The Best Apps for Planning Air Travel

Planning your air travel can be easy and fun with the right apps at your fingertips. From finding the best flight deals to organizing your travel documents and managing expenses, there's an app for every aspect of your journey. By leveraging these digital tools, you stay informed, organized, and stress-free throughout your travel experience.

Travel is supposed to be fun, but sometimes, planning it all is time-consuming and tedious. From juggling flight times to keeping track of reservations, the process can be overwhelming. But thanks to today’s technology, a cell phone is your go-to for keeping your life organized. Gone are the days of staying up all night planning, booking and arranging or carrying a folder with travel docs everywhere you go. New travel apps are popping up daily that will revolutionize your travel experience. Designed to keep the chaos at bay, travel apps help streamline travel planning so you can focus on what’s really important – making memories. These digital marvels will transform your trips from a stressful ordeal into smooth sailing (or flying).

Our travel experts curated a list of the best apps for planning air travel and shared valuable tips to keep you organized, informed and stress-free. From essential planning tools to language translators and expense trackers, we've got you covered.

Why use apps for air travel planning?

Technology today has made traveling easier than ever, thanks to the abundance of apps designed specifically to make your travels much more enjoyable. Get your travel information at your fingertips, receive real-time updates and score the best flight deals. Using these apps will significantly enhance your travel experience and offer numerous benefits.

Convenience at your fingertips:

Travel planning apps put all the information you need right in the palm of your hand. Save time and eliminate the need to juggle multiple websites or make numerous phone calls. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can:

• Search for flights
• Compare prices
• Check flight statuses
• Manage your bookings

Real-time updates and notifications

One of the most valuable features of using travel apps is their ability to provide real-time updates to help you stay informed, reducing stress and potential travel hiccups. You'll receive instant notifications about:

• Flight delays or cancellations
• Gate changes
• Check-in reminders
• Boarding times

Cost savings

Many travel apps offer tools to help you find the best deals on flights. You can:

• Set price alerts for specific routes
• Compare prices across different airlines and dates
• Discover hidden deals and promotions

Enhanced organization

Keep calm and stay organized! Travel apps serve as digital organizers, allowing you to keep all your travel information in one place and at your fingertips, reducing the risk of misplacing important documents. You can easily store and access the following:

• Flight itineraries
• Boarding passes
• Hotel reservations
• Car rental details
• Health records
• Identification cards

The best apps for air travel planning and organization

When it comes to air travel, having the right apps makes all the difference. Flight booking and comparison apps like Booking.com allow you to book your flight and hotel while comparing prices to get the best deals. You can also set up price alerts, view flexible date options and bundle services for even easier planning. If you struggle to keep your itineraries, reservations and ticket info organized, travel organization apps are a game-changer.

Here are a few of the top apps for air travel planning and staying organized:

Booking.com: travel planner app

Booking.com is a comprehensive online travel agent website and app for booking your travel needs, including accommodations, flights, car rentals, airport taxis, destination guides, tours and attractions. It's best known for helping you find great hotel rooms worldwide that fit all your needs at the right price. Get flight reminders, hotel info, real-time notifications, special offers and flight tracking. Booking.com helps you save money and time and keep your reservations in one place. Best of all, it’s free for everyone and available everywhere.

Cost: free

TripIt

The TripIt app is great for keeping all your travel reservations and confirmations together and provides a single itinerary with all your travel info, regardless of where they were booked. TripIt builds your travel itinerary by cross-referencing confirmation emails in your inbox and exporting the most important information from airlines, hotels, rental car companies, taking out the hassle of keeping it all organized. The app offers sharing capabilities, document storage, airport maps, travel stats, carbon footprint details, nearby places of interest and neighborhood safety scores for your destination. They also offer a Pro service packed with additional features like the ability to upgrade your seat on upcoming flights, flight reminders, guides to baggage claim and track reward miles.

Cost: free for basic, $49 a year for Pro.

Wanderlog

Wanderlog touts that this is an all-in-one travel planning companion designed to streamline organizing your trips and keep them stress-free. It is a hub that stores everything in one place, eliminating the need to switch between apps and tabs. You can organize flight and hotel info, create trip itineraries, keep on budget and map your destinations, finding the best routes powered by AI and Google Maps. It also lets you share and collaborate with friends. It offers real-time alerts, works offline (Pro) and offers smart trip recommendations.

Cost: free for basic, $79.99 a year for Pro.

PackPoint

The Packing List Checklist app is an easy-to-use app that provides checklists of all the essential things to consider and pack before traveling. Get a curated list of everything you need to pack based on your destination, duration, season, activities planned and whether you are traveling for work or leisure. PackPoint even checks the weather and factors it into the list. Of course, you can always use our checklist to pack for quick getaways. (link to packing guide for weekend trips.) PackPoint can be synced with Evernote and shared to family or friends.

