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How to keep track of flying family, friends
In such situations, as devastating they may be, it is important seek out reliable sources of information other than the news. Even in a non-emergency, it may soothe your worries to keep track of a loved one’s air travel. Here are some ways you can monitor international flights.
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Although it's becoming common to see off family and friends as they embark on a journey, some may choose to take the extra step of tracking their loved ones’ flight from the ground. (Shutterstock/File)
F
lying is increasingly becoming a necessary form of travel, whether for leisure or business. Although it's becoming common to see off family and friends as they embark on a journey, some may choose to take the extra step of tracking their loved ones’ flight from the ground.
This information is also crucial in the case of emergencies, as highlighted by a recent plane crash that shocked Indonesians.
On Monday morning, Jakarta air traffic controllers lost contact with Lion Air flight JT610, which was en route to Pangkalpinang in Bangka Belitung, 13 minutes after it took off from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on 6.20 a.m.
The flight, which was carrying 189 people on board, including 181 passengers, reportedly crashed 7 nautical miles (12.96 kilometers) north off the coast of Tanjung Bungin in Karawang, West Java.
Read also: BREAKING: 189 people on downed Lion Air flight, ministry says
In such situations, as devastating they may be, it is important seek out reliable sources of information other than the news. Even in a non-emergency, it may soothe your worries to keep track of a loved one’s air travel. Here are some ways you can monitor international flights:
Track flights in real-time on apps and websites
Monitoring flights on flight-tracker apps and websites is one of the easiest ways to check on estimated departure and arrival times, as well as relevant flight data in real-time.
Digital Trends has listed some of the best apps to use, whether for plane enthusiasts keen on identifying what's passing by overhead, travelers on trips or loved ones waiting to meet incoming relatives and friends.
First listed is the app Flightradar24, which has a website, Flightradar24.com, as well as an app available on both Android and iOS.
The flight data is extensive and covers the entire globe.
On its official Twitter account, the site has also published a summary of the Lion Air JT610 flight, including the make of the plane, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with the registration PK-LQP that was delivered to the airline in August this year.
Lion Air #JT610 summary
Operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8 registration PK-LQP, delivered in August 2018.
23:20 UTC Take off from Jakarta
23:31 UTC Last signal received at 425 feet AMSL. Vertical speed -30,000 feet/min.
Full data:https://t.co/QCUucGKVHr pic.twitter.com/xSSx0ICaEo
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) October 29, 2018
The free version of Flightradar24 is already chock-full of flight-tracking features, including photos, historical flight data and even a 3D pilot view. However, for even more information, paid subscription also opens up a greater depth of data.
Another app worth noting is FlightStats, which offers a more straightforward interface, including the ability to search by flight number, airport or route.
The app features a simple status page that shows scheduled and actual times of departure and arrival, a map view with the position of the plane in question and additional information on weather, gates, as well as possible delays.
Among other apps to consider are ADSB Flight Tracker, which is available for free and only on Android, as well as Plane Finder, available to buy for iOS users.
Seek verified information on official social media accounts
In the case of an emergency, such as the recent Lion Air crash, it is instinctual to seek out any update and information regarding the incident.
In such a case, always make it a point to look for verified information that can be obtained through official sources, especially shared by relevant government institutions that are responsible for overseeing search and rescue operations.
Head to their verified Twitter accounts, for example, which will also attach documentation, such as up to date images and also links to official statements with the latest information on its website.
In the case of a missing flight, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnar) is a reliable source as it disseminates up-to-date information on its verified Twitter account @SAR_NASIONAL.
Pesawat Lion Air Rute Jakarta Pangkal Pinang, Basarnas Kerahkan Kapal dan Helikopter https://t.co/gaoR3ZAn8P#basarnas #lionairJT610 pic.twitter.com/afLOoNT00A
— BASARNAS (@SAR_NASIONAL) October 29, 2018
Beware of unverified information that may float around social media and elsewhere online, whether intentionally or not. Always confirm with official sources.
Conversely, avoid sharing unconfirmed data to avoid false information from spreading.
Get in touch with the airline
Airlines would also release official statements on any changes or incidents related to their flights, which would be shared on their social media accounts or official website.
As with the case of Lion Air flight JT610, Lion Air Group released a statement via its Twitter and Facebook accounts, including contact numbers for a crisis center and details intended for those in search of further information to be disclosed privately. (kes)
Informasi Penerbangan Lion Air #JT610 Rute Soekarno-Hatta, Tangerang ke Pangkalpinang https://t.co/Is5igpxjOT
Terkait dengan kejadian ini kami membuka pusat krisis di nomor 021-80820001 dan untuk infomasi penumpang di nomor 021-80820002 pic.twitter.com/h69mzqPf6Q
— Lion Air Group (@lionairgroup) October 29, 2018
