The Genius Way to Predict If Your Flight Will Be Delayed

The most frustrating thing is when you’re full of anticipation and find out your flight isn’t on time. If you’re jetting off to warmer locations for holidays or just flying back, delays can quickly make your trip into a frustrating mess.

What if you could know about any delay before you walked out the door?

A special trick loved by smart travelers isn’t a crystal ball, either. It’s a technique that not many people know about: tracking your aircraft even before it’s your flight.

Here is one basic yet effective trick, according to BoardingArea’s Dan Miller.

The Flight Delay Hack For Frequent Flyers

Here’s the insider strategy: check the real-time location of your inbound aircraft. That’s right—the plane you’ll be boarding has likely just flown in from somewhere else, and knowing where it is now can help you gauge whether your flight will be on time.

FlightAware and the GateGuru app combine radar information, reports on air traffic and information from military navigation to identify the exact location of your flight. Pick your flight number and find a link called “Where is my plane now?” You can see on the system if the aircraft has landed, is rolling in at the airport or is still hundreds of miles away.

If your flight is in the air or hasn’t yet departed from its previous stop, you’re likely to be delayed. But if security or ground crew have it nearby or are already getting it ready, you’re good to go.

Why This Trick Works (Most of the Time)

While no tracking tool is 100% accurate (especially for planes flying over remote regions or oceans), this method gives you a strong clue about what’s to come. Airlines often don’t update flight delay info until the last minute, so this approach helps you stay one step ahead of the game.

And remember, it’s not just about tracking flights—it’s about making smart decisions from the get-go.

Bonus Travel Hacks to Avoid the Delay Game Altogether

Want to reduce your chances of experiencing delays in the first place? Try these time-tested tips:

• Fly early in the day. Morning flights tend to run more on time since they haven’t been affected by a day’s worth of air traffic.
• Choose reliable airlines. Some carriers have a better track record for punctuality. A little research can go a long way.
• Avoid tight layovers. A 45-minute connection might seem doable—until your first flight gets delayed 20 minutes.

Know Your Rights

Should your flight be delayed, try not to sit and fret at the gate. Review the Air Passenger Bill of Rights for your country. Why? Well, because you might be eligible to receive money to compensate you, free meal vouchers or the chance to travel again free of charge.

In Summary

Predicting a delay doesn’t require a travel agent or a fortune teller—just a quick check on where your aircraft is coming from. With tools like FlightAware in your arsenal and a bit of proactive planning, you can dodge some of the chaos and enjoy a smoother journey.

So, before you zip up your carry-on and head to the airport, take a minute to find out where your plane is. It just might save you hours of waiting—and a whole lot of frustration.