If you're looking for **free and open-source** methods to extract flight data without requiring a credit card, there are a few options. Some APIs and datasets provide limited free access, but most premium services (like FlightAware, FlightRadar24, etc.) do require paid subscriptions. However, there are still a few alternatives:
### 1. **OpenSky Network API**
- **OpenSky Network** is an open-source, community-based platform for live air traffic data. It's one of the best free options for accessing live flight data.
- The **OpenSky API** allows you to access real-time flight data, historical data, and more without needing to sign up with a credit card.
**Website**: [OpenSky Network](https://opensky-network.org/)
#### Example API Call for Real-Time Flights:
```python
import requests
import json
# OpenSky Network API URL
url = "https://opensky-network.org/api/states/all"
# Make a GET request to the API
response = requests.get(url)
# Parse the JSON response
if response.status_code == 200:
flight_data = response.json()
print(json.dumps(flight_data, indent=4))
else:
print(f"Error: {response.status_code}")
```
#### Features:
- Real-time flight data
- Historical data access (limited)
- No credit card required for access
- Data from contributors worldwide
### 2. **AviationStack API**
- **AviationStack** provides a freemium model for flight data. While its free tier has some limitations, you can get access to real-time flight status and aviation data without requiring a credit card.
- The free tier allows you to make up to 500 requests per month.
**Website**: [AviationStack API](https://aviationstack.com/)
#### Example API Call:
```python
import requests
# Get your free API key from aviationstack (no credit card required)
api_key = 'your_api_key_here'
url = f"http://api.aviationstack.com/v1/flights?access_key={api_key}"
response = requests.get(url)
if response.status_code == 200:
flight_data = response.json()
print(flight_data)
else:
print(f"Error: {response.status_code}")
```
#### Features:
- Real-time flight data
- Airline routes and schedules
- Limited to 500 requests/month in the free tier
### 3. **ADS-B Exchange**
- **ADS-B Exchange** provides a completely free, community-driven dataset of live flight information gathered from ADS-B signals.
- You can access real-time data, historical data, and aircraft tracking information without signing up or paying.
**Website**: [ADS-B Exchange API](https://www.adsbexchange.com/data/)
#### Example: Accessing Real-Time Data
```python
import requests
# API endpoint for real-time flight data from ADS-B Exchange
url = "https://adsbexchange-com1.p.rapidapi.com/v2/aircraft/lat/{lat}/lon/{lon}/dist/{dist}/"
headers = {
"X-RapidAPI-Key": "your-rapidapi-key",
"X-RapidAPI-Host": "adsbexchange-com1.p.rapidapi.com"
}
response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)
if response.status_code == 200:
data = response.json()
print(data)
else:
print(f"Error: {response.status_code}")
```
#### Features:
- Real-time aircraft positions
- Historical flight data
- No paywalls or subscriptions required
### 4. **OpenFlights Dataset**
- **OpenFlights** is an open-source database of airline routes and airport information. While it doesn't offer real-time flight tracking, you can use it to get data on routes, airlines, and airports globally.
**Website**: [OpenFlights](https://openflights.org/data.html)
#### Example Usage:
You can download the dataset as a CSV file and use it directly in Python using `pandas`.
```python
import pandas as pd
# Load the OpenFlights dataset
url = 'https://openflights.org/data/routes.dat'
columns = ['airline', 'airline_id', 'source_airport', 'source_airport_id',
'destination_airport', 'destination_airport_id', 'codeshare',
'stops', 'equipment']
flight_data = pd.read_csv(url, names=columns)
print(flight_data.head())
```
#### Features:
- Access to airline routes and airports worldwide
- No real-time data, but useful for research and static data needs
---
### Which Option is Right for You?
- **OpenSky Network** is the best option if you want real-time data without a credit card.
- **ADS-B Exchange** is a great choice if you want real-time tracking without restrictions.
- **AviationStack** is useful if you're okay with a freemium model and limited requests per month.
- **OpenFlights Dataset** is useful for research and non-real-time data.
If you need help setting up any of these APIs or working with the data, let me know!
From Blogger iPhone client