A viral TikTok hack is simplifying air travel by providing real-time flight updates directly to a user's phone, eliminating the need to constantly check airport screens.
Former airline employee Darby Maloney demonstrated what she calls her "No. 1 flying hack" on TikTok. The method involves texting the flight number to oneself on the morning of the flight. For iPhone users, this action generates a link that displays the plane's current location, gate number, estimated flight duration, and baggage claim carousel information. Maloney highlighted that this link automatically updates if gate assignments change, significantly reducing the stress of navigating airports, especially during tight connections.
"I never have to look at screens in the airport anymore," Maloney stated, noting the hack's wide appeal as evidenced by her video's millions of likes and thousands of comments. Travelers have expressed appreciation for the tip, with one commenter noting its utility for frequent business travelers.
While airline apps can provide similar information, Maloney's hack streamlines the process by reducing the number of steps required. For instance, during a short layover, a traveler can quickly access updated gate information for their connecting flight immediately after landing by clicking the provided link.
The hack is also beneficial for individuals picking up passengers, as they can track flight status and delays using only the flight number and the shared link, without needing to download an airline-specific application.
Maloney recommends performing this action on the morning of the flight, as airlines often use the same aircraft for multiple flights throughout the day. The flight number, typically a two-letter airline code followed by numbers, can be found on booking confirmations or boarding passes. For those unsure of their airline code, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) offers a search engine on its website.
For Android users, texting the flight number does not automatically generate a link. However, they can achieve the same result by typing their flight number into the Google search bar to access real-time flight details.