By
Jessica Santero Staff Writer
Updated

ByAir flight tracker app logo

When App in the Air shut down, Android users who relied on it for trip-focused flight tracking were left looking for a replacement. ByAir stepped in as a solid, no-fuss flight tracker. It's a cross-platform app that both iPhone and Android users can enjoy, and delivers free push notifications without having to pay for a premium.

I tested ByAir alongside five other apps for WhistleOut's roundup of the best flight tracking apps. Here's what it does well, what it's missing, and who it's the right pick for.

Free for iOS and Android.
Pro subscription available.

What is ByAir?


ByAir is a cross-platform flight tracker that focuses on your specific trip rather than every flying aircraft around the world. Add in a valid flight number and the app builds a dashboard around your journey, which includes delay probability, destination weather, airport departures and arrivals, and even directions to your terminal. 

ByAir is the app for travelers who want to understand what's happening with their own flight, not an aerial view of every plane in the sky (like Flightradar24).

ByAir is currently the biggest cross-platform competitor to Flighty. Since Flighty is only available for iPhone, ByAir is currently the strongest trip-tracking option for Android users.

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All your flight info on one screen


Adding your flight to ByAir only takes a few seconds, and it pulls together more information than you'd expect from a free app. You can look at your flight route, aircraft type, weather conditions upon arrival, departure and arrival gates, and even the probability your flight may be delayed. 

Screenshot of the ByAir app showing airport options with delay index weather and arrivals and departures
ByAir gives you a delay index, destination weather, and airport overview as soon as you add your flight.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut

Honestly, delay prediction is the best ByAir feature. It gives you a probability rating for how likely your flight is to be delayed based on current patterns and general airport traffic. That way, you don't need to rush to the airport in order to arrive obscenely early (I would know). 

On top of that, you get the current weather at your destination, which is a feature other flight trackers charge for. Plus, you can see all departures and arrivals at your airport, and directions to help you get there. It's a detailed trip view rather than a raw flight status screen.

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Travel tips that actually help you


At the bottom of your flight information, ByAir includes a bunch of customized travel tips—which caught me off guard, but in a good way. 

ByAir surfaces practical local knowledge for major airports. I found out that JetBlue has a rooftop terrace at JFK that's accessible once you're past security. That kind of tip doesn't show up in a standard flight status app, and it's exactly the kind of thing that makes a long layover more bearable.

Every detail imaginable, except this one


My only real gripe with ByAir is that it doesn't explain why a flight is delayed or canceled. I was checking the app on a day with active tornado warnings in the region and could see that multiple flights were affected, but the app offered no explanation. You get the flight status, but not the context—and context matters when you're deciding whether to head to the airport or stay put.

For a better picture as to why your flight is delayed, you need to cross-reference the airline's website. It's a gap worth knowing about, but it's not a dealbreaker for most travelers.

Push notifications are free with ByAir, which is a plus that other flight trackers lack. All in all, ByAir is a solid flight tracker for your next overseas trip.

What does Reddit think about ByAir?

After App in the Air shut down, users looking for alternatives quickly landed on ByAir. u/BrokeDXBStudent on r/byair said, "ByAir has been such a blessing this year, especially as an Android user. You have filled the App in the Air gap perfectly and added so much more functionality."

How WhistleOut reviews apps

Our mobile experts test apps firsthand on real devices before recommending them. For flight trackers, we evaluated alert quality, free feature depth, ease of adding trips, and cross-platform availability.

  • Hands-on testing
    ByAir was tested on both iOS and Android using live flight data and a real upcoming trip.
  • Easy to use
    We look for apps that cut straight to the information you need without unnecessary complexity.
  • Affordability
    ByAir's free push notifications are a significant plus compared to trackers that charge for alerts.

ByAir: FAQ


Is ByAir free?

Yes, ByAir is free on both iOS and Android, and push notifications are included at no cost. A Pro subscription unlocks additional features, but most travelers won't need it.

How does ByAir compare to Flighty?

Both ByAir and Flighty focus on your specific trip rather than all air traffic, but Flighty uses live ATC data for earlier delay alerts and has a richer flight history feature. ByAir's big advantage is cross-platform availability. It's the go-to for Android users since Flighty remains iPhone only.

Does ByAir show flight delay reasons?

Not currently. ByAir will show you that a flight is delayed and how likely delays are, but it doesn't explain the cause. 

Can ByAir track international flights?

Yes, ByAir tracks international routes and includes destination weather as part of its free flight overview, which is a useful perk for international travelers.

Jessica Santero

Staff Writer

Jessica Santero
Jessica is a Staff Writer for WhistleOut and the site’s resident app expert. Her coverage frequently includes hands-on comparisons of popular app categories, such as translation, navigation, and dating apps, to evaluate how they perform in real-world mobile use.

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