Customer Reviews (100)

Its Mee • 2025-03-25T06:14:00.658Z

Cost is a massive NO. Waaay too much for what it does.

Dushan Hasaranga • 2025-03-25T05:19:44.560Z

After the new update(10.8.0) filter error fixed

Adnanjaan Siyal • 2025-03-25T02:44:46.379Z

Amazing Around world

Summary of Key Insights

Flightradar24 Flight Tracker is a popular app with generally positive sentiment, as evidenced by a high percentage of 5-star reviews (71%). Users appreciate its accuracy, ease of use, and ability to track flights of loved ones. However, negative reviews highlight concerns regarding intrusive advertising, increasing subscription costs, and, most notably, the recent change in policy regarding the sharing of location data with third parties. These issues are significantly impacting user trust and leading to uninstalls. The app's strengths lie in its core functionality and the wealth of flight data it provides, while weaknesses stem from monetization strategies that negatively affect the user experience.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating (estimated based on distribution): ~4.3 stars (weighted average)
  • 5-star: 71%
  • 4-star: 7%
  • 3-star: 3%
  • 2-star: 4%
  • 1-star: 15%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but inferred to be recent based on mentions of specific app versions (e.g., 10.8.0) and policy changes.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment analysis (qualitative assessment of review tone)
    • Keyword extraction (identification of frequently mentioned terms and topics)
    • Frequency analysis (counting the occurrences of specific issues and feature requests)

Key User Pain Points

  • Intrusive Advertising: Many users complain about the frequency, loudness, and disruptive nature of ads, especially full-screen ads that appear unexpectedly. This is a significant detractor from the user experience, even for users of the free version.
  • Location Data Sharing: The recent policy change allowing the sharing of location data with third parties is a major concern, leading to loss of trust and uninstalls. Users perceive this as a privacy violation and a greedy practice.
  • Subscription Costs: Some users find the subscription costs too high, especially in light of perceived limited information or recent price increases.
  • Pro Version Issues: Users who previously paid for the "pro" version are reporting that they are now seeing ads, indicating a potential problem with account recognition or subscription management.
  • Missing Liveries: One user reports that liveries are not visible for certain aircraft types (A320 and Boeing 787).
  • Loading Screens: Some users report excessive loading screens.
  • Functionality locked behind paywall: Some users report features previously free are now locked behind a paywall.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Google Play Pay as Payment Method: One user specifically requested Google Play Pay as a payment option for subscriptions.
  • Reduced Ad Frequency: Multiple users indirectly request this by complaining about the current ad frequency.
  • Passenger Number: One user requested the app to show the total number of passengers traveling in a flight.
  • Better instructions for beginners: One user requested better instructions, especially for paying users.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Accuracy: Users consistently praise the app's accuracy in tracking flights.
  • Ease of Use: Many users find the app straightforward and easy to use.
  • Real-Time Tracking: The ability to watch aircraft move in real-time is a popular feature.
  • Flight Information: Users appreciate the detailed flight information provided, including route, ETA, aircraft type, speed, and altitude.
  • Tracking Loved Ones: The app is frequently used to track the flights of family and friends.
  • Helpful in Various Situations: Users find the app helpful for various purposes, including hobbyist aviation tracking, managing travel plans, and identifying aircraft overhead.
  • Local and Global Coverage: Users appreciate the app's extensive coverage.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Location Data Sharing Concerns: Re-evaluate the policy of sharing location data with third parties. Consider offering a clear and easily accessible opt-out option, or explore alternative monetization strategies that do not compromise user privacy. Be transparent about data usage.
  • Reduce Ad Intrusiveness: Implement less disruptive ad formats and reduce the frequency of ads, especially full-screen ads. Consider offering a "lite" paid version with minimal ads at a lower price point.
  • Resolve Pro Version Issues: Investigate and fix the issue where users who previously paid for the "pro" version are now seeing ads. Ensure proper account recognition and subscription management.

Medium Priority:

  • Re-evaluate Subscription Pricing: Analyze subscription pricing in relation to the value provided and competitor offerings. Consider offering more flexible subscription options.
  • Fix Missing Liveries: Address the reported issue of missing liveries for A320 and Boeing 787 aircraft.
  • Optimize App Performance: Investigate and address reports of excessive loading screens.
  • Improve Onboarding and Instructions: Provide better instructions for new users, especially those who are paying subscribers.

Low Priority:

  • Consider Google Play Pay: Evaluate the feasibility of offering Google Play Pay as a payment option.
  • Explore Displaying Passenger Number: Investigate the possibility of displaying passenger numbers, considering data availability and privacy implications.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Privacy-Focused Flight Tracker: A flight tracking app that prioritizes user privacy and offers a transparent and ethical monetization model.
  • Customizable Ad Experience: An app that allows users to customize their ad experience, such as choosing the types of ads they see or the frequency of ads.
  • Gamified Flight Tracking: An app that incorporates gamification elements to make flight tracking more engaging and interactive.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Positive Sentiment: The app enjoys a generally positive reputation, but negative sentiment is increasing due to recent changes.
  • Privacy Concerns are Dominant: The issue of location data sharing is the most significant and recurring concern among negative reviews.
  • Monetization Backlash: Aggressive monetization strategies (ads, subscription costs) are negatively impacting user perception and driving users away.
  • Fixes acknowledged: The user noting the filter error being fixed shows the developers do listen and respond.

Conclusion

Flightradar24 is a valuable and well-regarded app, but recent decisions regarding monetization and data privacy are eroding user trust and negatively impacting the user experience. Addressing these concerns should be the top priority to maintain the app's popularity and prevent further user attrition. Balancing revenue generation with user satisfaction is crucial for the long-term success of the app. Prioritizing user privacy and providing a less intrusive ad experience will be key to regaining user trust and maintaining a positive reputation.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flightradar24free