This Super Easy Hack Lets You Track Your Flight Right From iMessage

On July 19, an IT outage caused thousands of flights to be canceled or delayed across the world, including flights with major carriers like Delta, United, and American Airlines. While it certainly caused a headache for the airlines, it absolutely wrecked the travel plans for countless passengers. However, this experience did teach us all one thing: It’s critical to have easy access to your flight information. And there’s no easier way than this iPhone hack. 

“Did you know you can pull up real-time flight data right in your Messages app,” Captain Chris wrote in an Instagram post in 2023. “Using iMessage, you don’t actually need an airline app, a flight tracking app, or even the ability to Google your flight or someone else’s flight.” 

Instead, he shared that iMessage has a simple-to-use “flight status tool with real-time information about departures, arrivals, gate changes, and baggage claim numbers.” All you need to do to access it is to text someone else with an iPhone (preferably the very kind person who has offered to pick you up at the airport so they have your information, too) with your airline name and flight number to populate the data. 

“For example, Airline + flight number: ‘Virgin Atlantic 007’ or ‘Delta Airlines 007,'” Captain Chris explained. “Or simply the word ‘Flight’ + airline flight number: ‘Flight VS 007’ or ‘Flight DL7.'” You can also use the airline abbreviation + flight number, like “DL007” too. 

Once you text it, the flight number should turn into a clickable link with all the pertinent information. 

“If you or the recipient of your iMessage click on that link, the option ‘Preview Flight’ will appear with an image of an airliner. Click on this link, and Voila! All the information you need will appear,” he added. 

That information includes the departure time, arrival time, status (on time, delayed, or canceled), flight duration, and even the baggage claim area when that data becomes available. While the hack won’t help your flight get there any faster or save you from delays, it will at least give you peace of mind, knowing you’ve got all the information you can get right in front of you. Now, if only our iPhones could pre-order our favorite in-flight beverage, we’d be all set.