Real-time flight tracking is free and available from multiple websites and apps

You can find your plane's current location, altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time using free tracking websites and apps. The most widely used are FlightAware, FlightRadar24, and Plane Finder. Each pulls data from the same source — aircraft transponders that broadcast position every few seconds — so they show nearly identical information with only seconds of delay.

To track your flight, you need your flight number (the airline code plus a number, like UA456 or DL1203) or your aircraft's tail number. Your airline's website or confirmation email has the flight number. Once you enter it, the tracker shows a map with your plane's exact route, current position, and how far it has to go.

The data refreshes every 5 to 10 seconds on most trackers, so you see movement in near-real time. The map also displays the plane's altitude in feet, ground speed in knots or miles per hour, and the time remaining until landing. If your flight is delayed, the tracker updates the new arrival time as soon as the airline sends that information to the system.

Key Takeaways

  • FlightAware, FlightRadar24, and Plane Finder are free websites and apps that show your plane's location, altitude, and speed updated every few seconds.
  • You need your flight number (found on your ticket or airline confirmation) or the aircraft's tail number to search.
  • The tracker displays your plane's current position on a map, how far it has traveled, and the estimated time until landing.
  • Tracking data comes from aircraft transponders and is accurate to within a few hundred feet, though it lags slightly behind real time.

FlightAware: the most detailed option for delays and gate information

FlightAware is the largest flight tracking service and includes information beyond just location. When you search your flight number, you see the aircraft's position, altitude, and speed on a map, plus a timeline showing when the plane pushed back from the gate, took off, and when it is expected to land.

FlightAware also displays gate information at both airports if that data is available, and it shows whether the flight is on time, delayed, or cancelled. If your flight is delayed, the site lists the reason when the airline provides one — mechanical issue, weather, air traffic control delay, or crew scheduling. This context helps you understand whether the delay is likely to get worse or improve.

The free version of FlightAware works on both web and mobile app. The paid version adds notifications (you can be texted or emailed when your flight takes off or lands) and historical flight data, but the free version gives you everything you need to track your plane's current location and arrival time.

FlightRadar24: the choice if you want to see all planes in the sky

FlightRadar24 shows every aircraft currently flying in a region, not just your flight. This is useful if you want to watch your plane approach your destination airport or see what other traffic is in the area. The map is interactive — you can zoom in and out, and clicking any plane shows its flight number, altitude, speed, and destination.

To find your specific flight, enter the flight number in the search box at the top of the map. Your plane will highlight and center on the screen. FlightRadar24 updates position data every 5 to 10 seconds and includes altitude, ground speed, and estimated arrival time. The free version is fully functional for tracking; the paid version removes ads and adds historical playback so you can watch a flight's path after it has landed.

FlightRadar24 is particularly helpful if you are waiting to pick someone up and want to see how close the plane is to landing. The map shows the descent into the airport in real time, so you know when to head to baggage claim or the arrivals area.

Plane Finder: a lightweight option for quick lookups

Plane Finder is simpler and faster to load than FlightRadar24 if your internet connection is slow. It shows the same real-time position data — flight number, altitude, speed, and heading — but with a less detailed map interface. The trade-off is that Plane Finder is less visual; it is better for getting the information you need quickly rather than watching your plane move across the screen.

Plane Finder works on web and mobile app, and the free version includes all tracking features. Like the others, it pulls from aircraft transponder data, so the accuracy and update frequency are the same. If you just need to know where your plane is and when it will land, Plane Finder gets you that answer without extra features you do not need.

Why your plane might not appear on the tracker

If you search your flight number and the tracker shows no results, the flight may not have taken off yet or may have already landed. Trackers only show active flights — planes that are currently in the air. If your flight is scheduled for later today, it will not appear until the aircraft pushes back from the gate.

A small number of military and private aircraft do not broadcast their position, so they will not show up on any public tracker. Commercial airline flights always broadcast, so if you are flying on a major carrier, your plane will be trackable once it is airborne.

If your flight is cancelled, the tracker may still show the flight number but will display a cancelled status. The plane itself will not appear on the map because it never took off. Check your airline's website or app for cancellation notices and rebooking options.

What the tracker tells you about delays

The tracker shows your plane's current position and speed, which can help you understand whether a delay is getting better or worse. If your plane is still on the ground but the scheduled departure time has passed, it is delayed. The tracker updates the estimated arrival time as soon as the airline sends new information, usually within 15 to 30 minutes of a delay.

If your plane is in the air but flying slower than normal, it may be holding in a pattern above the destination airport waiting for a gate to open. This is common at busy airports during peak hours. The tracker shows the plane circling or moving slowly, and the estimated arrival time will reflect the wait.

Weather delays often show up as a slower climb or a longer flight time than usual. If your plane is taking a longer route to avoid storms, the tracker will show the altered path. The airline's website or app usually provides the reason for the delay, but the tracker itself shows only position and timing.

Tracking your plane on your airline's app or website

Most major airlines — United, Delta, American, Southwest, and others — have built-in flight tracking in their apps and websites. You can search by flight number or confirmation number, and the airline's tracker shows position, altitude, and estimated arrival time. The advantage is that the airline's tracker also shows gate information, baggage claim details, and any schedule changes specific to your booking.

The airline's tracker may update slightly less frequently than FlightAware or FlightRadar24 because it pulls from the same transponder data but may batch updates. For most purposes, the difference is not noticeable. If you want the most up-to-date position, use FlightAware or FlightRadar24; if you want the most complete information about your specific booking, use your airline's app.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is flight tracking?

Aircraft transponders broadcast position data accurate to within a few hundred feet. The tracker updates every 5 to 10 seconds, so you see your plane's location nearly in real time. There is a small lag — usually under a minute — between where the plane actually is and where it appears on the map, but it is close enough to be useful.

Can I track a flight if I do not have the flight number?

Most trackers require either a flight number or an aircraft tail number (the registration code on the fuselage, like N12345). If you have your airline confirmation email, the flight number is listed there. If you only have a passenger name and date, you will need to contact the airline to get the flight number first.

Will the tracker show me if my flight is cancelled?

Yes. If your flight is cancelled, the tracker will show a cancelled status and the plane will not appear on the map. However, your airline's app or website will have more detail about why it was cancelled and what rebooking options are available. The tracker confirms the cancellation but does not provide next steps.

Does tracking my flight cost money?

No. FlightAware, FlightRadar24, and Plane Finder are all free to use for basic flight tracking. Paid versions exist but add features like notifications and historical data, not the core tracking itself. Your airline's tracking is also free if you have a booking confirmation.

Can I track a flight that landed hours ago?

No. Public trackers only show active flights currently in the air. Once a plane lands, it disappears from the map. If you need to know when a past flight arrived, check your airline's app or website, which keeps a record of your bookings and their actual arrival times.