With so many flights flying overhead, it’s only common for one to look up and wonder where it’s heading. Tracking apps help take the guesswork out of this situation, by offering all the information about any flight in just a few clicks. A boon for aviation enthusiasts and laypersons alike, these applications provide real-time updates about the plane’s location, altitude, route, weather conditions, and speed, along with their destination, take-off and landing times, and more.
How flight tracking works?
Most flight tracking applications today make use of a surveillance system called Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) to determine the current position of all flights around the world. This technology is widely implemented in the field of aviation to enhance safety and efficiency by supplying real-time information to air traffic controllers.
Some flight trackers also rely on radar data using technology like Multilateration (MLAT). This is often used for aircrafts that are not completely equipped with ADS-B technology to access the flight’s positioning information.
Information from these sources is then combined with flight status and aircraft schedule data published by airport authorities to offer viewers a more comprehensive and accurate view of flights around the world.
Accessing a flight tracker
Anyone interested in knowing the real-time location of an airplane, such as travelers, aviation geeks, professionals, hobbyists, crew, family and friends, etc., can use a flight tracker.
Generally, to track a specific flight, one will need to have details like the flight number, airline, and date in hand. Other information such as the airport code, route, and aircraft registration may help further refine this search. Although tracking system technology is continually evolving, most top-rated apps will offer users information such as the flight’s intended schedule, arrival, location, altitude, route, speed, weather conditions, gate assignment changes, delay statistics, estimated security wait times, airport amenities, and transportation options upon arrival.
Popular flight tracking applications
Over time, several companies have developed their applications to help individuals access flight data.
FlightAware
This application works well on both iOS and Android devices. Not only does it provide information about commercial flights, but it is also capable of tracking the location of private planes and charters in the country.
All one needs to do is enter their flight number, airline, route, or airport, and the application will automatically pull up all relevant information, including live flight information whilst one is on the plane. The application also has a setting for push notifications, so one can receive updates about flight status at regular intervals.
FlightRadar24
One of the most highly recommended applications for aviation geeks is FlightRadar24 which goes beyond just flight tracking using data.
With this app, one can find out details about any plane flying overhead by simply pointing their phone towards the sky. This will pull up a picture of the plane, along with any available supporting information. The other feature that sets this application apart from the rest is its map which displays the area that planes are flying over.
Along with this, users also get access to information such as up-to-the-minute airline and airport information, including flight arrivals, departures, and local weather conditions.
FlightView
Another popular option for both iOS and Android users is FlightView, which offers real-time data including altitude, route, and speed. The one unique feature of this app is its live view that lets users point the exact location of the aircraft, allowing hobbyists to engage in plane spotting at any time of the day.
The application is also incredibly user-friendly, as it allows users to share their flight information easily with their loved ones by simply signing up for an account with them.
It also has accommodations for real-time updates, notifications, and alerts regarding any flight changes.
Flighty
While the above-listed applications can be used by anyone, Flighty was designed to be used by airline passengers. Like most other flight tracking applications, Flighty is free to download. But app users will have to sign up for a subscription plan to access features such as importing flights from one’s calendar or email, lock screen widgets on iOS16 that allow users to access flight data without unlocking their phones, home screen widgets for real-time flight information, and more.
Other options
Airline apps
Another great way of tracking a certain flight is via the airline application. These apps generally have a portal where one can check the flight status. While the information available here may differ from airline to airline, most do provide data regarding departure and arrival times, gate information, altitude, among other details.
iMessage
Those who find it too tedious to download a separate application to track their real-time flight status can just turn to the iMessage app on their Apple device.
One only needs to have iMessage enabled on their phone, and then message the flight details to themselves in the following format: [Airline] [Flight Number]. This will automatically create a hyperlink. Click on it so that the options open, and then navigate to the option that reads “Preview Flight.” Soon after, the application pops up a real-time flight tracker that offers information about the departure, arrival, landing terminal, and even baggage claim number.
Other flight-tracking applications that are commonly used include Plane Finder, RadarBox, FlightStats, and Google Flight Tracker.