Check your flight's location using the airline's website or app
The fastest way to find where your flight is depends on whether the plane is still on the ground or already in the air. If your flight has taken off, the airline's website or mobile app will show you a real-time map with the aircraft's current position, altitude, and estimated arrival time. Log in with your confirmation number and last name, or search for your flight by airline and flight number.
Most airlines update this information every few minutes once the plane is airborne. The map typically shows the flight path, how far along the route the plane has traveled, and how much time remains. This is the most reliable source because the airline receives data directly from the aircraft.
If your flight hasn't departed yet, the app or website will show you the gate number, boarding time, and current status — whether it's on time, delayed, or cancelled. Check this before you leave for the airport, since gate assignments can change.
Key Takeaways
- Your airline's website or app shows a live map of your flight's location once it takes off, updated every few minutes with altitude and time remaining.
- Flight tracking websites like FlightAware and FlightRadar24 display the same information and work even if you don't have a booking confirmation number.
- Before departure, check your airline's app for gate number, boarding time, and current status — these details change frequently and the app updates faster than airport displays.
- If your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline will notify you by text, email, or app notification if you have those alerts turned on in your account settings.
Use free flight tracking websites if you don't have the airline app
FlightAware and FlightRadar24 are two free websites that track commercial flights worldwide. You don't need a booking confirmation or ticket number — just search by airline name and flight number, or by departure and arrival cities. Both sites show the aircraft's real-time position on a map, current altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time.
FlightAware also displays historical data: how often this flight is delayed, how long delays typically last, and what gate it used on previous days. This information can help you understand whether a delay is unusual for this route. FlightRadar24 shows you the specific aircraft type and registration number, which some travelers find useful for checking an airplane's maintenance history.
These sites pull data from public aviation feeds, so the information is the same whether you use the airline's app or a third-party tracker. The main difference is that the airline app may show additional details like meal service or seat-back entertainment status.
Set up notifications so you don't have to keep checking
Rather than refreshing your phone every five minutes, turn on push notifications in your airline's app. Go to your account settings and enable alerts for gate changes, delays, cancellations, and boarding updates. Most airlines send these notifications 30 minutes before boarding and when ready if the status changes.
Text message alerts are more reliable than email if you're away from your computer. You can usually choose to receive SMS notifications instead of (or in addition to) app notifications. Set this up when you book your ticket or add it to an existing reservation through your airline account.
FlightAware also offers email and SMS alerts if you create a free account and add your flight to your watchlist. This is useful if you're tracking someone else's flight — a family member arriving from out of town, for example — without needing their booking confirmation.
What to do if your flight status shows a delay
A delay shown on the tracking app or airline website is usually based on the airline's best estimate at that moment, not a final decision. Delays can shorten or lengthen as the flight progresses. If your flight is delayed by more than a few minutes, the airline will post the new estimated departure time on the app and at the airport.
If you're already at the airport, check the departure board and listen for gate announcements rather than relying only on your phone. Airport displays update in real time and gate agents have the most current information. If you're still at home and the delay is several hours, contact the airline to ask about rebooking options or whether you should head to the airport at all.
Keep in mind that a delay shown on the tracking map doesn't automatically mean you'll receive compensation. Compensation rules depend on the reason for the delay, how long it is, and what country you're flying from. The airline's app will usually tell you what support (meals, hotel, rebooking) they're offering for this specific delay.
Track a flight you're not booked on
If you're picking someone up from the airport or meeting a friend, you can track their flight without a ticket. Use FlightAware or FlightRadar24 and search by the airline and flight number — you can usually find this information on a confirmation email or by asking the passenger. Both sites show you exactly where the plane is and when it will land.
Some airlines also let you track a flight if you enter the passenger's name and confirmation number on the airline's website. This is useful if you're coordinating a pickup and want to know whether to leave your house now or wait another hour. The airline's app may require you to be logged into an account, but the free tracking websites don't.
Understand what the flight map is actually showing you
The real-time map on your airline's app or on FlightAware shows the aircraft's position based on radar and GPS data. This is the plane's actual location, not a prediction. The estimated arrival time is calculated from the current speed, wind conditions, and remaining distance — it updates as the flight progresses and conditions change.
The flight path shown on the map is not always a straight line. Planes follow established air routes and may be directed by air traffic control to take a longer path to avoid weather or congestion. The map will show these diversions in real time. If you see the plane heading in an unexpected direction, it's usually because of wind patterns or air traffic routing, not an emergency.
Altitude shown on the map is the plane's height above sea level, not above the ground. Commercial flights typically cruise at 30,000 to 40,000 feet. If you see the altitude dropping, the plane is beginning its descent into the destination airport — this usually starts about 150 miles out and takes 20 to 30 minutes.
What happens after the plane lands
Once the aircraft touches down, the tracking map will show "landed" and the time of arrival. However, the plane still needs to taxi to the gate, which can take 10 to 20 minutes depending on airport congestion. Passengers won't be able to leave their seats until the plane is parked and the doors are opened.
If you're picking someone up, don't head to the airport the moment you see "landed" on the map. Wait until the airline sends a notification that the flight has arrived at the gate, or call the passenger once they've landed and can turn on their phone. Baggage claim usually begins 15 to 30 minutes after landing, depending on how many bags are on the flight and how quickly ground crews unload them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my airline app show a different arrival time than FlightAware?
The airline app may include taxi time and gate arrival in its estimate, while FlightAware shows only when the wheels touch the runway. Both are correct — they're just measuring different moments. The airline's estimate is usually more useful for planning pickups or ground transportation, since it tells you when you can actually leave the airport.
Can I see what seat my flight is using?
No, flight tracking websites and apps show only the aircraft's location and status, not individual seat assignments. Your seat number appears on your boarding pass and in your airline account under your reservation. You can check or change your seat through the airline's app or website up until boarding closes.
What if the flight map shows the plane is going backwards?
The plane is not actually moving backwards. This usually means air traffic control has directed the flight into a holding pattern while waiting for a gate to open or for weather to clear. The map will show the aircraft circling in the same area. Once a gate is available, the plane will resume its approach and land.
Do I need to pay for flight tracking apps?
No. Your airline's app is free, and FlightAware and FlightRadar24 are free websites that work on any device. Both sites offer paid premium versions with extra features, but the free versions show everything you need to track a flight's location and arrival time.
Can I track a flight if I only know the departure and arrival cities?
Yes. FlightAware and FlightRadar24 both let you search by city pair and time. Enter your departure city, arrival city, and approximate departure time, and the site will show you all flights on that route. This is useful if you know someone is flying from New York to Los Angeles today but don't have the flight number.