My brother, not interested in aircraft other than for transport, uses one or another of these. I have certainly used it many times to check when to leave for the airport to collect folks, as well as when travelling myself. I have never spoken to gate staff about what I have read as the circumstance has not arisen. It may do so. One of my most frequent uses is to track family or friends who are travelling and reassure folks at either end of progress and safe arrival.
I agree that the departure/arrival boards of airports can be useful but they are often behind the times.
ps The best part of these services is being able to see which aircraft is allocated to your service - then see where it is on it's previous sector. This is particularly useful at the end of the day and you are going to be its last sector! In Europe it is not unusual to see that the machine has not yet even pushed back on it's way to you. Time to make phonecalls to those who are expecting you.
Last edited by PAXboy; 6th Jul 2022 at 01:54.