Check your airline's website or app first
The fastest way to learn about your flight is delayed is to go directly to your airline's website or mobile app and enter your confirmation number and last name. Most airlines update their flight status in real time — usually within minutes of any change. You will see the scheduled departure time, current status, and any new departure time if a delay has been announced.
If you booked through a third-party site like Kayak, Expedia, or Google Flights, those sites pull information from the airline but may lag by a few minutes. Going to the airline directly is more reliable. Every major U.S. carrier — American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, Spirit, Frontier — has a flight status tool on its homepage.
You can also call your airline's customer service line, though wait times are often long during widespread delays. The phone number is on your booking confirmation email and on the airline's website.
Key Takeaways
- Your airline's website or app shows the most current flight status and any delay announcements, updated in real time.
- The FAA's flight tracking tool and third-party sites like FlightAware show delays across all airlines but may lag a few minutes behind the airline's own system.
- Text and email alerts from your airline notify you of delays automatically if you have opted in during booking or check-in.
- Airport websites and social media accounts post updates about widespread delays affecting multiple flights, especially during weather events.
- A delay of 15 minutes or less is often not officially announced until after the new departure time is set.
Use the FAA's flight tracking tool for real-time updates
The Federal Aviation Administration runs a free flight tracking website at flightaware.com that shows the status of nearly every commercial flight in the United States. You can search by flight number, airline, and date. The tool displays scheduled and actual departure times, current altitude if the plane is in the air, and any delays or cancellations.
FlightAware is useful because it covers all airlines in one place and shows you whether other flights on the same route are also delayed — a sign that the delay is weather or airport-related rather than a single aircraft problem. The data updates every few minutes, though it may lag slightly behind what the airline itself shows.
You do not need to create an account to use FlightAware, though you can sign up for free alerts if you want to track a flight over several days.
Check your airline's text and email alerts
Most airlines send automatic notifications by text or email when your flight is delayed, cancelled, or rebooked. These alerts go to the phone number or email address you provided when you booked. If you have not received an alert, it usually means the airline has not yet announced a delay — or the delay is very small (under 15 minutes) and the airline is still working to get back on schedule.
To make sure you receive alerts, log into your airline account and confirm your contact information is current. Some airlines require you to opt in to notifications during the booking process or at check-in. If you booked through a third-party site, you may need to go to the airline's website separately to set up alerts.
Look at your airport's website and social media for widespread delays
If multiple flights are delayed at the same airport — often because of weather, runway closures, or air traffic control issues — the airport's website and social media accounts post updates. Search for "[your airport name] delays" or visit the airport's official website directly. Major airports like Atlanta (ATL), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), and Los Angeles (LAX) post real-time delay information.
Airport social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook are often updated faster than the website. If you see that your airport is experiencing widespread delays, your flight is likely affected even if your airline has not announced it yet.
Understand what counts as a delay
Airlines do not always announce a delay when ready. A flight is typically considered delayed once it departs more than 15 minutes after its scheduled time. If your flight is running 10 minutes late, the airline may not update the status yet — the crew might still be boarding or the plane might push back within the next few minutes.
Once a delay is official, the airline must disclose it. At that point, you will see the new departure time on your airline's website and receive a notification if you have alerts turned on. Delays of one hour or more are usually announced well in advance, but smaller delays can change rapidly.
What to do if your flight is delayed
If your flight is delayed by three or more hours, you have options. You can rebook on another flight at no extra cost, request a refund of your ticket, or wait for your original flight. Contact your airline directly through its website, app, or customer service line to make changes. Do not wait for the airline to contact you — you must initiate the request.
If you are at the airport, go to the airline's ticket counter or gate agent. If you are at home, use the airline's website or app to rebook yourself, or call customer service. Some airlines allow you to rebook online; others require a phone call.
Keep in mind that U.S. airlines are not required to pay cash compensation for delays caused by weather or other circumstances beyond the airline's control. However, they must rebook you on the next available flight at no extra cost.
Track a flight that has not departed yet
If your flight has not taken off, you can watch its status change in real time using FlightAware or your airline's app. Enter your flight number and date. The tool will show you whether the aircraft is still on the ground, whether it has pushed back from the gate, and whether it is taxiing to the runway.
Once the plane takes off, you can see its current location, altitude, and estimated arrival time. This is useful if you are picking someone up or if you want to know how much longer the flight will be in the air. The data refreshes every few minutes and is accurate to within a few minutes of real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does flight status update?
Airline websites and apps update status information in real time, usually within one to five minutes of any change. FlightAware and other third-party tracking sites may lag by a few minutes. Text and email alerts from your airline are sent as soon as a delay is officially announced, which is typically when the delay reaches 15 minutes or more.
Can I get money back if my flight is delayed?
U.S. airlines are not required to pay cash compensation for delays caused by weather, mechanical issues, or air traffic control problems. However, they must rebook you on the next available flight at no extra cost. If the delay causes you to miss a connection, the airline must book you on another flight. If you choose to cancel instead of waiting, you can request a refund of your ticket.
What if my flight is cancelled instead of delayed?
If your flight is cancelled, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra cost, or refund your ticket. You can also request a refund and book with a different airline. Check your airline's website or call customer service when ready — rebooking options fill up quickly during widespread cancellations.
Do I need to check in again if my flight is delayed?
If you have already checked in online or at the airport, you do not need to check in again. Your reservation remains active. However, if your flight is cancelled and you are rebooked on a different flight, you may need to check in again for the new flight, depending on how much time passes between the two flights.
Will my airline notify me automatically if there is a delay?
Only if you have opted in to text or email alerts during booking or check-in. If you have not set up alerts, the airline will not contact you — you must check the status yourself. Log into your airline account and confirm your contact information is current to receive notifications.