightRadar24 to watch a flight

Go to flightradar24.com or open the FlightRadar24 app. Search for the flight number or tail number in the search bar at the top. The map will center on the aircraft and show its position, heading, altitude, and speed. A sidebar on the left displays the flight details: departure and arrival cities, aircraft type, and estimated landing time.

FlightRadar24's map is more detailed than FlightAware's—you can see terrain, airspace boundaries, and other aircraft in the area. This is useful if you want to understand why a flight is taking a different route or why it's holding. The tracker updates in real time, and you can click on the aircraft icon to see a 3D view of the plane's position and heading.

One advantage of FlightRadar24 is that it shows aircraft that haven't filed a public flight plan, so you may see more planes on the map. However, some military and private aircraft are not tracked, so if you're looking for a specific plane and it doesn't appear, it may not be broadcasting its position.

Understanding what the tracker shows and doesn't show

Flight trackers show the aircraft's real-time position, altitude, and speed based on radar and aircraft transponder signals. This data is accurate and updates constantly. However, the estimated arrival time may not change when ready when a delay happens. The tracker relies on the flight plan filed with air traffic control, which pilots update only when conditions change significantly.

If a flight is delayed on the ground, the tracker will show it parked at the gate or in a holding area. If it's delayed in the air, you'll see it circling or holding at a lower altitude than normal. The estimated landing time will update once the pilot files a new flight plan or once the aircraft is within about an hour of the destination.

Trackers do not show the reason for a delay—only that the aircraft is behind schedule. For the cause (weather, mechanical issue, crew delay, air traffic control), you need to check the airline's website or call the airline directly. Trackers also don't show passenger information, seat assignments, or baggage status.

When a tracker shows no data or outdated information

If a flight doesn't appear on a tracker, it may not have taken off yet, or the aircraft may not be broadcasting its position. Military and some private aircraft don't transmit tracking data, so they won't show up. If you search for a flight and get no results, try searching by tail number instead, or check the airline's own flight status page.

If the estimated arrival time seems stuck or very old, the tracker may not have received an updated flight plan from air traffic control. This is common when a flight is still on the ground or when the pilot hasn't filed a new plan yet. Refresh the page or switch to a different tracker—FlightAware and FlightRadar24 sometimes receive updates at slightly different times.

If the aircraft position looks frozen or the speed shows zero while the flight should be airborne, the tracker may be experiencing a data lag. Wait a minute and refresh. If the problem persists, try a different tracker or check the airline's website directly.

Tracking a flight on the airline's own website

Most airlines have a "Flight Status" or "Track My Flight" page on their website. Go to the airline's homepage, look for a link to flight status (usually in the top navigation or under "Manage My Booking"), and enter the flight number. The airline's system shows the same real-time position as third-party trackers, plus additional details like gate number, baggage claim carousel, and whether the flight is on time, delayed, or cancelled.

The airline's own tracker is often the fastest source for updates because it pulls data directly from the airline's systems. If you're waiting for someone to arrive, the airline's page will also show the baggage claim information once the flight lands, which third-party trackers don't display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track a flight if I don't have the flight number?

Yes. If you know the airline and departure or arrival airport, go to the airline's website and search by date and route. Once you have the flight number, you can use any tracker. If you know the aircraft tail number (the registration code on the plane), you can search that directly on FlightRadar24 or FlightAware.

How often does the tracker update?

Most trackers update every few seconds based on radar and aircraft transponder data. The estimated arrival time may not change as frequently—it updates when the pilot files a new flight plan or when the aircraft is within about an hour of landing. Refresh the page if the data looks old.

Why does the tracker show the plane landed but the airline says it's still delayed?

The tracker shows when the aircraft touches down on the runway. The airline's system shows when passengers have deplaned and baggage has been unloaded. A plane can land early but still be considered delayed if it's held at the gate or if baggage handling takes longer than expected.

Can I see why a flight is delayed on the tracker?

No. Trackers show only the aircraft's position and estimated arrival time. For the reason (weather, mechanical issue, crew delay, air traffic control), check the airline's website, call the airline, or look at news reports about the airport or route.

What's the difference between FlightAware and FlightRadar24?

Both show real-time aircraft position and estimated arrival time. FlightRadar24 has a more detailed map with terrain and airspace boundaries, which helps you understand routing and holding patterns. FlightAware shows more historical data and airline-specific details like gate information. Both are free; try both and use whichever you prefer.