This term refers to the real-time information available about a specific air travel itinerary. It encompasses a range of data points, including scheduled and actual departure and arrival times, any delays or cancellations, gate information, and the aircraft’s current position. For example, information might indicate an on-time departure from San Francisco to Chicago, or a delay due to inclement weather in Denver.
Access to current and accurate travel data is essential for passengers, enabling informed decisions about airport arrival times, connecting flights, and ground transportation arrangements. Historically, obtaining this information required contacting the airline or airport directly. The advent of online flight tracking tools and mobile applications has revolutionized travel planning, providing convenient and immediate access to critical updates. This empowers travelers to proactively manage their journeys and mitigate potential disruptions.