I just wanted a simple way to see my flights on a map, so I built my own web app

Source: Dev.to

Why I Built the App

I wanted a simple way to track my flights and see them on a map—nothing more. Existing apps were slow, required accounts, and forced me to input unnecessary details (profiles, full itineraries, seat numbers, loyalty programs, etc.). I just needed quick answers to questions like:

• What does this route look like on a map?
• How far is this flight?
• How does it connect with my other trips?

Design Principles

1. Ask only for mandatory information – everything else is optional.
2. Keep the experience frictionless – no mandatory sign‑up, no long onboarding.

Core Goals

• Add flights quickly.
• See them instantly on a map.
• Use the app offline if needed.
• Download an image of the map for saving or sharing.

The idea was to create a tool you could open, use for a minute, get what you need, and close—no commitment required. An account is optional for long‑term saving, but most users won’t need one.

Technical Overview

• Built with React and Vite.
• Simple, lightweight front‑end with no unnecessary dependencies.

Launch & Early Feedback

• Launched, shared on social media, and submitted to Product Hunt.
• Initial traffic was very slow: a few visits and clicks.
• Bing indexed the site faster than Google, which was confusing and a bit discouraging.

Lessons Learned

• Shipping is only step one; distribution is a separate challenge.
• SEO takes time—new sites may not rank quickly even with best practices.
• Reducing friction matters—forced sign‑ups drive users away.
• Building something you personally need is still valuable; it validates the problem.

Ongoing Work

• Improving performance and simplicity.
• Finding better ways to reach the right audience without relying on big growth hacks.

Try It Out

If you’re curious, you can check the tool here: My Flight Routes

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Building something because a handful of small annoyances bother you is a perfectly valid reason to start. You don’t always need to change the world; sometimes removing a little friction is enough.