Leaving for airport: How to track flights on iPhone and Mac without using third-party apps

You're heading to the airport to pick up a family member or friend, and Apple's built-in flight tracking in iOS and macOS allows you to check real-time flight status with just a few taps or clicks, making your task easier and more convenient. This is because Apple's data detectors work in messages and search results to recognise flight numbers. This feature can automatically retrieve flight times, delays, and gate information to help users understand how flight tracking works on their devices.

This built-in capability makes checking flight status as simple as typing a flight number into Search or tapping a number in Messages. With this tool, iPhone and Mac users get instant access to real-time flight information.

How to track flights on iPhone and iPad

Method 1: Real-time flight tracking via iPhone Messages

Whenever a person sends you a flight number via Messages, iOS recognises this and turns it into a clickable link. For example, if a person sends you "Akasa Air QP1801", you'll see that the flight number is highlighted.

Press and hold the underlined flight number. A pop-up opens, and you are shown a map indicating the position of the plane at that moment. To get the information you need, tap the "Preview Flight" button.

To improve accuracy, always include the full airline name with the flight number. This will help you avoid confusion. For instance, use “Akasa Air QP1801” instead of just “QP1801”.

Method 2 - Flight tracking using iPhone Search

From the Home screen, open the Search bar. Enter your flight number, such as “IndiGo 6E2307” or “Air India AI116”. This makes it easier to check flight details. It also helps you stay prepared for your travel plans. This is an effective way to look up flight information whenever needed.

Method 3: Tracking flights on a Mac

On a Mac, the same data-detection features are available through Spotlight search. Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight. Enter the flight number. You can quickly see details like timing, location, and gate information. This makes flight tracking efficient and straightforward.

To preview the same information from Messages for Mac, right-click an underlined flight number and select "Preview Flight".

Things to keep in mind for the best results

Always include the airline name to improve detection accuracy. Formatting should consist of standard airline two-character IATA codes followed by corresponding digits (e.g., QP1801 for Akasa Air and 6E2307 for IndiGo).

This service can be utilised on both domestic flights in India and international flights operated by all airlines worldwide. It only needs an active internet connection to access real-time information.

What information is available with iPhone and Mac's built-in tools

In general, you'll see the scheduled and actual departure/arrival times, the flight status (boarding, departed, in air, landed), the gates, terminal data, and the flight's location on the map once in the air. Major Indian airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai provide general information, including baggage claim details.

When to use third-party apps

Despite the built-in capabilty meeting most requirements quite well, there are third-party apps that can benefit frequent travellers, as they provide services such as push notifications for flight schedule changes, maps of airport terminals, and itinerary planning. Compared to this, for less frequent or arrival pick-ups, this built-in tracking feature is good enough.