Staying updated on flight information is crucial, whether you're a frequent traveler or simply waiting for loved ones to arrive. The best flight tracking apps provide real-time flight status updates, detailed flight paths, and even airport arrival and departure information. We've curated a list of the top 15 flight tracking apps for Android and iPhone, featuring FlightAware Flight Tracker, Flightradar24 Flight Tracker, and Air Traffic as our top picks. These apps offer intuitive interfaces, accurate data, and valuable features like delay notifications and airport maps, making them indispensable tools for any traveler.
Top app to track flights
1. FlightAware Flight Tracker
Download:
Cost: Free (Free), FlightAware Premium ($10.99/month)
FlightAware Flight Tracker is the best flight tracking app out there, hands down. It's super easy to use and has tons of features, like tracking any flight worldwide, seeing live maps, and even getting push notifications for delays. What really sets FlightAware apart is its massive database of flight information – it tracks over 20 million flights every day! This means I can always get accurate, real-time info, which is a huge plus when you're traveling or just curious about a flight.
Key Features:
- Track live flight status worldwide
- Receive real-time flight alerts
- View full-screen maps with radar overlay
✨ Read more: app for airport lounges
2. Flightradar24 Flight Tracker
Download:
Cost: Free (Free), Flightradar24 Premium ($4.99/month)
Flightradar24 Flight Tracker is a robust and reliable flight tracking app that consistently ranks as the top choice in over 150 countries. While some users find the free version to be riddled with ads and the premium features expensive, others, like myself, appreciate the core functionality, the frequent updates, and the lack of unnecessary bells and whistles. While I miss the simplicity of the old version and find some quirks with the new one, the app’s ability to track flights in real-time, even those battling wildfires, is unmatched. Although data connection is a requirement, which hinders tracking in remote areas, it doesn't detract from the app's overall effectiveness as a comprehensive flight tracking tool.
Key Features:
- Track airplanes globally in real-time
- Identify flights overhead with device camera
- View detailed flight information and aircraft details
✨ Read more: app to find cheap flights
3. Air Traffic
Download:
Air Traffic is a popular flight tracking app available on mobile devices, offering users a comprehensive and interactive experience for monitoring flights around the world. With over 8 million downloads, Air Traffic allows users to track live planes on a map, access detailed flight information, and even enjoy 3D pilot view animations. The app's free and feature-rich nature makes it a compelling option for aviation enthusiasts and frequent travelers. However, while the app provides a wealth of data, it can be overwhelming for novice users and lacks some advanced features found in other paid applications.
Key Features:
- Live plane positions on map
- Detailed flight information on tap
- Search flights by number or registration
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4. Plane Finder
Download:
Cost: Free (Free), Plane Finder Pro ($4.99/month)
Plane Finder isn't your average flight tracking app – it's the real deal. It's got all the features you need to follow planes in real-time, but it also goes above and beyond with its amazing 3D globe view and playback mode. I've tried other apps, but nothing comes close to the detail and immersion Plane Finder offers. The fact that it's used by aviation enthusiasts and content creators alike is a huge testament to its quality. It's easy to see why this app boasts over 2.5 million downloads – Plane Finder delivers an experience that's both fascinating and super informative.
Key Features:
- Track flights globally in real-time
- Receive flight status notifications
- Explore trending aviation events
✨ Read more: app for boarding passes
5. Planes Live
Download:
Cost: Free (Free), Planes Live Premium ($4.99/month)
Planes Live is the ultimate flight tracking app for anyone who wants to stay on top of their travel plans. It's got a super-fast and reliable real-time radar, making it a cut above the rest. Planes Live doesn't just show you where planes are; it also gives you detailed flight information, like terminal and gate updates, so you never miss a beat. With Planes Live, you can say goodbye to the stress of wondering where your plane is and hello to peace of mind, knowing that you're always in the loop.
Key Features:
- Track flights on a real-time map
- Get detailed flight schedule and updates
- Receive notifications about flight changes
✨ Read more: app for airport maps
Other flight tracking app
- byAir
- Flight Tracker & Flight Radar
- FlightStats
- The Flight Tracker
- FlightView
- Flight Status + Boarding Pass
- The Flight Tracker
- Flyover Country
- RadarBox · Live Flight Tracker
- United Airlines
The most important factors when choosing a flight tracking app
- Accuracy and Real-time Updates: The app should provide up-to-the-minute flight information, including delays, gate changes, and arrival/departure times.
- User Interface and Ease of Use: The app should be easy to navigate and find the information you need quickly.
- Features: Consider features like flight tracking maps, airport information, delay notifications, and baggage tracking.
- Reliability and Stability: The app should be reliable and function smoothly, without frequent crashes or glitches.