Push notifications are unreliable. Your phone might be on Do Not Disturb. The app might be closed. The notification might get buried. Battery saver mode might delay it.
SMS messages are different: - They arrive even in Do Not Disturb (usually) - They don't require the app to be open - They're visible on any phone's lock screen - They work on older phones without apps
For flight landing alerts, reliability matters more than features. You want to know they've landed. You don't want to wonder if you missed a notification.
Text messages have been around for 30 years. The infrastructure is mature. Delivery is reliable. Every phone supports them.
The trade-off: SMS alerts cost money to send. App notifications are free. That's why most flight tracking apps use push notifications.
SkyText uses SMS because it's more reliable for the use case. When someone you love is landing at 3am, you want the alert to actually arrive.
Comparison
How SkyText compares.
Other apps
SkyText
How it works
Three steps to peace of mind.
Enter the flight number
Type the flight number. No app to download.
Add your phone number
Enter the mobile number where you want to receive the alert.
Get a text when they land
We track the flight and send you an SMS. That's it.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Are SMS alerts more reliable?
Generally yes. SMS uses carrier infrastructure, not app-specific systems.
Will I receive the text if my phone is on Do Not Disturb?
Usually, depending on your phone settings. Most people see texts when they check their phone.
Why charge for SMS when apps are free?
SMS costs money to send. App notifications are free but less reliable.
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Founder, SkyText
Aviation lover who built SkyText because families deserve to know when someone lands safely. Has tracked more flights than he'd like to admit.