How to Set Up Flight Alerts for Departure and Arrival: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why You Need Flight Alerts for Departure and Arrival

Flight delays, gate changes, and cancellations can happen with very little notice. Even the most reliable airline can hit a snag—weather, mechanical issues, or air traffic control delays—and suddenly your carefully planned day is up in the air. That’s where flight alerts come in. They give you a heads-up the moment something changes, so you’re not the last to know.

Think about picking someone up at the airport. You could refresh the flight status page every few minutes, but that’s tedious and easy to forget. With an alert, you get a notification when the plane lands, when it’s delayed, or when the gate changes. That means you can leave for the airport at the right time, not hours early or too late.

For frequent flyers, alerts are even more valuable. When a flight is canceled or delayed significantly, you want to rebook quickly before seats fill up. An immediate alert gives you that crucial head start. You can jump on the airline’s app or call customer service while others are still checking the board.

And if you’re tracking a loved one’s flight—say a teenager flying solo or a partner returning from a business trip—alerts keep you informed without hovering. You don’t need to keep refreshing a status page. The notification does the watching for you.

In short, alerts remove the guesswork. They turn a potentially stressful situation into something manageable. You stay ahead of changes, make smarter decisions, and save time. That’s not just convenient—it can be the difference between catching a connection or missing it.

What Type of Flight Alerts Can You Get?

Flight alert systems vary by app, but most cover the same core categories. I’ll break down the alerts you can expect, from the moment check-in opens to the second you grab your bag.

Departure Alerts

These are your pre-flight updates. They typically include:

• Check-in start: Know when online check-in opens, so you can snag a better seat or avoid airport lines.
• Boarding: Usually sent when boarding begins, often with the gate number and boarding group.
• Pushback and takeoff: Some apps confirm when the plane leaves the gate and when it’s actually airborne. This is great if you’re tracking someone else’s flight.

Arrival Alerts

These focus on the end of the journey. You’ll get updates on:

• Landing time: Often a notification as soon as the wheels touch down, giving you a clear window for pickup.
• Gate assignment: The arrival gate, which is useful if someone is meeting you at the terminal.
• Baggage claim carousel: Some apps show which carousel your bags will land on, saving you from wandering around.

Delay Alerts

When schedules slip, you want to know fast. Delay alerts send the new estimated departure or arrival times, along with a reason if the airline shares one. These help you adjust your plans or decide whether to head to the airport later.

Cancellation Alerts

Cancellations can throw everything off. These alerts fire immediately when a flight is canceled, so you can rebook before the customer service lines get long. Some apps even suggest alternative flights.

Gate Change Alerts

Gate changes happen more often than you’d think. These alerts are critical if you have a connection, because a move across terminals can turn a tight layover into a missed flight. You’ll get the new gate and often a map link to get there.

For private pilots, some tracking apps extend beyond standard flight status. You might see weather alerts along your route or airspace advisories that could affect your plans. While these aren’t common in passenger-focused apps, they’re worth seeking out if you fly your own aircraft.

Knowing which alerts you’re signing up for helps you customize each trip.

Setting Up Alerts with Your Airline’s App

The quickest way to get alerts is through the airline’s own app. You’ve already got it installed, right? If not, download it from your phone’s app store. Once you’re logged in, the process is usually straightforward.

Start by opening the app and finding the ‘My Trips’ or ‘Flight Status’ section. The exact name differs between airlines, but it’s typically visible on the home screen or in a menu. If you’ve booked the flight through that airline, you might see it listed automatically under ‘My Trips’. If not, that’s fine—you can still track it.

Step 1: Find your flight. You’ll need to enter the flight number or search by route. For example, tap ‘Search Flight’ and type in the airline, flight number, and date. Some apps also let you search by departure and arrival cities. Double-check the details because entering the wrong flight will give you useless alerts.

Step 2: Add it to ‘My Trips’ or tap ‘Track Flight’. Once your flight appears, there’s usually a button to save it or start tracking. Doing this creates a permanent entry you can check anytime. If you don’t add it, the app might only give you a single status view without ongoing updates.

