FlightAware

Imagine this situation: You’re all packed for a short trip to Chicago to see some friends and enjoy some deep-dish pizza. You take an Uber to the airport, get through security, grab something to drink and make your way to your gate, only to find out your flight is delayed and will not be at the airport for another three hours.

If you had checked FlightAware before you left, you would have known not to call for a cab to the airport for three more hours. Through this website, you can see the location of your plane with real-time geographic updates. FlightAware also has an app you can check on the go. In a world where time is money, this handy free tool can save you much of both. The website also features a MiseryMap, which shows you frequently delayed or canceled routes.

For friends and family of frequent travelers, FlightAware can be a stress-saver. Just send your loved one your flight information and they can also check the website or app to see if your plane has taken off or landed safely. This is particularly useful if you are en route and you cannot contact friends or family to let them know you, as cell phone usage is restricted.

Say goodbye to waiting hours at your gate for a delayed flight. The FlightAware flight tracker handily replaced this with a smoother way of cutting down on travel time spent waiting around.