ForeFlight is a subscription service for pilots, not a banking product

ForeFlight is a flight-planning and navigation app made by Boeing for pilots. It is not a financial account, loan, or banking service — it is software you pay for monthly or yearly to access charts, weather data, flight-planning tools, and moving-map navigation on a tablet or phone. If you are reading this because you saw a charge on your bank statement, this section explains what that charge is for.

ForeFlight works on iPad and Android tablets. Pilots use it to file flight plans, check weather before takeoff, see real-time aircraft position on a moving map, and access approach plates and airport diagrams. The app pulls data from the FAA and other aviation sources. You need an active subscription to use most of its features.

The subscription is optional — pilots can use paper charts and other free tools instead. But most general aviation pilots who fly regularly subscribe because the app is faster and more reliable than paper for flight planning and in-flight navigation.

Key Takeaways

  • ForeFlight charges a monthly or annual subscription fee; the exact price depends on which plan tier you choose and whether you add optional features like synthetic vision or weather radar.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time, and the charge will stop appearing on your next billing cycle.
  • ForeFlight requires an internet connection to read charts and weather before flight, but the app works offline once data is loaded.
  • If you see a ForeFlight charge on your bank or credit card statement and did not authorize it, contact your bank to dispute it or contact ForeFlight support to check your account.

ForeFlight subscription tiers and what each costs

ForeFlight offers three main subscription levels. The exact price varies by region and changes periodically, so you should check ForeFlight's website for current rates. Each tier includes different features and data sources.

Basic (sometimes called Standard) includes access to charts, airport information, and basic weather. Plus adds real-time weather radar, synthetic vision (a 3D view of terrain), and more detailed weather products. Pro adds features for commercial operators, including crew scheduling and dispatch tools.

You can also add optional modules on top of any tier — for example, weather radar or advanced weather products — which increase the monthly cost. ForeFlight also offers a free tier with limited features, but most pilots who fly regularly pay for a subscription.

How to check what you are paying for ForeFlight

If you have a ForeFlight account, log in at foreflight.com and go to your account settings or subscription page. You will see your current plan, the next billing date, and the amount you are charged each month or year.

If you see a ForeFlight charge on your bank or credit card statement but do not remember signing up, check your email for a receipt or confirmation. If you did not authorize the charge, contact your bank or card issuer to report it. You can also contact ForeFlight support directly at their website to ask whether an account exists under your name or email.

How to cancel a ForeFlight subscription

Log in to your ForeFlight account at foreflight.com. Go to your account settings or subscription page and look for a "Cancel Subscription" or "Manage Subscription" button. Click it and follow the prompts to confirm cancellation.

Cancellation usually takes effect at the end of your current billing period. If you were charged for a month or year you no longer want, contact ForeFlight support to ask about a refund — their policy varies depending on how long ago you were charged.

Why ForeFlight appears on your bank statement

ForeFlight charges appear under the company name "ForeFlight" or sometimes under "Boeing" (the parent company) on your bank or credit card statement. The charge recurs monthly or yearly depending on which billing cycle you chose when you signed up.

If you share a device or account with another pilot, someone else may have set up the subscription without telling you. If you are the account holder and did not authorize the charge, change your password when ready and contact ForeFlight support.

What happens if you stop paying for ForeFlight

If your payment method fails or you do not renew your subscription, your account will lose access to most features. You will not be able to read new charts or weather data. Any charts or data already on your device will remain, but they will become outdated.

ForeFlight usually sends email reminders before your subscription expires. If you want to keep using the app, update your payment method or renew before the expiration date. If you let it lapse and want to resubscribe later, you can do so at any time.

ForeFlight subscription vs. other pilot tools

ForeFlight is one option among several. Garmin Pilot and FltPlan Go are competing apps with similar features and different pricing. Foreflight is generally considered the most widely used, but not every pilot uses it.

Some pilots use only free tools like the FAA's own resources, paper charts, and free weather sites. Others use a combination — for example, ForeFlight for flight planning and a free app for weather. The choice depends on how often you fly, what aircraft you fly, and your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ForeFlight without paying?

ForeFlight offers a free tier with limited features — basic charts and airport information, but no weather radar or synthetic vision. Most pilots who fly regularly find the free version too limited and pay for a subscription. You can try the free version first to see if it meets your needs.

Does ForeFlight work without internet?

ForeFlight requires internet to read charts and weather before your flight. Once you have downloaded the data to your device, the app works offline during flight. You cannot read new charts or weather updates while flying without a connection.

What if I was charged for ForeFlight but I do not fly?

If someone else set up the subscription on a shared device or account, contact ForeFlight support to confirm who created it. If you authorized it and forgot, you can cancel anytime. If it was truly unauthorized, contact your bank to dispute the charge.

Can I get a refund for ForeFlight charges?

ForeFlight's refund policy depends on how recently you were charged and the reason for the request. Contact their support team with your account details and billing date. Some charges may be refundable within a certain window; others may not be.

Does ForeFlight work on my phone?

ForeFlight works on iPad and Android tablets. It does not work on phones because the screen is too small for safe in-flight use. You need a tablet to run ForeFlight.