Unless you work in an air traffic control tower, the only way to track flights is through Internet flight tracking programs. There are myriad websites that offer live flight tracking as well as status updates of flights that have yet to leave. Delays, temperatures, departure and arrival times can all be tracked using a flight tracking website. A flight number is usually all that is needed.
There are literally dozens of flight tracking websites out there. All request the flight number and carrier that you are tracking and then will provide you with its current (last updated) position on a U.S. map. Sites such as Flight Aware will allow you to browse flights based on categories such as aircraft type, operator or activity. Other tracking sites include Flight Stats, Aero Seek, Flight View and Flight Explorer. All perform virtually the same task.
If you prefer to check the status of a flight on the official website of an airport or airline, access the website of the departure airport or airline and select “track flight” or “check status.” Not all airport and airline websites have this feature, and you'll need to do some flight browsing. In all cases, the carrier and flight number will be needed. Visual maps will not be available on airport websites, but information on departure status and arrival will be available and updated regularly.
Unfortunately, flight tracking websites will only track the visual status of an international flight as far as the U.S. borders. However, the sites will still track and post departure and arrival information regarding delays.
