If you've ever sat in San Francisco International (SFO) waiting for a direct shot to New Delhi, you know the vibe. It’s a mix of nervous excitement and that slight dread of being stuck in a metal tube for 16-plus hours. But lately, tracking ai174 tracking live status has become a bit of a sport for travelers. This isn't just a standard flight; it’s one of the longest commercial routes in the world, and it carries a lot of logistical weight.
Honestly, the AI174 is a bit of a legend, for better or worse. It’s the flight that connects the Silicon Valley crowd with India’s capital, usually using a massive Boeing 777. But if you’re looking at the flight board today, you might notice something weird. The schedule isn't always a straight line.
What’s the Deal with the AI174 Route?
Most people assume AI174 is just a simple hop from SFO to DEL. It used to be a flagship non-stop. However, if you look at the ai174 tracking live status right now, you might see it stopping in Vienna (VIE).
Wait, Vienna?
Yeah, exactly. Air India has been shuffling its long-haul strategy. Depending on the day of the week, AI174 might be operating as a multi-leg journey. One day it's SFO to Vienna, and the next leg is Vienna to Delhi. It’s kind of a headache if you weren't expecting a layover in Austria when you thought you were going direct.
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This change usually stems from a mix of operational needs, crew rotations, or even avoiding specific airspaces. For example, back in late 2025 and moving into 2026, we've seen these flights frequently "tech-stop" or transition through European hubs.
The Punctuality Problem
Let's be real: Air India’s long-haul flights have a "reputation." According to recent data from sites like FlightAware and FlightStats, the AI174 doesn't exactly have a 100% on-time record. In fact, some months show a punctuality rate hovering around 40-50%.
That’s... not great.
You might see "Delayed" more often than "On Time" when you check the ai174 tracking live status. Most of these delays aren't just 15 minutes; we’re talking 2 to 4 hours on average. Why? Well, when you’re flying an older Boeing 777-300ER across the North Pole or the Atlantic, any tiny mechanical hiccup causes a massive ripple effect. If the plane arrives late from Delhi as AI173, it’s almost certainly going to depart late as AI174.
How to Get the Best AI174 Tracking Live Status
If you’re the one picking up a family member or you’re the poor soul sitting at Gate A1 in SFO, you need more than just the airline's website. Air India’s own tracker is, frankly, a bit laggy. It’s better to use third-party tools that pull data directly from ADS-B transponders.
- FlightRadar24: This is the gold standard. You can literally watch the little yellow plane icon crawl across the map. It’s great for seeing if the plane is taking a "Polar" route or a "Trans-Atlantic" route.
- FlightAware: This is better for "historical" data. If you want to see if the flight has been late every day this week (it probably has), this is your tool. It also gives you the "Where is my plane?" feature, which shows you where the aircraft is before it even becomes AI174.
- Google Search: Just typing "AI174 flight status" into Google usually gives you a quick snippet. It's fast, but sometimes it misses the "Estimated" versus "Scheduled" nuances.
A Quick Reality Check on the Aircraft
Most AI174 flights are currently operated by the Boeing 777-300ER. These planes are workhorses, but they aren't exactly "new." Some of the tail numbers in this fleet are over 15 years old.
Why does this matter for tracking? Because older planes mean more "technical snags."
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There was a pretty famous (or infamous) incident in late 2025 where an AI174 flight had to divert to Mongolia because of an oil issue. Passengers were stuck for hours while the embassy scrambled to get them visas. While that’s an extreme case, it’s the reason why checking the ai174 tracking live status 24 hours before you head to the airport is basically mandatory.
Making Sense of the Timings
Basically, the flight usually departs SFO in the mid-afternoon, around 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM PST. If it’s the "direct" version, you’re looking at an arrival in Delhi around 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM, two days later.
Remember the time zone jump. You’re crossing the International Date Line. You lose a day, then you gain some hours, and by the time you land, your internal clock is basically mush.
If the flight is stopping in Vienna, the timing shifts. You’ll leave SFO, fly about 11 hours to Vienna, sit there for a few hours, and then do another 7-8 hour leg to Delhi. It turns a 16-hour flight into a 22-hour odyssey.
Survival Tips for the AI174
Look, if you're on this flight, tracking the status is only half the battle. You’ve also got to survive the cabin. Here’s the expert take:
1. Don't trust the "On Time" status until the doors close.
I've seen AI174 show "On Time" while the plane was still being fueled and the crew hadn't even boarded. Trust your eyes at the gate more than the app.
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2. Watch the "Incoming" flight.
Search for AI173 (Delhi to SFO). If AI173 is three hours late landing in San Francisco, there is a 99% chance your AI174 departure will be at least three hours late. The plane needs time to be cleaned, fueled, and catered.
3. Pack for a long one.
Given the track record, assume there will be a delay. Bring a power bank. Air India's in-seat power outlets on the 777s are notoriously hit-or-miss. Sometimes they work, sometimes they just stare at you mockingly.
4. The Vienna Factor.
If your ai174 tracking live status shows a VIE stop, check if you need a transit visa. Usually, for Indian or US passport holders staying airside, you're fine, but it’s always worth a double-check if the layover is long.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are flying within the next 48 hours, here is exactly what you should do:
- Download the FlightRadar24 app and set an alert for "AI174" and "AIC174" (the callsign).
- Check the tail number. Once the flight is assigned an aircraft, look up that specific plane's history. If it’s been having issues all week, be mentally prepared.
- Monitor AI173. This is the "feeder" flight. If it’s stuck in Delhi, you aren't leaving SFO on time.
- Verify your terminal. AI174 usually departs from Terminal I (International) at SFO, but gates can change from A to G at the last minute.
Checking the ai174 tracking live status isn't just about knowing when to leave for the airport; it’s about managing your expectations for one of the most unpredictable long-haul routes in the sky.