Jessica Heygate
Updated on: October 14, 2024 9:59 pm GMT
Have you ever been stuck at the airport or anxiously waiting for a loved one to land? Knowing the real-time status of a flight can help ease that stress. Did you know your iPhone has a hidden feature that can track flights seamlessly? It’s true! With just a few taps, you can access real-time flight information right from your Messages app, saving you time and worry when travel plans change.
The Hidden Flight Tracker on Your iPhone
Many people are unaware of the flight tracking capabilities built into their iPhones. This feature can come in handy during hectic travel days when delays and cancellations are common. For example, a major IT outage recently disrupted airline services, resulting in thousands of flight cancellations and delays. When issues like this arise, having a reliable way to check flight statuses is invaluable.
How to Access Flight Tracking on Your iPhone
To get started, you’ll need to access the Messages app on your iPhone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the flight tracker feature:
- Open the Messages app and locate the chat thread containing your flight details.
- Look for the underlined flight information. This means the tracker is activated.
- If your flight details are unavailable, the app will display a message stating so.
You can track flights through various formats in your messages. Here are examples of what to send or look for:
- American Airlines 9707
- Delta DL1234
- United UA5678
Keeping the airline name spelled out clearly followed by the flight number ensures better results, especially since some airlines recycle their flight numbers.
Using the Feature
Once you find the underlined flight information in your message, tapping on it will reveal options for tracking:
- Preview Flight: This option takes you to a real-time flight tracker map.
- Copy Flight Code: Use this to share flight information easily with someone else.
Choosing the Preview Flight option displays a map illustrating the plane’s current location along with key details like:
- Departure and arrival times
- Flight duration
- Status (on time, delayed, or canceled)
You can also swipe left to toggle between multiple flights, especially useful for return trips.
Alternative Methods for Flight Tracking
In addition to checking flight statuses through Messages, your iPhone also offers the Spotlight Search function, which is another efficient way to keep tabs on flights. Here’s how to utilize Spotlight Search:
- Swipe down from the middle of your Home Screen.
- Type in the flight number or paste a copied one.
- Select the Top Hit that appears to access flight information.
This method can provide an overview of flight status and related details.
Tips for Effective Tracking
To make sure your flight information is recognized quickly, consider these tips:
- Always include the airline name along with the flight number (e.g., British Airways BA344).
- Confirm that the flight number is accurate to avoid confusion.
This will enhance the chances of your iPhone successfully recognizing the flight details.
A Reliable Backup During Travel Disruptions
The convenience of tracking flights through your iPhone serves as a valuable backup during travel disruptions. With options available in the Messages app and Spotlight Search, you can stay informed without needing to rely solely on airline apps or websites, particularly when tech issues arise.
Not only is this feature user-friendly, but it also helps keep you connected to important travel updates, making your travel experience less stressful.
Conclusion
In a world where travel plans can change in an instant, having the tools readily available can make a huge difference. Thanks to the iPhone’s hidden flight tracker, users can easily stay updated on their flight status without the hassle of downloading extra apps or searching extensively for information.
So, next time you receive a flight itinerary in a text message, remember to tap on that underlined flight information. You might discover just how easy it is to track flights and save yourself a world of stress! For those wanting to dive deeper into exploring the capabilities of their iPhones, check out the best hidden features in iOS today.
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