New York – For years, tracking the private jets of billionaires and celebrities has been a favorite pastime of internet sleuths and aviation enthusiasts. Whether it was Elon Musk’s Gulfstream making rapid stops between tech hubs or Taylor Swift’s jet landing in a new city ahead of a surprise appearance, online flight trackers made it easy to follow the world’s most high-profile figures. However, that era may soon come to an end.
A new rule from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) now allows private aircraft owners—including Musk, Swift, and other VIPs—to request that their flight data be shielded from public databases. This means that the digital breadcrumbs that once enabled fans, journalists, and even corporate spies to monitor their every takeoff and landing could soon disappear.
A New Era of Private Jet Secrecy
For years, social media accounts dedicated to tracking private jets have functioned like real-time paparazzi in the skies. High-profile accounts on X (formerly Twitter) provided up-to-the-minute updates on the movements of celebrities, tech moguls, and politicians. These flight logs even sparked speculation about secret business meetings, potential deals, and surprise concert locations.
A timelapse of everywhere Taylor Swift’s two private jets flew in 2023
— Aviation (@webflite) May 13, 2024@SwiftJetNextDay @Jxck_Sweeney pic.twitter.com/ETLm8HvFnU
Not everyone, however, appreciated the constant scrutiny. Elon Musk, one of the most frequently tracked individuals, has openly voiced frustration over flight tracking. After acquiring Twitter, he famously banned multiple accounts that shared real-time jet locations—including one that tracked his own plane. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift’s legal team has aggressively pursued jet trackers, citing serious safety concerns over the public availability of her travel details.
The Battle Between Privacy and Public Interest
The FAA’s latest ruling has ignited a fierce debate between aviation groups and transparency advocates. Supporters of the policy argue that public flight tracking has evolved into a major security risk. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), which lobbied for the change, praised Congress for addressing the dangers of “flight stalking”.“Security is a huge issue for companies large and small, all across the country”, said NBAA CEO Ed Bolen. “This is a necessary step to protect business leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals from potential threats”.
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) February 7, 2024
DEVELOPING: Taylor Swift sells her private plane amid flight-tracking drama.
Taylor Swift has parted ways with one of her private jets amid news that she’s demanding people stop tracking her flights.
The Federal Aviation Authority’s website confirmed the singer’s… pic.twitter.com/SarMduhLGL
On the other hand, critics worry that the move will hinder efforts to hold influential figures accountable. Flight tracking has been an essential tool for journalists and watchdog organizations investigating everything from corporate jet misuse to environmental hypocrisy. In 2023, Swift faced widespread criticism over her carbon footprint after trackers exposed the staggering emissions from her private plane. Without access to such data, transparency advocates argue, the public loses a powerful tool for oversight.
The Future of Flight Tracking
Starting this week, private aircraft owners can officially apply to have their names and addresses removed from FAA databases. The agency has also hinted at the possibility of making these privacy protections automatic, restricting access to flight data to jet owners alone. However, the FAA is still seeking public input on how these changes might impact critical functions like safety checks and regulatory compliance.
Meanwhile, flight-tracking enthusiasts are already exploring possible workarounds. Some argue that ADS-B technology, which continuously broadcasts aircraft locations, will still provide some tracking capabilities—albeit in a more limited form. Others speculate that independent aviation networks and international data sources may continue offering glimpses into the movements of the ultra-wealthy and famous.
For now, one thing is certain: If you’re trying to find out where Elon Musk’s jet is headed next or whether Taylor Swift is en route to a secret concert location, it’s about to get a whole lot harder.
