Guide to Flight Arrival/Departure Information

How to find time-saving airline arrival/departure information

By Daniel Kehrer, Editor, Business.com & Work.com
Reference:http://www.business.com/guides/flight-arrivaldeparture-information-11113/

If rampant airline flight delays are a disease, timely flight arrival/departure information — especially any changes to flight departure times and flight schedules — is at least a partial cure. Knowing in advance that a flight is delayed can save you a lot of time and aggravation, whether you are the passenger yourself, or you are picking up someone else. All you have to do is check flight departure times and flight arrival info for any changes.

Weather is a constant factor. But financial troubles and airline mergers are also causing carriers to change flight departures often, so the information you got at one point may no longer be valid. Accurate flight arrival/departure information can be hard to come by. Airlines aren't always upfront with travelers, changing flight times again and again based on policies that sometimes mask what's really happening.

Technology is coming to the rescue. The Internet along with smartphones, email, wireless laptop connections and other devices can arm you with the best flight schedule information available, on a moment's notice.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get real-time flight tracking information online
Several independent websites offer live flight tracking and aviation information

I recommend: FlightAware, for example, lets you quickly get unlimited live flight arrival and flight departure information for free. On any given day, the service tracks nearly 50,000 flights. Just enter the airline and flight number in the search box and get a full profile of the flight, including scheduled and estimated (actual) arrival and departure times, plus flight duration, aircraft type, current status and more. Registered users (also free) can also get a four-month history of a specific flight. FlightView, FlightArrivals.com and FlightExplorer also offer free flight tracking information. FlightExplorer tosses in some wind and weather information, along with the airport's current FAA status (like a green dot for no delays).

Sign up for free email, voice, text message or AIM flight status alerts
Why put the burden on yourself when you can sign up in advance to get flight arrival/departure info to your computer, PDA, laptop or cell phone?

I recommend: Most airline mileage programs (such as Delta Skymiles, American AAvantage, United Mileage Plus, etc.) offer free flight notification services to members. Subscribe to updates on all flights, or get one-time alerts on specific flights. For regular information across different airlines, one of the free flight information services might be best. Free membership at FlightAware, for example, lets you create a personal profile of flights, airlines and airports you regularly use, and receive email and instant message updates on fllight times.

Get the word on traffic and security lines from fellow travelers
Some general travel booking websites offer on-the-go updates from other travelers.

I recommend: The Orbitz Traveler Update service delivers real-time information form fellow travelers on security wait times, traffic, parking and more. The Orbitz Flight Status page also offers updated flight departure, arrival and delay times -- including gate information. Travelocity also has a Flight Status page with updated information on departure/arrival times, terminals, gates, baggage claim and more.


Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

* Independent websites, rather than those run by the airlines, tend to have better information on flight delays because that's their main job. Airlines devote few resources to telling travelers their flights are late.
* For frequent fliers, the cost of an airport club is worth every penny in flight delay situations. In addition to often-free food and drinks, you get access to airline booking agents who can help with changes or updates. American Express Platinum Card holders get free access to the Delta, American, Northwest and Continental Airlines clubs.***