Apps to check flight status: how they work

Updated time and assigned gate

The most sought data in these apps is the actual takeoff and landing time, calculated on the aircraft's real position: FlightAware, free with some optional functions at 0.99 dollars per month, flags time changes, cancellations, and gate or terminal changes as soon as they're communicated, often before the information appears on departure boards.

Aircraft position in flight

For those wanting to follow the aircraft on the map, Flightradar24 shows in real time altitude, speed and trajectory by crossing data from over 30,000 ADS-B receivers on the ground over more than 200,000 flights per day; the app is designed mainly for this type of tracking, while gate-change alerts remain the strong point of alternatives like FlightAware.

Paid app with extra data: the Flighty case

Frequent flyers can evaluate Flighty, available only for iPhone, which in 2026 introduced the "Airport Intelligence" feature with extra airport data; basic functions are free, but faster notifications and historical statistics require the Flighty Pro subscription, around 59 dollars per year.

When the airline app is enough

For an occasional flight, the airline's official app often remains sufficient: it shows the same times and the gate as soon as available, without installing an additional service. Independent apps become useful for those managing multiple flights or wanting a second source of verification. Here's the list of the most useful apps before boarding.

For a single flight the airline app is enough; for frequent travelers, adding a free independent app like FlightAware offers cross-check control without costs.