How to Know If Someone's Flight Landed

If you need to check right now, here's how. If you want to stop checking, there's a better way.

Check Right Now

  1. Google the flight number (e.g., "UA 123"). Google shows the current status at the top of results, including whether the flight has landed and what time.
  2. Use FlightAware.com. Enter the flight number and you'll see whether it's in the air, landed, or delayed. FlightAware also shows a live map of the plane's position.
  3. Check the airline's website or app. Search by flight number on the airline's site for official status. Most airlines update within minutes of landing.
  4. Check the airport's arrival board. Most destination airports list real-time arrivals on their websites. Search for "[airport name] arrivals" to find it.
  5. Use Flightradar24 or ADS-B Exchange. These sites use radar-based ADS-B tracking to show aircraft positions in real time. You can search by flight number or watch the plane on a live map.
  6. Check a travel app. If the traveler shared their trip via TripIt, App in the Air, or a similar travel app, you may be able to see their flight status there.
  7. Use built-in phone features. If someone sent you their flight details via iMessage, it often becomes a tappable link with live status. Google Flights also tracks flights you've searched for or received confirmation emails about.

The Gap You're In Right Now

The flight was supposed to land 20 minutes ago. You texted and got no reply. You don't know if they're stuck on the tarmac, dealing with bags, or if something happened. So you're checking FlightAware. Or you're here.

This is a familiar place. The flight tracker says "landed" but you still haven't heard anything. Their phone might be dead. The airport WiFi might be slow. They might just be exhausted and dealing with bags. You don't know which, and you can't know until they text.

The manual methods work — you can see that the plane landed. But they don't tell you the person is fine. Only their text does that. And that text is the one that's late.

A Better Way for Next Time

What if you got a text the moment they landed? Not from their phone — from a service tracking the flight. No checking, no refreshing, no wondering if they forgot.

That's what Landed does. The traveler sets it up before their trip. You get an email invitation to opt in. You complete a quick web form. When they land, you get a text. Their phone doesn't even need to be on.

How It Works (For You)

You don't sign up for anything. The traveler does the setup. Here's what happens on your end:

1
You receive an email
"Sarah wants to send you flight updates. Click below to opt in."
2
You opt in via a quick web form
That's the only action required from you. One click, one time.
3
You get updates automatically
A text when they take off. A text if they're delayed. A text when they land.

No app to install. No website to check. The text just arrives.

Suggest It to Them

If you're tired of refreshing flight trackers, mention Landed to the traveler. It takes them 30 seconds to set up — they just forward their flight confirmation email and add your email address. After that, you get automatic updates for every trip they take.

You can send them this link: uselanded.app

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a flight landed right now?

Google the flight number (e.g., "UA 123") or go to FlightAware.com and enter it. You'll see real-time status including whether it's landed. For future flights, ask the traveler to add you on Landed so you get a text automatically.

Can I track someone's flight without them knowing?

You can check any flight's status using the flight number — that's public information. But to receive automatic notifications when someone lands, they need to set it up and add you. Landed requires the traveler's participation; you can't subscribe to someone's flights without their knowledge.

What if their phone is off after landing?

If you're waiting for them to text, a dead phone means no text. With Landed, the notification comes from our servers based on flight data — their phone doesn't need to be on, connected, or even charged for you to get the update.

Do I need to install an app to get notifications?

No. Landed sends standard SMS text messages. Any phone that receives texts works.

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