# Where can I track a flight's status?

> Use the airline's app or website, the airport's departures and arrivals page, or a flight tracker such as FlightAware or Flightradar24.

The most reliable place to check a flight's status is the airline's own app or website — enter the flight number and date, or your booking reference. For flights you're meeting or watching, the airport's arrivals and departures page and flight trackers such as FlightAware and Flightradar24 show real-time status, gate information and the plane's position.

## Ways to track a flight

1. **Airline app or website.** Shows delays, gate changes and cancellations first, and sends push notifications if you have a booking.
2. **Airport website and screens.** Useful for arrival times, gates and baggage claim belts.
3. **Flight trackers.** FlightAware and Flightradar24 show the aircraft on a map, its actual departure and estimated arrival. They're helpful for checking whether your inbound plane is late — a common cause of delays.
4. **Search engines.** Typing the flight number (for example, "UA 123") into Google or another search engine shows the current status.
5. **Text and email alerts.** Add your phone number to your booking to get updates; cancellations and schedule changes go to the contact details in your booking, so keep them current.
6. **Your phone.** On an iPhone, a flight number typed in iMessage usually becomes a link to its status, and Apple Wallet and Google Wallet boarding passes update with gate and time changes.

Search by flight number rather than route, since several flights can share a route. For a code-share flight, check the status with the airline that actually operates it. Check the evening before, again before you leave for the airport and after security; gates can change at the last minute.

## Reading the status

- **Scheduled / On time** — no change so far.
- **Expected** or **Estimated** — a predicted time that may differ from the schedule; it can change again.
- **Delayed** — a new later departure or arrival time.
- **Boarding / Gate closed / Departed** — the flight's progress at the airport.
- **Diverted** — the plane is landing at a different airport.
- **Cancelled** — contact the airline to rebook or request a refund.

## If you can't find your flight

You need the flight number, which is on your booking confirmation. Airlines won't share another passenger's flight details for privacy reasons, so if you're picking someone up, ask them for their flight number.

## FAQ

**How can I check if my flight was rescheduled?**
Open your booking in the airline's app or website. Schedule changes are shown there and usually emailed to you.

**What do I get if my flight is delayed four hours?**
On flights covered by EU or UK rules, a delay of three hours or more at your destination can bring €250–€600 in compensation unless caused by extraordinary circumstances. In the US, you can get a refund if you choose not to travel after a significant delay, and many airlines offer meals or hotels for delays they cause.

**How can I prove my flight was delayed?**
Ask the airline for a delay confirmation letter, or take screenshots of the status and keep your boarding pass.

**Can I track a flight in real time for free?**
Yes. Flightradar24, FlightAware and similar sites show live positions for most commercial flights at no cost, with paid tiers for extra features.

**How can I see what plane I'm flying on?**
Your booking or the seat map usually lists the aircraft type. Flight trackers show the type and, on the day, often the exact plane.

**Can I find a flight without a confirmation number?**
You can look up a flight's status by route and time on a tracker, but to manage a booking you need the confirmation number or ticket number.

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https://inyourtravel.com/where-can-i-track-the-flight-status/ · In Your Travel · Checked 2026-10-30