Flight Tracker in iMessage: How to Track Flights

Flight tracking in iMessage lets you follow a flight’s real-time status without leaving your conversation. You can see departure and arrival times, delays, and even the plane’s location on a map—all from within a text thread. To use it, you need an iPhone or iPad with iOS 14 or later, and the flight number (like UA 123 or DL 45).

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone or iPad with iOS 14 or later (or macOS Big Sur with Messages).
• An active internet connection.
• The flight number for the flight you want to track.
• The airline’s name or code (optional, but helpful if the flight number is ambiguous).

Step-by-Step

1. Open a conversation in Messages. Start a new message or open an existing thread with the person you want to share flight info with.
2. Type the flight number as a plain text message. For example, type UA 123 or DL 45. Make sure there’s a space between the airline code and the number. Do not add any extra text in the same message—just the flight number alone.
3. Send the message. After you hit send, the message will appear as a blue bubble with a small airplane icon next to it. This indicates that Messages has recognized the flight number.
4. Tap on the underlined flight number. The flight number will be underlined or highlighted in blue. Tapping it opens a preview window with flight details.
5. View the flight status. The preview will show the airline, flight number, departure and arrival airports, scheduled times, and any delays.
6. See the map (if available). Some flights show a map with the plane’s current position and route. You can zoom in and out on the map.
7. Tap “Done” to close the preview. You’ll return to the conversation. The flight info is still available by tapping the flight number again.
8. Add more flight numbers. You can send multiple flight numbers in the same conversation. Each one will be recognized and tappable.

Common Mistakes

• Typing “flight” before the number. For example, “flight UA 123” will not trigger the tracker. Only the flight number alone works.
• Using lowercase or no space. “ua123” or “UA123” may not be recognized. Always use a space and standard airline code.
• Including extra text in the same message. If you write “UA 123 is delayed,” the tracker may not activate. Send the flight number as its own message.
• Using the wrong airline code. Some codes are shared. For example, “DL” is Delta, but “DX” isn’t a standard code. Double-check the airline’s IATA code.
• Expecting tracking for private or cargo flights. iMessage only tracks commercial passenger flights, not private planes or most cargo flights.

Tips

• Use the airline’s two-letter code. Most airlines have a two-letter IATA code (e.g., AA for American, BA for British Airways). If you’re unsure, look up the code before sending.
• Check the time zone. Flight times shown are usually in the local time of the departure and arrival airports. Be aware of time zone differences when planning.
• Share the flight number early. If you’re tracking a flight for a pickup, send the number as soon as you have it. The status updates automatically.
• Use the map for live updates. The map view can show if a flight is circling, holding, or on final approach—useful for airport pickups.
• Remember that status can change. Flight times are estimates and can change due to weather, air traffic, or mechanical issues. Always confirm with the airline for critical plans.

Troubleshooting

Flight number not recognized. If the flight number doesn’t become underlined or show the airplane icon, try these steps:

• Make sure you’re using the correct format: two-letter airline code, space, then the number (e.g., “UA 123”).
• Check that the flight is a commercial passenger flight. Some regional or codeshare flights may not be supported.
• Restart the Messages app. Sometimes the recognition feature needs a refresh.
• Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version. Older versions may not support flight tracking.
• If it still doesn’t work, try sending the flight number in a new conversation. Occasionally, the feature fails in a specific thread.

Preview shows “No information available.” This can happen if the flight is not in the system yet (e.g., scheduled far in advance) or if the flight has already landed and the data has been removed. Try again closer to departure time.

Map not showing. The map is only available for flights that have live tracking data. Some flights may not have this feature enabled. The text status should still work.

Flight status is wrong. iMessage pulls data from a third-party provider. If you see a discrepancy, check the airline’s official app or website for the most accurate info.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does flight tracking in iMessage work on Android?

No. This feature is exclusive to Apple’s Messages app on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Android users cannot use it, but they can use third-party apps or websites.

Can I track a flight without sending a message?

No. The feature only activates when you send a flight number as a message. You can send it to yourself in a personal conversation, but you must send it.

How do I get the flight number?

You can find it on your booking confirmation, airline app, or a flight status website. It’s usually a two-letter code followed by a number, like “BA 178.”

Will the flight status update automatically?

Yes, the preview updates automatically when you open it. The message itself does not change, but tapping the flight number always shows the latest status.

Can I track a flight that has already landed?

Possibly. If the flight landed recently, you may still see the final status. After a few hours, the data may disappear.

Does this work for international flights?

Yes, as long as the flight is a commercial passenger flight with a standard flight number. International flights are tracked the same way.

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