iPhone users can access real-time flight updates via iMessage by sending their flight number, enabling instant status, gate, and baggage info without extra apps. This feature allows easy sharing with others, simplifying travel tracking.
A short Instagram reel from digital creator Milad Alemi has drawn attention for a deceptively simple trick: send an airline code and flight number in Apple's Messages app and receive an instant, in-line flight preview with live status, timings and gate and baggage details. The feature, Alemi says, removes the need to keep toggling flight-tracking apps or airport screens. He adds that the shortcut is currently limited to iPhone users and that Android devices do not have the same native Messages preview.
The clip has been widely shared online and generated a stream of enthusiastic replies - although not everyone had the same result. Some users praised the tip; others reported that it did not work on their handset. Below we explain, in clear steps, how the Messages preview works, what information it typically shows, and the likely reasons it can fail for some travellers.
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How to get the live flight preview in Messages - step by step
| Step | Action | Tip |
| 1 | Open Messages and type the airline code and flight number (for example: AI 101 or BA 256). | Typing the airline code followed by the number in a single message is important. |
| 2 | Send the message to yourself or to a contact. | You do not need to send it as a conversation; sending to your own number or to someone else will work. |
| 3 | Tap the flight number that becomes a tappable link. | The link usually appears highlighted; on tap you will see a small preview card. |
| 4 | Select Preview Flight (or similar). | The preview expands and shows details fetched from airline/flight data sources. |
| 5 | To keep others updated, copy the preview or forward the message. | Milad notes you can copy the preview link and share it with family or friends so they can see live updates too. |
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What the preview typically shows
| Type of information | Example / notes |
| Flight status | On time, Delayed, Cancelled (status depends on airline feeds) |
| Scheduled departure / arrival | Local times for origin and destination |
| Gate number and terminal | Where available from airline / airport feeds |
| Baggage claim / carousel | May appear once provided by the airport |
| Real-time updates | Changes to gate, delays, cancellations (if the data feed updates) |
| Shareability | Preview can be copied or forwarded so others can follow status |
Photo Credit: Instagram/@letsdodizz
Why this can fail for some users
The feature relies on three things: the Messages app recognising the flight text as a flight reference, availability of live flight data from the airline or airport, and the user's device and software supporting rich previews in Messages. That explains why some users reported success while others did not.
- Some airlines or regional airports do not publish the data in a format Messages can fetch.
- Older iPhones or out-of-date iOS releases may not show the preview.
- Third-party messaging apps on Android may provide similar functionality via Google or other services, but there is no single, consistent Messages preview on Android that matches Apple's behaviour across all devices.
One posted reaction encapsulated the mixed response: "I just tried, doesn't work. I have an iPhone 13."
Social media users had a mix of reactions to Milad Alemi's reel. Many were impressed, with comments like, "I love this travel hack" and "This is legitimately one of the best travel hacks I've ever seen. Thank you." Others kept it short and appreciative: "Awesome tip" and "I didn't know about this! Thanks for sharing."
Some added a dash of humour, such as one user joking, "Well noted! Here is a travel hack for those who have ever had their phone slide out of their pocket when travelling. POCKETLOCK."
Not everyone had the same luck, though. one iPhone 13 user wrote, "I just tried, doesn't work." All quotes are reproduced exactly as they appeared in responses to the reel.
Practical advice for travellers
- If you are heading to the airport, try the Messages preview as an extra check. Do not rely on it as your only source of truth; airline apps and airport screens remain authoritative.
- If Messages does not show a preview, check that your iPhone is running the latest iOS version and that you have good network connectivity. Updating the device often resolves recognition and preview issues.
- To keep others informed, forward or copy the preview link rather than asking them to hunt down the flight on an app. That will save calls and messages.
- If you are on Android, look for similar features in Google Messages or airline apps; functionality will vary by manufacturer and region.
The Bottom line
The Messages preview is a neat, low-effort shortcut for people who want quick access to flight status without opening multiple apps. It will not replace airline or airport notices when problems occur, but for day-to-day checks it can save a lot of refreshing. Milad Alemi's reel makes the method look effortless, and for many iPhone users it will be exactly that. For others the feature may be limited by device model, software version or the airline's data feed.
Watch the reel here:
Have you tried this Messages trick? Did it work on your phone? Share your experience and tell us your device model and iOS version so other readers can troubleshoot.