Step 3: Enable push notifications. This is critical. Go to the app’s settings—often located under a gear icon or your profile. Look for ‘Notifications’ and make sure push notifications are turned on. Most apps have toggles for different alert types: departure, arrival, gate changes, delays, cancellations. Switch on the ones you care about.

Step 4: Add SMS or email alerts if you prefer. Not every airline offers these, but many do. Check the same notification settings or look for ‘Alert Preferences’. You might be able to enter a phone number to get text messages. The catch: standard messaging rates could apply, and sometimes you have to confirm the number before alerts start.

A big help: if you’ve booked through the airline, they’ll often auto-send alerts for that booking. You don’t need to do anything. But for flights you’re not booked on—say you’re picking someone up—you’ll need to manually add them. The steps above work for those too, just without the auto-send part.

One tip: after setting everything up, test it. Track a flight that’s already departed or about to land. See if you get a push notification. If not, re-check your phone’s system settings—sometimes airline apps need permission to send notifications, and that’s a separate toggle from the in-app one.

Using Flight Tracking Apps for Alerts

Flight tracking apps are the go-to for real-time alerts on almost any flight, anywhere. Whether you’re monitoring a commercial airliner or a private jet, these tools put the power in your hands. Let’s walk through how to set up alerts in these apps, then compare the big names.

How to Set an Alert in a Tracking App

The steps are similar across most apps. Start by opening the app and searching for your flight. You can usually search by flight number, like UA 123, or by route, such as New York to London. For private aircraft, you might use the tail number—that’s the registration painted on the plane, like N123AB.

Once you find the flight, tap on it to see the details. Look for a button that says Set Alert, Notify Me, or just a bell icon. Tap it, and you’ll get a menu of options. Here you choose what to be notified about: departure time, arrival time, delays, or gate changes. You can often select multiple events.

Next, pick how you want to receive the alerts. Most apps offer push notifications to your phone, but you might also see email or SMS options. I like push for immediacy, but email is handy if you want a record. Some apps also let you track a loved one’s flight by entering the flight number and date—no need for them to share anything else.

Comparing Popular Tracking Apps

Not all flight trackers are equal. Here’s a quick rundown of what each excels at.

FlightAware

FlightAware is a favorite among pilots and aviation professionals. It provides detailed data, including altitude, speed, and even route history. Its alerts are robust, covering everything from departure to diversion. If you need precise, technical info, this is your app. That said, the interface can feel a bit dense for casual users.

FlightRadar24

FlightRadar24 is the enthusiast’s choice. It offers a live map showing thousands of planes in real time. The alerts are community-driven and often faster than airline apps. You can filter by aircraft type, airline, or even your own location. It’s fun to watch, but the free version has limits, like a delay in live data.

Simple Tools for Family Members

If you’re just tracking a relative’s flight, you don’t need all the bells and whistles. Apps like FlightStats or even Google Flights can send gate and delay alerts straightforwardly. They’re less cluttered and easier to navigate. Many let you enter the flight number and date, then push a notification when the plane lands.

Choose the app that matches your needs. For most travelers, a simple tool works best. For aviation buffs, the extra detail is worth it.

How to Set Flight Alerts on Google Flights

Google Flights offers one of the simplest ways to set flight alerts, especially if you’re already searching for flights or checking a route. Start by opening Google Flights in your browser. If you have a specific flight in mind, type the route or the flight number directly into the search bar. For a future trip, search for your dates and cities, then browse the results.

Once you spot the flight you want, click on it to see the details. You’ll see a toggle labeled ‘Track flight.’ Flip it on. That’s it—Google will now email you when the price changes for that specific itinerary. This works best for flights that are still weeks or months away, because you’re tracking price trends rather than real-time operations.

