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If you’ve ever downloaded a flight tracking app just to find out if the plane is on time, you might not be aware of a special feature of the iPhone. In fact, iOS has a unique feature that Apple refers to as ‘Data Detectors’. With the help of this feature, you can track the flight directly without downloading any app and without signing up. There is no hassle and no setup required. You just need to know how to use it. Let us know how this feature works.

Flight tracking in Messages

If someone sends you a flight number in a message, like Air India AI2102, iOS automatically recognizes that number and underlines it as a link. You don’t need to do much on this. Just long press on that number and real time flight information will immediately appear in front of you.

Tapping on the Preview Flight option opens an information card, showing you the flight’s departure and arrival timings, information about any delays, and most importantly, a live map. This lets you see where the plane is currently. In some cases, you may also find baggage claim details and direct links to the airline’s website or Apple Maps.

One important thing to note is that iOS is more effective at identifying flights when you type only the flight number as well as the airline name. For example, just by typing ‘AI2102’ sometimes it may not recognize it correctly, but when you write ‘Air India AI2102’, in most of the cases it recognizes it immediately.

Flight tracking through Spotlight search

You do not need any messages to use this feature. Simply swipe down on your home screen, open Spotlight search, and type in the flight number. As soon as you do this, iOS automatically displays an information card. Tapping on it gives you complete information like timings, flight status, and even where the plane is now and its live map.