This app makes flying more fun and much less stressful, and I won't travel without it!
Homescreen Heroes: Flighty is an essential app, whether you travel frequently or occasionally.
Airlines often provide unsatisfactory experiences in their apps, although some have improved. A notable example is United, but it may be necessary to look for alternative solutions. This is where Flighty comes in, an app that not only has an appealing name but I have had on my home screen for several years and have used as a paid subscriber. Without a doubt, it is the best option for tracking flights, whether for leisure, work, or if you need to follow the flight of a friend or family member.
Flighty has a modern and attractive interface that is easy to use. It provides more information about flight status than the airlines themselves and can even predict delays or alert you about potential issues. Its setup is simple; once downloaded, you can sync your calendar, which allows for the automatic import of current, future, or even past flights. This way, your screen will display all your flight plans.
When selecting a flight, the app reveals its true power. It not only shows the departure and arrival times shared by the airlines but also provides estimated times as the flight time approaches. Moreover, by scrolling down the screen, you can see details about the aircraft, such as the tail number and the date the plane was introduced, something that usually incurs an additional cost in services like FlightRadar.
One of its most useful features is the route history, which shows how many flights it has tracked and the percentage of those that arrived early, on time, were delayed, or canceled, which is very helpful when considering changing your flight. For subscribers, Flighty offers delay predictions, which can be quite valuable. This is important because airlines generally do not forecast delays, as their goal is for all flights to go according to schedule. However, congestion in the airspace over the East Coast of the United States, particularly during the summer storm season, can complicate this situation. Flighty warns of potential delays due to ground stops or if the arriving plane is being held up before takeoff, using an artificial intelligence system that provides real-time updates.
On the day of the flight, Flighty also provides 'Live Activity' on iPhones, being one of the first apps to receive this feature highlighted by Apple. This function informs you about your plane's location, the time remaining until takeoff, and shows a flight map; additionally, it notifies you about baggage claim before you reach the gate.
An outstanding aspect of Flighty is that you do not need to pay for onboard Wi-Fi to receive live updates, as it operates with the free messaging Wi-Fi that many airlines offer, allowing you to track your flight and know your location at no additional cost.
Additionally, the app keeps a record of your travel history, and at the end of the year, you can receive a summary that, like Spotify Wrapped, has an attractive design and allows aviation enthusiasts to enjoy data about their flights. It also has information-sharing features, allowing other users to stay updated on your travels.
To access all features, payment is required, but these services are worth it, especially the delay predictions. The most affordable option is $47.99 per year, or $249 upfront, or weekly at $3.99, although some features are limited with these last options. However, even with the free plan, basic alerts are provided.