Cost: free for basic, $2.99 for Premium features.

*The above information is sourced from the official app websites in February 2025.

Best apps for travel tracking and mapping

Keep your memories alive forever with tracking and mapping apps. These digital scrapbooks allow you to track where you have been with photos, videos and captions along the way. Here are a few to check out:

Polarsteps: travel tracker app

This all-in-one travel tracker app allows you to plan, track, share and relive your travels by providing detailed information on destinations, insider tips and plotting your route, locations and photos when the journey is underway. The app automatically tracks your route by placing white dots on your map, creating a personalized digital world map that can be saved and shared. The app allows you to create a dream itinerary, helps you navigate getting there and plots your path. The best part is that you can add photos, videos and captions during and after the trip. You then have an option to purchase your personalized travel book for each trip.

Cost: free, plus the option to buy a travel book.

*The above information is sourced from the official Polarsteps website in February 2025.

Visited: travel tracker app

The Visited app lets users track and log their travels and mark off all the places they have been. It also provides destination suggestions based on interests and hobbies and creates a unique itinerary on a map with details to share with friends. Set travel goals, get inspired and get curated info on where to travel next.

Cost: free for basic, add-on costs for Premium features.

*The above information is sourced from the official Visited App website in February 2025.

Citimapper: transportation app

Citymapper is a public transit app and mapping service that displays transport options, usually with live timing, between two locations in a supported city. It integrates data for all urban modes of transport, including walking, driving and cycling, in addition to public transport, to give you exact travel times. The app is available in most major metropolitan cities around the globe and can be used on the web or mobile devices. Citymapper works best if you’re connected to Wi-Fi but will still work offline.

Cost: free for basic, add-on costs for Premium features.

*The above information is sourced from the Apple and Google Play Stores in February 2025.

Flight information and tracking apps

If you are a frequent flyer, these flight tracking apps will update you about any schedule delays or changes. You can even get info about a plane that just flew overhead. These apps are a must-have for all avid travelers.

Flightradar24: air traffic app

Track your flight and get live air traffic updates from around the globe. Get detailed information about each flight or simply point your device at the sky to see what flights pass overhead with flightradar24. Follow flights in 3D view and get specific flight details like estimated arrival time, actual departure, speed, altitude and hi-res pics of the plane. You can also view airport arrival and departure guides, weather conditions and flight status.

Cost: free for basic, $12.99 a year after a 7-day free trial for the Silver plan. They also offer a Gold ($34.99 a year) and Business ($500 a year) plan to upgrade.

*The above information is sourced from the official Flightradar24 App website in February 2025.

FlightStats: flight tracker app

Get real-time flight status and airport tracking and see planes worldwide move on a detailed map. Available for over 150 cities, this app allows users to check flight status, track flights, glance at flight info, get airport info and delays and monitor weather conditions.

Cost: free for basic, $2.99 a month for a standard subscription and $24.99 a month for the professional subscription.

*The above information is sourced from the official FlightStats App website in February 2025.

Flight Tracker +: flight tracker app

Accurate and reliable, this app allows the user to search flights by route, airport or airline to get specific flight information, such as the estimated time of arrival, the actual departure time, terminal and gate info, distance, duration and flight time left. Stay updated with real-time flight notifications, get weather reports and create a customized map for each journey.

Cost: free for basic; extra fees apply to Premium features.

*The above information is sourced from the Apple and Google Play Stores in February 2025.

Travel communication and translation

Language barriers are a significant challenge when traveling to a foreign country. Fortunately, several apps are designed to help you communicate effectively and navigate unfamiliar territory. Learn basic phrases, have real-time conversation translators, on-hand dictionaries and more.

iTranslate

This language translator app will translate text, voice and photos for over 100 languages in seconds. Speak freely and learn how and what to say in the language chosen. Look up words and phrases and always have a language dictionary at your disposal. The best part of this app is that you can translate offline without Wi-Fi.

Cost: free for basic, $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year for Pro features.

*The above information is sourced from the official iTranslate App website in February 2025.

Google Translate

This language translator app does everything; it’s what you expect from Google. It will translate spoken words, signs, menus or any other printed material you point at your camera. Use it as a language dictionary or keep it in your pocket to translate communication on the go. It supports over 133 languages and offers offline capabilities. You can even save key phrases for quick reference.

Cost: free

Best apps for travel money, budgeting and connectivity

When traveling internationally, travel currency apps help keep your money safe and on budget. Connectivity apps will save you money on data and roaming charges. Choosing the right travel app will depend on your travel purpose and your individual needs.

