You can track planes overhead using free websites and apps that show real-time flight data
Three free tools show you which aircraft are above your location right now: Flightradar24, ADS-B Exchange, and Plane Finder. All three use the same source — signals that planes broadcast automatically as they fly — so the data is live and accurate to within seconds. You do not need to sign up or pay anything to see planes in your area.
The most popular is Flightradar24. Open the website on any device, allow it to use your location, and you will see a map with aircraft symbols, flight numbers, altitudes, and speeds. Tap or click any plane to see where it came from, where it is going, and what type of aircraft it is. The free version shows all this information. ADS-B Exchange and Plane Finder work the same way and are equally free.
These tools work because commercial aircraft transmit their position, altitude, and flight number constantly using a system called ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast). Ground receivers around the world pick up these signals and feed them to the websites. Military aircraft, small private planes, and helicopters often do not broadcast, so you will not see them on these maps.
Key Takeaways
- Flightradar24, ADS-B Exchange, and Plane Finder are free websites that show live aircraft positions, flight numbers, and destinations for your area.
- The data comes from signals that planes broadcast themselves, so the information updates every few seconds and is accurate to the plane's actual location.
- Military aircraft, private planes, and helicopters do not show up because they do not broadcast their position on the public ADS-B system.
- You can search for a specific flight number or airline to track a particular plane, or watch all traffic in your region in real time.
How to use Flightradar24 to see planes overhead
Go to flightradar24.com on a computer or phone. The site will ask for permission to use your location — allow it. A map will load showing your area with aircraft symbols scattered across it. Each symbol is a plane, and the direction the symbol points shows which way the plane is heading.
Click or tap any plane to open a panel with its flight number, aircraft type, altitude, speed, and destination. The flight number is a link — click it to see the plane's full route, departure time, and arrival time. If the plane is delayed, that information shows here too. You can also type a flight number into the search box at the top to find a specific plane.
The free version of Flightradar24 shows everything you need. The paid version removes ads and adds a few features like 7-day history, but for tracking planes overhead right now, the free version is complete.
What information you can see about each plane
When you click a plane on the map, you get its flight number (the airline code plus a number, like UA456), the aircraft type (Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and so on), its current altitude in feet, its speed in knots or kilometers per hour, and the direction it is heading. You also see where it took off from and where it is going.
The map shows the plane's route as a line from its departure airport to its destination. A small circle marks where the plane is right now along that route. If you are watching a plane that is delayed, the delay time appears in the flight details panel.
You cannot see the number of passengers, the airline's reason for a delay, or the pilot's name. Those details are not broadcast by the plane itself. For delay reasons, you would need to check the airline's website or call the airport directly.
Why some planes do not appear on these maps
Military aircraft do not broadcast their position on the public ADS-B system, so fighter jets, cargo planes operated by the military, and military helicopters will not show up. Small private planes and some business jets also do not broadcast, either because they are not required to or because their owners have turned off the system.
Helicopters that do broadcast will appear on the map, but many do not. Police helicopters and news helicopters often disable ADS-B to avoid being tracked. If you see a helicopter overhead but it is not on the map, this is usually why.
If a plane is very low — landing or taking off — it may not appear on the map until it reaches a certain altitude, because ground receivers have a harder time picking up signals from aircraft close to the ground.
Comparing the three main flight-tracking websites
| Website | Free Version | Mobile App | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flightradar24 | Full real-time tracking, flight details, no ads on mobile | Yes, iOS and Android | Most users; easiest interface |
| ADS-B Exchange | Full real-time tracking, no ads, no paid tier | Yes, iOS and Android | Users who prefer no ads at all |
| Plane Finder | Full real-time tracking, flight details | Yes, iOS and Android | Users who want 3D view of aircraft |
All three are free and show the same live data. Flightradar24 is the most popular because its interface is the easiest to learn. ADS-B Exchange has no ads and no paid version at all. Plane Finder includes a 3D view where you can rotate and zoom around an aircraft in the air, which some people find interesting but is not necessary for tracking.
Choose based on what matters to you: if you want the simplest experience, use Flightradar24. If you dislike ads, use ADS-B Exchange. If you want to visualize aircraft in three dimensions, use Plane Finder. All three will answer the question of what is flying above you right now.
Using flight tracking to understand delays at your airport
If you are waiting for a flight or tracking someone else's arrival, these tools show you exactly where the plane is and when it will land. Open the map, search for the flight number, and you will see the plane's current position, altitude, and estimated arrival time. If the plane is still far away, you know the flight is running late. If it is already on approach, landing is close.
You can also watch the general traffic at your airport to see if delays are widespread. If many planes are stacked up waiting to land, the airport is congested and delays are likely. If planes are landing steadily, the airport is moving traffic normally.
This information is useful for deciding when to head to the airport to pick someone up, or for understanding why your own flight might be delayed — sometimes a plane is late arriving because it was delayed on a previous flight, and you can see that delay in real time on the map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see military planes on these maps?
No. Military aircraft do not broadcast on the public ADS-B system, so they will not appear on Flightradar24, ADS-B Exchange, or Plane Finder. The same is true for some police and news helicopters, which disable their broadcasts intentionally.
How often does the map update?
The map updates every few seconds as planes broadcast their new position. The data is live, not delayed. What you see on the screen is where the plane is right now, not where it was a minute ago.
Do I need to create an account to use these sites?
No. All three websites let you track planes without signing up. You can use them completely free and anonymous. Creating an account is optional and only needed if you want to save favorite flights or use advanced features.
Can I see a plane's flight history if I missed it?
Flightradar24's free version shows current flights only. The paid version includes 7-day history. ADS-B Exchange and Plane Finder also have limited history on their free versions. If you need to know whether a specific flight happened on a past date, the airline's website is more reliable.
Why does a plane sometimes disappear from the map?
A plane disappears when it lands and turns off its ADS-B transmitter, or when it flies out of range of ground receivers. If a plane is over the ocean far from land, receivers may not pick up its signal. Once it gets closer to land again, it reappears on the map.