Tech - Keeping Track of Your Flight

Air travel can be rewarding, but it also comes with its share of stress, especially when flights are delayed or canceled. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, understanding how to handle disruptions can make a world of difference. Here's a guide to staying ahead of potential issues and ensuring smoother travels.

Choosing Airlines with Strong On-Time Records

One of the simplest ways to reduce travel stress is by selecting an airline known for its punctuality. Reliable performance data is readily available to help you make informed decisions:

1. Government Reports:
   The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) releases monthly on-time performance rankings for major airlines. These reports are accessible online and are a valuable resource when planning your trip.

2. Flight Data Websites:
   Platforms like FlightAware, OAG, and Cirium analyze global flight patterns and provide punctuality ratings for airlines, giving you insights into reliability.

3. Traveler Reviews:
   Websites like Skytrax and TripAdvisor include reviews from passengers, often detailing an airline’s track record for on-time flights.

4. News Outlets:
   Publications such as Forbes and Business Insider periodically compile lists of airlines with the best and worst punctuality records.

By considering this information, you can choose airlines that are less likely to disrupt your schedule, especially for critical travel plans.

Tracking Your Flight’s Status

Even the most reliable airlines can experience delays. Here’s how to stay updated on your flight:

1. Airline Apps and Websites:
   Most airlines offer real-time flight updates. Simply input your flight number to receive the latest information.

2. Flight Tracking Tools:
   Apps like FlightAware, FlightRadar24, and TripIt provide detailed updates, including gate changes and estimated arrival times.

3. Airport Websites:
   Many airport websites display live flight information, which is helpful when you’re already at the terminal.

4. Text Alerts:
   Sign up for notification services through your airline to receive updates directly to your phone.

5. Weather Checks:
   Severe weather is a common cause of delays, so keep an eye on forecasts for your departure and arrival locations.

Hidden Features in Your iPhone

For iPhone users, tracking flights is even simpler. The Messages app includes a built-in flight tracker. Here’s how to use it:

• Ensure your flight number appears in a text message, formatted as “[Airline] [Flight Number]” (e.g., “American Airlines 9707”).

• When the information is underlined, tap it to access a quick-action menu.

• Choose "Preview Flight" to view real-time details, including a live map, gate numbers, and baggage claim information.

This feature offers a convenient way to stay informed without downloading additional apps.

Final Tips for Managing Disruptions

Even with the best planning, travel hiccups can happen. Here are a few strategies to ease the process:

• Pack Essentials in Your Carry-On: Always include snacks, medications, spectacles, important documentation, monety, and a phone charger to help you with unexpected delays.

• Stay Calm and Polite: Airline staff are more likely to assist courteous passengers.

• Explore Alternate Transport: For shorter routes, consider switching to a train, bus, or rental car if delays are significant.

By planning ahead and leveraging technology, you can reduce the stress of air travel and keep your adventures on track.

---

Top 10 Airlines (2024)

Credit: Skytrax

1. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is the national airline of the State of Qatar. Based in Doha, the Airline’s trendsetting on-board product focuses on: comfort, fine cuisine, the latest in-flight audio & video entertainment, award-winning service and a modern aircraft fleet averaging around 5 years of age. Qatar Airways serves more than 150 key business and leisure destinations worldwide, with a fleet of over 200 aircraft. The airline flies to Australia, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, North America, and South America.

2. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines success has been fueled by its dedication to customer service. In-flight menus in all classes of service offer gourmet meals created by a panel of internationally renowned chefs, and all customers can enjoy the carrier’s state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system, which offers a wide choice of movies, music and games. Together with its budget carrier arm, Scoot, Singapore Airlines operates a fleet of more than 180 aircrafts, with a combined passenger network that spans more than 110 destinations.

3. Emirates

Emirates connects the world to, and through, their global hub in Dubai. They operate modern, efficient and comfortable aircraft, and their culturally diverse workforce delivers award-winning services to their customers across six continents every day. Emirates current fleet comprises 262 aircraft, with the airline serving 152 destinations.

4. ANA All Nippon Airways

ANA was founded in 1952 with two helicopters and has become the largest airline in Japan, as well as one of the most significant airlines in Asia, operating 82 international routes and 118 domestic routes. ANA offers a unique dual hub model which enables passengers to travel to Tokyo and connect through the two airports in the metropolitan Tokyo, Narita and Haneda, to various destinations throughout Japan, and also offers same day connections between various North American, Asian and Chinese cities. ANA has been a member of Star Alliance since 1999.

5. Cathay Pacific Airways

The Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Group offers scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 200 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, Europe and Africa, using a fleet of close to 200 aircraft. Cathay Pacific is a founder member of the oneworld global alliance.

6. Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines as founded in 1951 and has a modern fleet of more than 230 aircraft. It is one of the world’s premier carriers and joined the oneworld Alliance in 2007. With four major hubs in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Okinawa, Japan Airlines serves 95 destinations across 20 territories. An airline with a rich history and a reputation for defining the essence of traditional Japanese hospitality, JAL is committed to providing guests with the highest levels of flight safety and supreme quality in every aspect of its service.

7. Turkish Airlines

Founded in 1933 with a modest fleet of 5 aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines is an airline company that flies to more than 300 destinations in the world with a fleet of more than 300 (passenger and cargo) aircraft. Turkish Airlines proudly carry the Turkish flag across the globe, opening doors to the wider world for its passengers. Turkish Airlines uses the statement “We fly to more countries than any other airline in the world”.

8. EVA Air

EVA Air was established in 1989, and is a member of Star Alliance. EVA serves a global network that connects Asia and Mainland China to Europe, North America and Oceania and links more than 60 major business and tourist destinations. EVA operates from their hub at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan.

9. Air France

Air France turns the flight into a moment of real pleasure in all its daily operations. Air France operates 1,500 daily flights in France, Europe and worldwide. Since 2004, Air France and KLM have formed one of the leading European groups in the air-transport sector. From their hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol, the Air France-KLM Group offers its customers access to a network covering 312 destinations in 116 countries.

10. Swiss International Air Lines

SWISS is Switzerland’s largest airline. It operates direct flights from Zurich and Geneva to keep Switzerland connected with Europe and the world. SWISS is part of the Lufthansa Group and is also a member of Star Alliance, the world’s biggest airline network. The company plans to halve its 2019 net carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and make its business and operations entirely carbon-neutral by 2050.