Travelex Travel Money Card: currency app

Get global currencies directly to your phone without the hassle of changing exchange rates or ATM fees. Manage currency while traveling and get wallet balances, transaction history and account details. Users can load up to 22 currencies on their card to make international travel a breeze and this app can be added to your digital wallet.

Cost: free

Trabee Pocket: budgeting and expense travel app

This 2-in-1 app provides travel budgeting and expense tracking for an easy travel experience. Trabee lets you set a vacation budget and track expenses and purchases made while on the go. The app also provides currency conversion to assess your spending accurately. The app lets the user export the expense data to a PDF or CSV file if needed.

Cost: free

Airalo: eSIM travel and internet app

Stay connected while abroad and ditch high roaming charges and network fees. Get access to mobile data, call and text services with a virtual SIM card downloadable to smart devices. These let you connect to a local phone network abroad, often paying a lower price than roaming charges. The app is easy to use, has a built-in loyalty program and supports over 200 countries worldwide.

Cost: free to download, but users must purchase the virtual eSIM card and buy data. Prices vary per region.

Travel countdown and tracking days

As your trip approaches, the excitement builds and you want to keep track of every passing moment. Travel countdown apps are perfect for fueling your anticipation and helping you stay organized. Here are some of the best apps to count down to your next adventure.

Countdown+

5,4,3,2,1 – this versatile app allows you to create multiple countdowns with customizable themes and backgrounds for any important event or travel plans. You’ll see how many months, days, hours and seconds until your event and get reminders. You can also add photos from your destination to personalize them and keep the memories alive.

Cost: free for basic, $1.99 a month for Premium features, $2.99 a month for Pro Bundle.

*The above information is sourced from the Apple and Google Play Stores in February 2025.

Flamingo

Specifically designed for international travelers, Flamingo keeps track of the number of days/nights spent in your country of residence and away, ensuring you comply with international and US state travel and tax requirements. You can view your trip history and see instantly how many days you have left permitted based on your passport or Visa. Flamingo also automatically identifies which countries require a visa and where you can travel visa-free.

Cost: free

Airport navigation and management

When it comes to travel planning, don’t forget about the airport experience. Airport navigation apps help navigate unfamiliar airports with interactive maps, find amenities like restaurants, shops and lounges, and provide real-time security wait times.

AtAirport: airport navigation app

If you ever fly in or out of large airports, AtAirport is for you. This app maps out the airport and gives detailed information about where you are and where to go. Using accurate GPS positioning, you can find your gates quickly to get to the gate on time. You also get turn-by-turn walking directions to lounges, restaurants and shops.

Cost: free

MyTSA App: airport management app

MyTSA is an app that provides passengers with 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information. It allows users to get specific airport information and delays, double-check what they can carry on and get real-time data for flight status and security line wait times.

Cost: free

*Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of our company.

Tips for using travel apps effectively

Save time and money and travel stress-free! To make the most of your travel planning apps, consider these practical tips:

1. Download and set up apps in advance: don't wait until you're at the airport or in a foreign country. Install and familiarize yourself with the apps well before your trip.
2. Enable notifications: turn on push notifications for your travel apps to stay informed about flight changes, price drops or important travel updates.
3. Sync across devices: ensure your travel information is accessible on all your devices by syncing your apps. This way, your itinerary, bookings and documents will be available using your phone, tablet or laptop.
4. Use offline features: many travel apps offer offline functionality. Download maps, translations or travel guides before your trip to avoid relying on potentially unreliable or expensive internet connections abroad.
5. Regularly update your apps: keep your travel apps updated to ensure you have the latest features, bug fixes and security updates.
6. Organize your home screen: group your travel apps together on your device's home screen for easy access during your trip.
7. Backup important information: while apps are convenient, it's wise to have a backup of critical information like flight details, hotel reservations and emergency contacts in a separate location.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best free travel apps?

So many free apps can help you plan your next trip and keep you organized.

• Booking.com: best for searching and comparing flight prices
• TripIt: helps organize your travel itinerary
• Wanderlog: stores all of your travel documents in one place

Can I use travel planning apps offline or during flight?

Most travel planning apps offer some offline functionality, but it varies by app. Always download the necessary information before your trip to ensure access without the internet. Apps like Google Translate, Citymapper and Trabee all have offline functionality.

Are travel planning apps secure for storing personal information?

Reputable travel apps prioritize security, but it's essential to take precautions:

1. Use strong and unique passwords for each app
2. Enable two-factor authentication when available
3. Avoid storing sensitive information like credit card details in apps
4. Regularly update your apps to benefit from the latest security features

Planning your air travel can be easy and fun with the right apps at your fingertips. From finding the best flight deals to organizing your travel documents and managing expenses, there's an app for every aspect of your journey. By leveraging these digital tools, you stay informed, organized, and stress-free throughout your travel experience.