If you’re an iOS or Mac OS user, did you know that you can track flights right from your device without having to visit any flight tracking website? Yes, you read that right! In this post, we’ll show you how you can use the built-in spotlight search to search for a flight or send flight information to someone using iMessage or Mail.
If you’re using an iPhone, you can easily search for a flight using the spotlight search. Just swipe down on the home screen, and you’ll see the spotlight search bar. Enter the airline and flight number, and you’ll see a basic summary of the flight. For instance, if you’re searching for United Airlines Flight 1477, you can enter “ua1477,” and the top result will be that flight. Alternatively, you can enter the full airline name, i.e., “United Airlines,” followed by the flight number.
If you tap on the result, you’ll see a full page preview of the flight with its current status, dates, duration, and even the baggage claim carousel. You can also jump to a detailed map of either the departure or arrival airport by tapping the “Open in Maps” button. Additionally, you can look up flights that are currently in route with their location presented on the map.
If you’re using a Mac, the spotlight search works the same way. You can also share flight information quickly via iMessage or Mail. If you enter the flight number with the airline abbreviation or with the airline name spelled out, iOS will use data detectors to recognize it as flight information. The recipient, whether on a Mac or an iOS device, can then click on the flight to view its status and other information.
However, if you send an iMessage that just says “Alaska 2373,” it won’t work correctly because you need to include the word “airline” or use the airline abbreviation, which for Alaska Airlines is “a.s.” These data detectors also work in the Mail app for Mac or iOS, but they require Mac OS Monterey or iOS 15.
That’s it! You now know how to track flights and even share flight information quickly and easily via iMessage or Mail. For more on the new features in iOS 15, be sure to check out our full tutorial at themacu.com.