Ex-airline industry worker Darby Maloney recently took to TikTok to share a flight hack for iPhone users that is actually brilliant.
Before you roll your eyes at yet another TikTok flight hack, know this: I rarely know what is trending and my finger is about as far away from the pulse as is socially acceptable. But TikTok has given me smashed potatoes and green goddess dressing, and for that, I am forever grateful, so I give Tiktok the benefit of the doubt. And last week, once again, it delivered.
Now what I’m about to tell you may not be news to you, but, if like me, you still get surprised by AI, technology and Google’s spy algorithms, then this may be right up your flight path.
When Darby Maloney was working as a Customer Service Ramp Agent for Piedmont Airlines, she got some sage advice from her mate, Brooke Webster (who according to her recent posts still looks to be working in the industry). And last week Maloney jumped on TikTok and shared that knowledge with the world.
What is it?
It’s called Preview Flight and I had no idea it was a thing. Remember when they used to (erroneously) tell us that we’re only using a small percentage of our brains? Well, when it comes to our iPhones, that’s probably true. There’s a whole load of functions already built into my phone that I simply don’t use. And Preview Flight is one of them.
The function allows you to see, in real time, information about your flight including important things like any delays, gate, maps and even baggage claim carousel. When you’ve got short connections, this info is great — especially if you can access it before you deplane and don’t have to waste time looking for a information board in the airport.
The information is also useful for those picking you up from the airport.
On my last flight to the USA, I was particularly enamoured with United Airlines’ app and its integration of iPhone’s Live Activities display. To know that I don’t need to download a third party app to get the same info, is great.
How does it work?
Maloney’s advice is to simply text yourself your flight number (complete with airline code). You can then just tap on the message and you get all the info you need. Similarly, you can send the flight number to your friend and you can both access the data.
If you don’t want to send a message to yourself, you can also access Flight Preview by searching using iPhone’s Spotlight.
Simply swipe down from the middle of your home screen and type your flight number into the search bar. Voila! Details are there.
Here’s what Maloney has to say:
@durbinmalonster S/O @Brooke Webster ♬ original sound – Darby