Where to learn about your flight is delayed

The fastest way to check your flight's status is the airline's website or mobile app. Go to the airline's homepage, find the "Flight Status" or "Track Your Flight" section, enter your confirmation number and last name (or your flight number and date), and you'll see the current departure and arrival times. Most airlines update this information every 15 minutes when you're within 24 hours of departure.

If you don't have your confirmation number, you can search by flight number instead. The flight number appears on your ticket and usually starts with two letters (the airline code) followed by numbers — for example, UA456 for United Airlines or DL789 for Delta.

The airline's app often sends push notifications about delays automatically, so if you've downloaded it and turned on notifications, you may already know before you check. Text alerts work the same way — most airlines let you sign up for SMS updates during booking or in your account settings.

Key Takeaways

  • The airline's website or app is the official source and updates every 15 minutes once you're within 24 hours of departure.
  • You can search by confirmation number and last name, or by flight number and date.
  • Third-party sites like FlightAware and FlightRadar24 show real-time aircraft movement and can sometimes detect delays before the airline updates its website.
  • If your flight is delayed more than a few hours, contact the airline directly to understand your options for rebooking or compensation.
  • Airport information lines and gate agents have the most current information if you're already at the airport.

Third-party flight tracking websites

Sites like FlightAware and FlightRadar24 track aircraft in real time using radar and aircraft transponder data. These sites often show delays or gate changes before the airline updates its own website, because they're watching the actual plane's location and speed rather than waiting for an airline employee to update a database.

FlightAware lets you search by flight number or route and shows you the aircraft's current position on a map, its altitude, and how far it has to go. FlightRadar24 works similarly and includes a 3D view of the flight path. Both are free to use and don't require an account, though creating one lets you save flights and get notifications.

These sites are useful if the airline hasn't posted an update yet, or if you want to see whether a plane is actually moving or sitting on the ground. They won't tell you the reason for the delay or what the airline plans to do about it — only the airline can answer that.

What to do if you see a delay posted

If your flight shows a delay of 30 minutes to a few hours, check back in 15 to 30 minutes. Delays often clear as the day goes on, and the airline may post an updated departure time that's closer to the original. If the delay grows or the airline posts a cancellation, move to the next step.

Contact the airline directly by phone, chat, or the app. Have your confirmation number ready. Ask three things: whether the flight is still operating, what the new departure time is, and whether you can rebook on an earlier flight if one is available. Some airlines let you rebook for free if a delay is their fault (mechanical issue, crew problem, weather) but not if it's weather or air traffic control.

If you're at the airport already, go to the gate or the airline's customer service desk. Gate agents have access to real-time information and can often rebook you on the next available flight faster than a phone line can.

Delays caused by weather or air traffic control

If the airline tells you the delay is due to weather or air traffic control, the airline is not required to rebook you on a competitor's flight or provide a hotel room. You can ask them to rebook you on their next available flight to your destination at no extra cost, but they don't have to pay for meals or lodging.

Weather delays are common in winter and during severe thunderstorms. Air traffic control delays happen when airports are congested or when airspace is restricted — this is less visible to passengers but happens regularly at major hubs. Neither is the airline's legal responsibility, though many airlines offer meal vouchers or hotel rooms as a courtesy.

If the delay is the airline's fault — a mechanical problem, crew shortage, or overbooking — the rules are stricter. In the United States, airlines must rebook you on the next available flight at no cost, and if the delay causes you to arrive more than three hours late, you may be owed compensation under Department of Transportation rules. Check the airline's policy or the DOT website for the exact amounts, which vary by flight distance.

Checking the status at the airport

Airport departure boards show the current status of every flight leaving that terminal. Look for your flight number and check the "Status" column — it will say "On Time," "Delayed," "Boarding," "Gate Closed," or "Cancelled." If it says "Delayed," the board usually shows the new departure time.

If the board doesn't show a time or says "TBD" (to be determined), the delay is still being assessed. Go to the airline's gate or customer service desk — they have more detailed information than the board does and can tell you whether the flight is expected to leave in 30 minutes or several hours.

Gate agents also know if the plane is still in the air coming to your airport, or if it's on the ground waiting for a crew or maintenance. This tells you whether the delay is likely to clear soon or whether you should plan for a longer wait.

Setting up notifications so you don't miss updates

Most airlines let you turn on notifications in their app or website. During booking, look for a checkbox that says "Send me flight updates" or "Notify me of changes." If you didn't check it during booking, log into your account, find your reservation, and look for a "Manage" or "Settings" button to turn notifications on.

Text message alerts work the same way — you can usually opt in during booking or in your account settings. Some airlines charge a small fee for SMS alerts, but most include them free.

If you prefer not to use the airline's app, FlightAware and FlightRadar24 both offer free email and push notifications. You can also set a phone reminder for 24 hours before departure to check the status manually.

What happens if your flight is cancelled

If the airline cancels your flight, you have the right to a full refund or a rebook on the next available flight to your destination at no cost. The airline must offer you the choice — you don't have to accept a rebook if you'd rather have your money back.

Cancellations are usually posted on the airline's website and app first, and gate agents are notified at the same time. If you're at the airport, go to the airline's desk when ready — lines form quickly after a cancellation, and agents can rebook you faster in person than over the phone.

If the cancellation is the airline's fault, you may also be owed compensation under DOT rules. If it's weather or air traffic control, you're not owed compensation, only the refund or rebook. The airline will tell you the reason — ask them to put it in writing if you think you might file a claim later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the airline update flight status on its website?

Most airlines update every 15 minutes once you're within 24 hours of departure. Before that, updates are less frequent. Third-party sites like FlightAware update continuously based on radar data, so they may show a delay before the airline's website does.

Can I get a refund if my flight is delayed but not cancelled?

Not under federal law. You're owed a refund only if the airline cancels the flight. If your flight is delayed, you can rebook on another flight at no cost if the airline caused the delay, but you can't demand your money back. Some airlines offer vouchers or compensation as a courtesy, but it's not required.

What if I miss my connection because of a delay?

The airline is responsible for getting you to your final destination. If you miss a connection because your first flight was delayed, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight at no cost. Tell the gate agent or a customer service representative as soon as you land — don't try to rebook yourself.

Do I have to accept a rebook, or can I get a refund instead?

You have the right to choose. If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you either a refund or a rebook on the next available flight. You can ask for a refund even if the airline suggests rebooking. Get the refund offer in writing if possible.

What should I do if the airline won't tell me why my flight is delayed?

Ask the gate agent or call customer service and request the reason in writing. Airlines are required to tell you whether the delay is their responsibility or due to weather or air traffic control, because it affects your rights to compensation. If they won't say, escalate to a supervisor.