You can also track a flight via the airline's app by navigating to the Flight Status tool (you can also find this on an airline website). Though each airline has its own tracking features, they typically show the departure and arrival times, gate information, altitude, and map of where the plane is located.

In 2026, the most accurate way to track a flight in real-time is by using apps like Flightradar24, FlightAware, or Plane Finder. These services utilize ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) technology, which receives signals directly from the aircraft to show its exact position, altitude, and speed on a live map. You can search by flight number, airline, or even point your phone at a plane in the sky using "Augmented Reality" (AR) modes to identify it. For a simpler, "non-app" method, you can simply type the airline name and flight number (e.g., "Delta 123") directly into a Google search bar, and a live status card will appear at the top of the results. Additionally, most airline apps (like United or American) now provide a "Track My Plane" feature that shows you exactly where your incoming aircraft is located before it reaches your gate, helping you manage your time at the airport more effectively.