The Hidden iPhone Feature That Could Save You From Missing Your Next Flight
It’s no secret that travel days can be very hectic. Even those who travel often can find it tough to handle their bags, go through busy airports and keep up with gate changes. But imagine if there was a simple way on your iPhone to make your flight details easy to find and reduce your stress—all at once.
Good News: Yes, there is – and it’s free to make it even better.
A hidden feature in iMessage gives iPhone users a useful travel hack that many people don’t know about. It’s not a mobile app. It’s not a website run by someone else.
It’s already on your phone and it could transform the way you travel. In fact, this clever travel hack has taken TikTok by storm, with original video by @durbinmalonster racking up over 2.6 million views.
Your iPhone Has a Flight Tracking Feature & Here’s How to Use It
Apple’s iMessage has a hidden feature that turns your flight number into a live flight tracker. Yes, you can easily make a simple message into a useful dashboard that shows real-time travel updates.
All you’ve to don is just send yourself a text with your flight number and the airline code. If you’re on United Airlines flight 233, send yourself a text with the code UA233 using iMessage.
Magically, the text turns into a tappable link. Tap it, and you’ll get a full flight preview with:
- Departure and arrival times
- Terminal and gate details
- Baggage claim info
- Live flight path map
- Delay status and duration
And yes, it updates in real time. It’s like having a mini-air traffic control center in your pocket.
No Apps, No Hassle
In an era where every solution seems to involve downloading yet another app, this feature is a breath of fresh air. It’s built right into your iPhone’s software—no need for logins, no syncing with your airline, and no digging through cluttered apps while you’re already juggling carry-ons and coffee.
Why It Works (and Why It’s iPhone-Only)
The catch? It only works with iMessage, not standard SMS. That means Android users are out of luck with this exact method, but they can still get similar updates by googling their flight number or using a tracking app.
Therefore, for Apple users, this is hands-down the fastest, cleanest way to get live updates—no need to frantically scan airport screens or download yet another airline app (which might be glitchy or limited anyway).
Bonus: Share the Info in One Tap
The trick becomes even more impressive because it’s so easy to share. Are you planning to go to the airport? Send your flight number to the person who will pick you up. They’ll be able to track your arrival in real time, so they won’t have to wait in the cell phone lot wondering when to go to the terminal.
It also works great for colleagues, friends, or family tracking your trip from afar.
What If You Don’t Know Your Airline Code?
Here’s a quick reference for major U.S. airline codes you can use when texting your flight:
- AA – American Airlines
- DL – Delta Air Lines
- UA – United Airlines
- WN – Southwest Airlines
- B6 – JetBlue
- AS – Alaska Airlines
- NK – Spirit Airlines
- HA – Hawaiian Airlines
- F9 – Frontier Airlines
- G4 – Allegiant Air
No worries if your airline isn’t listed—just search “[Airline Name] IATA Code,” and you’ll find it in seconds.
Do You Prefer Apps? These Are Traveler Favorites
If you’re an Android user—or just love to try new tools—several apps offer similar tracking powers:
- Flightview: Easy to use with detailed real-time updates
- Flighty: A favorite among frequent flyers for its sleek design
- Flightradar24: Great for tracking multiple flights or nerding out on air traffic
Still, nothing beats the simplicity of the iMessage trick. No app downloads. No sign-ins. Just type, tap, and travel.
Before You Fly: One Final Pro Tip
Once your flight is booked, mark the confirmation email in your inbox, or better yet, copy and paste your flight number into a note. Then, on the morning of your trip, text that number to yourself in iMessage. In seconds, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to know—no airport screen required.
