Using live data and smart technology, this flight-tracking tool is keeping travellers one step ahead.

There are few feelings worse than settling in at your departure gate, bags checked, coffee in hand, only to see that dreaded ‘flight delayed’ alert flash up on the screen. All that holiday excitement suddenly drains away and, more often than not, you’re left to figure out the rest on your own.

But what if there was a way to avoid that stress altogether? That’s where Flighty comes in, which claims to warn travellers of disruptions and delays up to 25 hours in advance, even before airlines have made them official.

What is it?

At its core, Flighty is built to keep travellers informed at every stage of their journey. It provides real-time updates on everything from departure changes and gate information to weather alerts and potential delays – because even Australia’s best airline isn’t immune to disruption.

Alongside tracking thousands of live flights, the platform covers more than 14,000 airports worldwide. It also includes features like Flighty Friends, where travellers can share their journey with anyone meeting them upon arrival, and Flighty Passport, which tracks travel history and total mileage.

Downloaded as an app or accessed via the web, most of its features are free to use. Aviation enthusiasts and frequent flyers can subscribe to Flighty PRO, which unlocks premium extras like calendar syncing and email imports.

How does it work?

While these features are certainly appealing, the real question is: how does it actually work? According to Flighty, the interface analyses a combination of live flight data, airline stats and previous trends to predict disruptions before they happen; particularly useful on the country’s more delay-prone routes.

This is all made possible by a subset of AI called machine learning, which enables systems to learn from data over time rather than relying on hard-coded programming. It works by feeding information through algorithms that recognise patterns, identify issues and make predictions.

Flighty specifically draws on pilot-grade data from air traffic control, including ground stops, technical checks, weather conditions and runway congestion – while also tracking inbound aircraft up to 25 hours in advance to flag issues in real time.

For example, if an incoming flight is running late, Flighty can anticipate the knock-on effects well before they are announced. Its new Airport Intelligence feature can even explain what’s causing the delay and how long you can expect to wait if already onboard.

All this information allows the system to identify problems before airlines are even aware, putting the power firmly back in passengers’ hands. What’s more, these alerts are issued almost immediately, giving you plenty of notice and saving you valuable time.

Is it actually reliable?

While Flighty’s predictions are impressive, it’s important to remember they are just that – predictions. Not all disruptions can be anticipated, and last-minute issues like mechanical faults or crew changes can impact flights without warning.

But this shouldn’t necessarily deter users. Flighty is certainly handy, especially when it comes to identifying knock-on delays from late arrivals and giving travellers a good head start.

Tools like Flighty are best used alongside more traditional methods when it comes to managing potential delays and avoiding flight cancellations. Download airline apps, chat directly with staff, check weather reports, factor in peak travel times and always have a plan B.

A number of travel companies, like Expedia, also release annual reports with the latest trends and industry news. Available online for free, they often include a range of tried-and-tested air travel hacks, too.

How do I use it?

Flighty can be downloaded for free from the iPhone App Store (currently not available on Android devices). Once installed, simply enter your flight number into the search bar, marked by a magnifying glass in the bottom right corner, add its date/time and select your flight.

Your flight will then appear under ‘My Flights’ in the bottom left corner. Here you’ll find key details such as your departure gate, total air time, estimated distance, arrival terminal and baggage carousel, alongside regularly updated taxi, take-off and landing times.

Scroll a little further for other helpful insights, from weather conditions and airport operations to recorded inbound diversions and a full arrival forecast. This dashboard includes average delay times that continually refresh, as well as the flight’s performance over the last 60 days.

For plane spotters, the app also offers fun facts about each aircraft, including make, model, age and callsign. Features like this set Flighty apart from similar aviation apps; more than just a tracking tool, it’s a comprehensive flight companion.