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When traveling, I often try to predict whether my flight will be delayed. This can provide a significant advantage in getting re-routed and avoiding long waits at the airport. Early awareness allows access to more flight choices and reduces competition for limited seats on fully booked planes.
To anticipate delays, I check several factors:
- The origin of the aircraft, including its entire routing for the day.
- Weather conditions along the route.
- Airport conditions and any FAA notices.
I use tools like Google to search my flight number and websites such as Flightradar24.com to track the aircraft's registration number and its daily journey. Flightaware.com also offers a "Track inbound plane" feature that shows where the plane is coming from throughout the day.
These sites provide weather overlays and show airport delays. Additionally, I review National Airspace Notices for potential delay programs affecting specific airports or airlines.
While this method helps identify travel risks, it is not foolproof. It does not account for crew availability or mechanical issues with planes. Moreover, predicted delays do not always result in actual delays due to various operational adjustments.
When I foresee a probable delay, I often contact the airline with alternative flight suggestions. Using Expert Flyer or searching airline websites (or Expedia) for available seats increases my chances of reaching my destination on time.
For those who find this process cumbersome, the Flighty app offers a streamlined solution. Flighty uses aviation authority data and machine learning to provide early warnings of delays and their reasons. The app predicts delays "hours in advance," offering users information that airlines may not disclose.
Flighty enhances control over travel plans by monitoring airspace issues and late aircraft, which are common causes of delays. This allows travelers to avoid unnecessary waits at gates when flights are clearly delayed but not yet officially announced by airlines.
The app is available within the Apple ecosystem as a free download, with delay prediction features included in their Pro subscription version ($4 per week or $48 per year).
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The UK government has initiated a comprehensive airspace modernization program, marking the first significant update since the 1950s.
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