You can track planes overhead in real time using free websites and apps that show aircraft position, altitude, and destination

When you hear a plane overhead and want to know what it is, you have several options. The most popular is Flightradar24, a free website and app that displays aircraft on a map as they fly. You enter your location, and the map shows every plane in the sky around you—its flight number, aircraft type, altitude, speed, and where it came from and where it's headed. ADS-B Exchange and RadarBox work the same way. All three pull data from ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast), a system that aircraft transmit automatically so air traffic control and other planes can see them.

These tools work anywhere you have internet access. You can search by location, by flight number if you already know it, or by aircraft type. The data updates every few seconds, so you see planes moving across the map in real time. Most of the information is public because it's the same data air traffic control uses.

Key Takeaways

  • Flightradar24, ADS-B Exchange, and RadarBox are free websites and apps that show every aircraft overhead with its flight number, altitude, speed, and destination.
  • These tools pull data from ADS-B, a broadcast system that all commercial aircraft transmit automatically for safety and air traffic control.
  • You can search by your location, by flight number, or by aircraft type to identify a specific plane you hear or see.
  • Military aircraft and some private planes do not appear on these maps because they disable their ADS-B transmitters for security reasons.

How Flightradar24 and similar services work

Flightradar24 operates a global network of receivers that pick up ADS-B signals from aircraft. When a plane broadcasts its position, altitude, and speed, these receivers capture that data and send it to Flightradar24's servers. The website then plots the plane on a map in real time. You see the same information that air traffic controllers see, with a delay of a few seconds.

The service is free because Flightradar24 makes money from premium subscriptions (which add features like flight history and airport statistics) and from selling data to airlines and aviation companies. The basic map view costs nothing and shows you everything you need to identify a plane overhead.

What information you can see about each flight

When you click on a plane on the map, you get its flight number (like United 447), the aircraft type (Boeing 737, Airbus A320), its current altitude in feet, its speed in knots or kilometers per hour, and the direction it is heading. You also see where it departed from and where it is going. For some flights, you can see the exact route the plane is following and how long until it lands.

The flight number tells you the airline and the specific route. A plane labeled "UAL447" is United Airlines flight 447. If you search that number on the airline's website, you can see whether it is on time, delayed, or cancelled. This is useful if you are tracking a flight a family member is on, or if you are curious about a plane you heard overhead.

Why some planes do not appear on these maps

Military aircraft, government planes, and some private jets do not show up on Flightradar24 or similar services. These aircraft can disable their ADS-B transmitters for security and privacy reasons. A fighter jet, a presidential aircraft, or a private plane carrying a high-profile person will not appear on the map even though it is in the sky.

Commercial airliners must broadcast ADS-B data by law in most countries, so you will see nearly every passenger flight. Cargo planes, regional airlines, and international flights all appear. The main exceptions are military operations and private aviation that chooses to stay off the public radar.

Using Flightradar24 on your phone or computer

On a computer, go to flightradar24.com, and the map loads automatically centered on your location (if you allow it). You can zoom in and out, click on any plane to see its details, and search by flight number or airport code. The interface is straightforward: planes appear as small aircraft icons, and you can filter by airline or aircraft type.

On a phone, read the Flightradar24 app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app works the same way as the website but is optimized for a smaller screen. You can set notifications to alert you when a specific flight is nearby or when a plane from a particular airline passes overhead. Some features like detailed flight history require a paid subscription, but the basic map is free.

Other flight tracking services to try

If Flightradar24 is slow or you want a second opinion, ADS-B Exchange (adsbexchange.com) shows the same data with no login required and no ads. It is run by volunteers and aviation enthusiasts and is often faster to update. RadarBox (radarbox.com) is another option with a similar interface and free basic access.

Each service pulls from the same ADS-B network, so they show the same planes. The differences are in how the map looks, how fast it updates, and what extra features cost money. Try one or two and see which interface you prefer. All three are reliable and show real-time data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some planes show a flight number and others show a tail number?

Commercial flights display a flight number (like AA100 for American Airlines). Private planes and cargo aircraft often show only a tail number (like N12345), which is the aircraft's registration. Both identify the plane uniquely, but a flight number tells you the airline and route, while a tail number just identifies the individual aircraft.

Can I see a plane's flight history or where it has been?

Yes, but it requires a paid subscription on most services. Flightradar24 Premium shows you where a plane was in the past 7 days and its full route history. The free version shows only the current position and destination. If you want to track a specific aircraft over time, a subscription is worth it.

What does the altitude number mean, and why does it change?

Altitude is how high the plane is flying, measured in feet above sea level. It changes constantly because planes climb after takeoff, cruise at a set altitude, and descend before landing. A plane at 35,000 feet is at cruising altitude. At 5,000 feet, it is likely approaching or leaving an airport.

Can I use these apps to track a specific flight I am on or someone else is on?

Yes. Search the flight number (found on your boarding pass or ticket confirmation) on Flightradar24, and you will see the plane's current position, altitude, and estimated arrival time. You can share the link with family or friends so they can watch the flight land in real time.

Do pilots know that people are tracking their flights?

Pilots do not know who is watching, but they know their ADS-B data is public. It is required by law for safety and air traffic control. Pilots cannot turn it off during flight. The data is broadcast so that other aircraft and ground stations can see them and prevent collisions.