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Most Websites Can't Track Your Flight

When you see this, only one website can get you accurate, updated info.

Tracking your flight online is hardly news, but the Wall Street Journal recently took the time to test out all those services. Sadly, what they found wasn't any more impressive than the latest on-time numbers we've been crying over.

For significantly delayed flights--or those that push back from the gate but get stuck on the taxiway--most online services don't cut it. The Journal found a tough flight to track (AirTran 1699, that took off very late on Wednesday) and plugged it into some sites to see what happened:

FlightView.com...was less than helpful: It listed the flight's status as "Call Airline"...FlyteComm.com knew something wasn't quite right: It listed the flight's current altitude as zero and its current speed as zero, but still showed it arriving on-time. FlightArrivals.com correctly figured out that the plane had not yet departed...FlightAware.com and FlightExplorer.com couldn't find the flight.

So where should we turn for answers?

The most useful source of more information was at FlightStats.com, which collects data from airlines, airports and the Federal Aviation Administration and sends frequent updates.

We'd have to agree because we adore FlightStats both for on-the-road info and planning purposes. One of our fave things about it is historical data, which helps when picking flights. If it's down to one or two flights from our origin to destination--and they're about the same price--we'll almost always take the one with the higher percentage of on-time arrivals.

Related Stories:
· Some Flight-Status Alerts Aren't So Alert [WSJ]
· FlightStats [Official Site]
· Technology coverage [Jaunted]
· The Westin Boston Waterfront Tracks Your Flights [HotelChatter]

Tags: American Airlines / American Express / Wall Street Journal / → All Tags

American Airlines, Amex In Da Club

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that American Airlines clubs are now a little less exclusive. They've opened their doors to American Express Platinum and Centurion card holders, in addition to the old guard of high rollers and miles mavens.

The partnership between the world's largest airline and the elite credit card company gives high-limit Amex holders entry into 44 Admirals Club lounges around the globe. The new program allows them to bring a couple of traveling companions past the velvet rope, too.

Related Stories:
· Amex Cardholders Get Access to American Airlines Clubs [WSJ]

[Photo: Wikipedia]