Real-time flight tracking websites show you where a plane is right now
If you need to know where a specific plane is, three websites will show you its location on a map, its altitude, speed, and expected arrival time: FlightRadar24, FlightAware, and Plane Finder. All three pull data from aircraft transponders — the radio equipment planes broadcast to air traffic control — so the information updates every few seconds. You do not need to log in or pay to use the basic version of any of them.
The fastest way is to search by flight number. If you know the airline and flight number (printed on your ticket or confirmation email), type it into the search bar on any of these sites and you will see the plane's current position, how high it is flying, and when it should land. If you do not have a flight number but know the aircraft type or registration number — the tail code like N12345 — you can search that instead.
These trackers work for commercial flights in most countries. Military flights, private jets, and some cargo planes do not appear because they do not broadcast their location to the public. If a plane is not showing up, it is either not transmitting publicly or has already landed.
Key Takeaways
- FlightRadar24, FlightAware, and Plane Finder all show live aircraft locations updated every few seconds, and you can search by flight number, airline, or aircraft registration.
- Search by flight number (like AA 456) if you have your ticket or confirmation; search by aircraft tail code (like N12345) if you only know the plane itself.
- These trackers show altitude, speed, and estimated arrival time, but military and private aircraft do not appear because they do not broadcast publicly.
- If a plane is not showing up on any tracker, it has either already landed or does not transmit its location to the public.
What information each tracker shows you
FlightRadar24 displays the plane as a small aircraft icon on a map, with a line showing its flight path. Click the plane or search by flight number to open a panel showing the airline, aircraft type, altitude in feet, ground speed in knots or kilometers per hour, and the scheduled and estimated arrival times. The free version shows most commercial flights; the paid version removes ads and adds historical flight data.
FlightAware works similarly but also shows gate information at some airports and lets you set up notifications so you receive a text or email when a flight lands or is delayed. The search results page lists all flights matching your search, so if you search by airline and date, you see every flight that airline operated that day.
Plane Finder focuses on the map view and shows military and private aircraft more often than the other two, though still with restrictions. It also displays aircraft photos and detailed technical specs if you click on a plane.
How to search when you do not have a flight number
If you only know the airline and departure and arrival cities, go to the airline's website first and look up the flight number in their schedule. Most airlines show this without requiring you to log in. Once you have the flight number, paste it into FlightRadar24 or FlightAware and you will see that specific flight.
If you know the aircraft registration number — visible on the tail or fuselage — search that instead. Registration numbers start with a country code (N for United States, G for United Kingdom, C for Canada) followed by numbers and letters. Type the full code into any tracker's search bar.
If you are tracking a plane for someone else and do not have any of this information, ask them for their flight confirmation email, which always includes the flight number and airline.
Why a plane might not appear on tracking websites
Military aircraft, government flights, and most private jets do not broadcast their location to the public, so they will not show up on any of these trackers. Some commercial flights also disable their transponders during certain operations, though this is rare.
If a flight landed more than a few hours ago, it will no longer appear on the live map, but you can still search for it by flight number on FlightAware or FlightRadar24 to see historical data about that flight — when it actually landed, how long the flight took, and whether it was delayed.
If a plane is scheduled to depart but does not appear on the tracker yet, it may not have pushed back from the gate. Planes usually show up on tracking websites a few minutes before takeoff, once they start taxiing.
Using flight status information during a delay
If your flight is delayed, the tracker shows you whether the plane is still on the ground, already in the air from a previous flight, or how far away it is. If the plane is still landing from its previous route, your departure will be delayed until it arrives and the crew is ready for the next flight. If the plane is already in the air and heading toward you, your departure may happen sooner than the airline's updated estimate.
The tracker also shows you the aircraft type, which matters if you are concerned about comfort or safety — you can look up the specific model to see how many seats it has and what amenities it offers. The registration number lets you check the aircraft's age and maintenance history on sites like AirHistory or the FAA registry.
Differences between the three main trackers
| Tracker | Best for | Cost | Unique features |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlightRadar24 | Quick searches by flight number | Free basic version; paid removes ads | Clean map interface, historical data in paid version |
| FlightAware | Detailed flight history and notifications | Free basic version; paid adds alerts | Gate information, text/email notifications, detailed delay reasons |
| Plane Finder | Aircraft photos and military tracking | Free basic version; paid removes ads | More military and private aircraft, aircraft photos, technical specs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track a plane if I only know the airline and time of departure?
You need the flight number to search directly on a tracker. Go to the airline's website, find the flight in their schedule using the departure time and route, and note the flight number. Then search that number on FlightRadar24 or FlightAware. If multiple flights depart around the same time, the airline's website will show you which one matches your booking.
Why does the tracker show a plane landed but the airline says it is still delayed?
The tracker shows when the wheels touch the ground, but the airline's status updates when the plane reaches the gate and passengers can exit. A plane may land and then wait on the tarmac for a gate to open, which can take 15 to 45 minutes. Check the tracker's estimated arrival time and add 20 to 30 minutes for gate arrival.
Can I see a plane's location on my phone?
Yes. FlightRadar24, FlightAware, and Plane Finder all have free mobile apps for iPhone and Android. The apps work the same way as the websites and update in real time. You can also use the mobile websites in your phone's browser without downloading an app.
What does it mean if a plane is circling before landing?
The tracker shows the plane's altitude and position. If it is flying in a pattern at the same altitude near the airport, it is in a holding pattern, usually because the airport is busy or weather is affecting landing operations. The plane will circle until air traffic control clears it to descend and land.
How accurate is the location shown on these trackers?
The location is accurate to within a few hundred feet because it comes directly from the aircraft's transponder signal. However, the estimated arrival time can change if the plane encounters headwinds, weather delays, or air traffic congestion. The tracker updates these estimates continuously as new data arrives.