But what if you need live status for a flight departing today? Google Flights can help there too. Search for the airline and flight number, like ‘Delta 1234.’ The results will show the current status—departure time, arrival estimate, delays, and cancellations. You don’t need to toggle anything; the status is shown right on the page. However, this isn’t a persistent alert. If you want updates pushed to you, you’d need to rely on other tools, because Google’s alerts are email-based only. You won’t get push notifications to your phone.

Another limitation: Google Flights typically doesn’t provide gate changes or baggage claim info. It’s great for delay and cancellation notices, but if you need the granular details, an airline app or a dedicated flight tracker will serve you better. For a quick check when you’re planning or want to glance at a departure, Google Flights is hard to beat. Just remember that its alerts are passive—you’ll need to check your email to see them, and they won’t buzz you in real time.

Getting Alerts for Someone Else’s Flight

You don’t need a friend’s booking confirmation to track their arrival. If you know the flight number and the date, you have enough to set up an alert. That’s because flight trackers work off public data—the same information airlines share on their websites and airport departure boards.

Open any flight tracking app or the airline’s own status page. Enter the flight number, like UA123 or BA456, and the date. The app will show you the current status, including the live map if the flight is airborne. From there, look for the option to set an alert. You can usually pick what you want to be notified about: when the flight departs, when it lands, or when the gate is assigned.

If you know the airline and route, you can also check the airport’s arrivals board directly. Most airports have a public webpage that lists incoming flights by airline and city. Set yourself a reminder on your phone to check it around the scheduled arrival time. That works well if you’re not glued to an app—just remember to account for delays.

One thing to keep in mind: these alerts rely on the same public data that feeds the airline’s website. So they’re generally accurate, but there can be a small delay between what’s actually happening on the ground and what you see on your screen. In most cases, it’s a matter of minutes, not hours. For a smoother pickup, aim to arrive at the gate a few minutes after the alert fires rather than exactly when it lands.

Choosing the Right Alert Method: Push, Email, or SMS

How do you want to be notified? Most flight alert apps let you pick between push notifications, email, or SMS. Each channel has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the right choice depends on what you’re tracking and why.

Push notifications are the gold standard for real-time updates. They appear right on your phone’s lock screen the moment something changes—a gate switch, a delay, a boarding call. They’re instant and highly reliable, but they require a data connection. If you’re in airplane mode or a dead zone, you won’t get them until you’re back online.

Email alerts are great for record-keeping. You get a written log of every update, which is handy if you need to file a claim or just want to review what happened later. The downside is that email can be delayed by a few minutes—or longer if your server is slow. For time-sensitive news like a last-minute gate change, that lag can be a problem.

SMS works even when you have no data. As long as you have cellular signal, text messages come through. That makes it the most dependable option in areas with spotty internet. But there’s a catch: your carrier may charge per message, especially when you’re traveling internationally. Check your plan before relying on texts.

So which should you pick? For critical real-time updates—like a delay that could make you miss a connection—push notifications are your best bet. For trip planning and day-before checks, email works fine. Many apps let you enable all three and then mute the ones you don’t need at the moment. Set your primary method for instant alerts, and keep email as a backup for the full history.

One more tip: choose your channel based on the stage of travel. During the flight itself, turn on push. The night before, email is enough to catch schedule shifts. And if you’re headed somewhere remote, throw SMS into the mix for peace of mind.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting Flight Alerts

Flight alerts are only useful when they actually work. When they fail, it’s almost always one of a handful of easily fixable issues. Let’s walk through the most common pitfalls and how to sort them out.

First, double-check the flight number and date. Airlines reuse the same flight number every day. Track UA 123 on the wrong date, and you’ll get updates for a completely different departure. I’ve done it myself—it’s a classic. Always confirm the date matches your travel day, and if you’re tracking a flight for someone else, ask them to verify it too.

Next, make sure your notifications are enabled at the system level. On both iOS and Android, you can have the app’s settings correct but the phone’s overall notification settings blocking everything. Go to your phone’s settings, find the app you’re using, and ensure alerts are allowed. Keeping the app updated also prevents glitches where old versions stop receiving pushes.

