Real-time flight tracking shows you the plane overhead in seconds

You can see what is flying above you right now using free websites and apps that display live aircraft positions on a map. The most popular is Flightradar24, which shows commercial planes, their flight numbers, altitudes, and destinations in real time. ADS-B Exchange is another option that includes military and private aircraft. Both work on any device with a browser — no account needed.

Open the website or app, allow it to use your location, and the map centers on your area. Planes appear as small icons. Click any plane to see its flight number, where it came from, where it is headed, how fast it is moving, and how high it is flying. The data updates every few seconds, so you can watch planes move across the screen as they approach or leave your region.

Key Takeaways

  • Flightradar24 and ADS-B Exchange are free websites that show live aircraft positions, altitudes, and flight numbers on a map centered on your location.
  • Click any plane icon to see details like the airline, destination, speed, and altitude — information updates every few seconds.
  • Military and government aircraft often do not appear on these maps because they broadcast on different frequencies or do not broadcast at all.
  • Planes visible on the map are typically at least 1,000 feet above ground; smaller aircraft and helicopters may not show up depending on the tracking network in your area.

How Flightradar24 works and what you will see

Flightradar24 collects data from ground receivers that pick up signals from aircraft transponders. When a plane broadcasts its location, speed, and altitude, the network captures that signal and displays it on the map. Commercial airliners broadcast constantly, so they appear reliably. Private planes and smaller aircraft broadcast less frequently or not at all, so they may not show up.

The map shows each plane as a small airplane icon colored by airline or aircraft type. Zoom in to see more detail. Click a plane to open a panel showing the flight number (like United 447), the aircraft type (Boeing 737), the airline, the departure airport, the destination airport, current altitude in feet, ground speed in knots or kilometers per hour, and the direction it is heading. Some planes show a flight path — a line showing where it has been and where it is going.

The free version of Flightradar24 includes all of this. A paid subscription removes ads and adds features like 3D flight paths and historical playback, but you do not need it to see what is overhead.

ADS-B Exchange and why it shows different planes

ADS-B Exchange is a community-run network that collects the same transponder signals as Flightradar24, but it includes aircraft that Flightradar24 filters out. This means you will see more military planes, government aircraft, and private jets on ADS-B Exchange. It also shows helicopters and smaller general aviation planes more often, depending on the receiver coverage in your area.

The interface is simpler than Flightradar24 — the map shows planes, and clicking one displays its flight number, altitude, speed, and direction. ADS-B Exchange does not require an account and is completely free. If you are curious about military traffic or want to see a wider range of aircraft, this is the better choice.

The trade-off is that ADS-B Exchange has fewer features. It does not show as much historical data, and the interface is less polished. But for answering "what is that plane," it works just as well.

Why some planes do not appear on the map

Military aircraft, government planes, and some private jets do not broadcast their positions, or they broadcast on frequencies these networks cannot receive. Fighter jets, transport planes, and classified missions will not show up. Some civilian aircraft also have their transponders turned off or set to a mode that does not transmit location data to public networks.

Helicopters and small general aviation planes often do not appear because they fly lower and broadcast less reliably. The ground receiver network is denser in populated areas, so planes over rural regions may not show up even if they are broadcasting. If you see a plane but it does not appear on the map, it is likely one of these cases.

Mobile apps versus websites

Both Flightradar24 and ADS-B Exchange have mobile apps for iOS and Android. The apps work the same way as the websites but are faster to open and easier to use on a phone. The free versions of both apps show the same information as the free websites.

If you track planes regularly, the app is more convenient. If you are checking once in a while, the website works fine. Either way, you do not need to pay for a subscription to see what is flying above you.

What the numbers and abbreviations mean

Flight number is the airline's call sign plus a number — United 447, Southwest 1205. This is how air traffic control and the airline identify the flight. Altitude is shown in feet above ground level. A plane at 35,000 feet is at cruising altitude. Ground speed is how fast the plane is moving over the ground, usually 400 to 550 miles per hour for commercial jets. Heading is the direction the plane is flying, shown as a compass bearing (0 to 360 degrees, where 0 is north).

Aircraft type tells you the model — Boeing 737, Airbus A320, Cessna 172. Squawk code is a four-digit number the plane broadcasts to air traffic control; it is not useful for the average person but appears on the detail panel. Mode S code is a unique identifier for the aircraft itself, separate from the flight number, and is how the tracking network identifies the plane.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the map show a plane but I cannot see it in the sky?

The plane may be too high to see with the naked eye, even on a clear day. Commercial jets at cruising altitude (30,000 to 40,000 feet) are visible as a small dot, but only if you know where to look and the lighting is right. The map shows planes up to 50,000 feet or higher, so what you see on the screen may be well above what you can spot overhead.

Can I track a specific flight I am waiting for?

Yes. If you know the flight number, search for it in Flightradar24 or ADS-B Exchange. The map will show the plane's current position, altitude, and estimated arrival time. You can also search by airport code to see all planes arriving or departing from that airport.

Is it legal to use these tracking websites?

Yes. The data comes from public broadcasts that the aircraft themselves transmit. Flightradar24 and ADS-B Exchange are legal services operating in most countries. The only aircraft that do not appear are those that do not broadcast or broadcast on frequencies these networks do not monitor.

What is that loud plane flying low over my house?

Open the tracking map and look for a plane near your location at low altitude. If it shows up, you can see the flight number and destination. If it does not show up, it is likely a military aircraft, a helicopter, or a small plane that does not broadcast to these networks. Planes also fly lower during takeoff and landing, so check if you are near an airport.

Do I need to create an account to use these services?

No. Both Flightradar24 and ADS-B Exchange work without an account. You can use the free website or app when ready. Creating an account on Flightradar24 lets you save favorite flights and airports, but it is not necessary to track planes overhead.