If you’ve ever flown before, you know it can be a bit stressful sometimes. From last-minute gate changes that have you hustling across the terminal to delays and cancellations, there’s a lot to keep track of.
Fortunately, there’s a super-easy life hack that’ll help you stay on top of everything you need to know for your flight.
Darby Maloney, who said she used to be an airline employee, posted about the pro tip earlier this month in a now-viral TikTok.
First, you text yourself your flight number; be sure it includes the airline code at the start that denotes your carrier. For American Airlines, for example, that code is AA, as Maloney notes.
Here’s an example:
Sarah Jackson/BI
Your text should then appear as a link you can tap; from there, you’ll want to tap “Preview Flight.”
Sarah Jackson/BI
Doing this should bring up a live card showing important information about your flight. It includes your flight’s status, terminal and gate information, departure and arrival times, duration, and baggage claim.
Sarah Jackson/BI
If you have a connecting flight, you can send yourself the number for that flight as well.
The life hack isn’t just useful for you. If someone is picking you up at the airport, they can use this tip as well to make sure they’re on time if your flight is early or delayed, Maloney suggested.
Just shoot them a quick text.