Where the Planes Are

Cosmic Variance
By Sean Carroll
Jan 21, 2008 6:44 AMNov 5, 2019 8:15 AM

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I do so love the internet. Anyone who has gone to pick someone up at the airport knows that planes don't always land at their scheduled times. So nowadays, of course, you can check the web page for the appropriate airline and find out whether the plane is delayed or on time. But you know what would be even better? If you could call up a Google map that showed the flight plan and current location of the plane.

And now you can! At least, for Delta flights. Do any other airlines do this? And if not, why not? Wait, I answered my own question, using -- you guessed it -- the internet. Just go to Flightstats.com (obviously), where they will apparently give you a map of whatever flight you want. And if you're bored, you can just pick a random flight! And then you will be, if not less bored, at least somewhat bemused.

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