Carla Cometto
Flight delays and sudden changes to your flight schedule can easily and unnecessarily disrupt your holidays. These apps can help you track your trip and plan things ahead along the way.
FlightAware (iOS; Android)
Given the number of features and the functionality, one could consider this app the complete package. On top of being free, FlightAware lets you track the flight status and location of any commercial aircraft worldwide and private ones in the U.S. and Canada. You can search by flight number, city, route, or airline, and obtain all the relevant flight information including weather, arrival gate, and even GPS data as displayed on a NEXRAD radar overlay.
To stay up-to-date with any news regarding your flight, you can select to receive push notifications with instant alerts that could help you plan ahead. The app also has a desktop version, and it’s available in a variety of languages.
The Flight Tracker (iOS; Android)
This flight-tracking app offers details about any flight of your choice, including arrival and departure time, airline information, terminal maps, and can alert you of any changes made to the original plans. Frequent travelers can sync their calendars with the app to keep track of their upcoming flights, highlight frequent routes, and add notes to them.
With a premium membership, you can also get access to seat maps, practical widgets, and remove ads. The most significant feature of The Flight Tracker is that it doesn’t depend on roaming data to work, giving you the option to check the current location of your flight while on airplane mode.
Flightradar24 (iOS; Android)
Aviation fanatics will love this app. Flightradar24 provides you with basic flight-tracking information by searching for the specific flight you’re interested in or by tapping on any airplane icon on the live radar map. Alternatively, you can even point your device at a plane flying by to find out things about it, like the ports of departure and arrival, and its speed and altitude.
Perhaps the most exciting feature is the Cockpit View option that lets you see what the pilot sees in 3D. Moreover, the app offers different membership plans that get you advanced details to satisfy your inner aviation geek. You get access to flight history, live weather maps, aeronautical charts, and oceanic tracks highlighting the pathways followed by planes, air traffic control boundaries, and more.
App in the Air (iOS; Android)
Having this app is the equivalent of hiring a virtual flying assistant. Not only does it keep you constantly up-to-date with any important information about your flight, but it also offers automatic check-in for you and a second passenger. With the biggest coverage worldwide, including over 1,000 airlines, 5,000 major airports, and all alliances, it lets you manage your time at the airport ahead of time, keep track of your loyalty programs, and store your flight history.
Furthermore, you can also find places to eat at your designated airport, get internet passwords, read about TSA security guidelines, and get travel tips shared by other travelers like yourself. The best part is that the app works offline and can alert you about any changes made to your upcoming flight via SMS. Hard to ask for more from a free app.
FlightStats (iOS; Android)
This flight-status and plane-tracking app does everything the name suggests, giving you the opportunity to monitor your trip and get in-depth descriptions of all the activities related to your flight. Search by flight number, route, or airport, and get details such as delay indexes, airport conditions, and arrival and departure times. You can also set it up to give you relevant alerts.
This app is also available on desktop, and it’s compatible with Apple Watch, letting you get information at a glance.
Knowing whether you’ll be facing flight delays can help you plan ahead, and getting relevant details about your flight can help those with a fear of flying deal with it a bit better. Apps are a simple and convenient way to track your trip and keep the stress away.
To get further tips, check out How to Overcome Your Fear of Flying and How to Sleep Comfortably on an Airplane.