Time zone errors are another silent killer. Many apps assume your current location when showing times, not the flight’s local time. That can make a departure look an hour early or late. In the app’s settings, set the time zone to the departure airport’s local time zone, or look for a toggle that says ‘airport time’ or ‘local time.’ When in doubt, check the airline’s website or the airport’s display—they always use local time.

If you’re relying on email alerts, check your spam folder. Automated emails from tracking services sometimes get filtered. Whitelist the sender address, or move the first alert to your main inbox to train the filter. For mobile apps, verify that push notifications are turned on inside the app’s own preferences.

Finally, be aware of codeshares. A single flight can be sold under multiple flight numbers by different airlines. If you track the codeshare number, you might get alerts for a different operating carrier or miss the actual aircraft’s updates. Look for the ‘operated by’ line or the aircraft’s actual flight number and track that instead. This is especially important for connecting flights and international travel.

If you’ve checked all these and alerts still aren’t coming, try deleting the alert and setting it up again from scratch. A fresh start often clears whatever hiccup was lurking in the system.

What to Do After You Set Up Your Alerts

Once your alerts are live, the real work begins. First, keep the app open or ensure notifications are enabled for the duration of the flight. Notifications can be silenced if your phone is on Do Not Disturb, so double-check that alerts can come through. It’s a small step that saves you from missing a gate change or delay announcement.

For arrivals, set a reminder to leave for the airport when the flight departs. That way, you’re not sitting in the terminal for hours. Use the departure alert as your cue to head out. If you’re picking someone up, the same logic applies—leave when the plane is wheels-up, not when it lands.

If a delay alert comes, proactively check for connection options if you have a tight itinerary. Many apps will show alternate flights. Don’t wait for the airline to rebook you; you might get better choices by acting fast. Call the airline or use the app’s chat to rebook while you’re still ahead.

Use the alerts to update your ride or waiting family members. Send them a quick text with the new arrival time or gate. They’ll appreciate not having to refresh the tracker themselves. It also reduces the stress of wondering whether someone is stuck on the tarmac.

Finally, review your alert settings after each trip to refine your preferences. Maybe you found push notifications too frequent, or SMS was easier to glance at. Adjust thresholds like delay time to avoid unnecessary pings. A little tweaking goes a long way in making alerts work for you, not the other way around.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set up flight alerts for departure and arrival?

Flight alerts are easy to set up using airline apps, flight tracker websites, or dedicated services like FlightAware or FlightRadar24. Enter your flight number, choose your route, and select departure or arrival notifications. You’ll receive updates via email, push notification, or text when your flight’s status changes.

What information do I need to set up a flight alert?

You typically need the flight number, the airline, and the departure date. Some services also ask for your route (origin and destination airports) to confirm the specific flight. With that basic info, you can create an alert for departure and arrival updates.

Can I get real-time flight alerts without an app?

Yes, many airline websites and flight tracking services offer email or text alerts without requiring an app. Simply visit the airline’s ‘Manage Booking’ page or a tracker like FlightAware, enter your flight details, and choose to receive notifications via email or SMS.

How early should I set up a flight alert before my flight?

Set up your alert as soon as your flight is scheduled, even days in advance. Some services allow you to create alerts right after booking. Early setup ensures you receive any schedule changes, gate updates, or delays at the airport.

Are flight alerts free to use?

Most flight alert services are free, including those from airlines and popular trackers like FlightRadar24. Some advanced features, like tracking multiple flights or receiving alerts on multiple devices, might require a premium subscription, but basic departure and arrival alerts are generally free.

What should I do if I don’t receive flight alerts?

First, check your spam folder and notification settings. Make sure you’ve selected the correct contact method (email, SMS, or push). If alerts still aren’t coming, try using a different service—many trackers offer redundant systems. Also, verify that your flight’s status is actually changing; if there are no updates, you won’t receive a notification.