How to Track an International Flight (and What's Different)

What's different about international flights

• Time zones make every status confusing if you read times in your local zone.
• Satellite ADS-B has filled in most ocean gaps but can still go quiet briefly.
• Customs and immigration add 20–60 minutes after wheels-down before passengers walk out.
• Gates change more often, especially at hubs with limited international stands.

Step 1: Pin the flight in a tracker

FlightyFlow handles time zones natively — every time displays in destination local time by default, which is usually what you want.

Step 2: Watch the inbound aircraft

For long-haul, the inbound flight is critical. If your 6:00 PM departure is the same airframe that's still 90 minutes from landing 4 hours away, you're delayed.

Step 3: Use the satellite ADS-B coverage

Modern trackers fuse satellite ADS-B (Aireon) with ground receivers. You'll usually see the plane the whole way across the Atlantic or Pacific. If the dot disappears briefly mid-ocean, give it five minutes — coverage will reacquire.

Step 4: Plan for arrival reality

Your flight tracker shows wheels-down. The recipient at the curb cares about walking out. Add:

• 10–15 minutes for taxi to gate
• 30–45 minutes for immigration at busy hubs
• 15–30 minutes for baggage

A good rule of thumb: scheduled landing + 60–75 minutes = at the curb.

Step 5: Share a live link

For family meeting you: send the FlightyFlow live link, with a note that says "I'll text from baggage" so they don't drive too early.