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Import from OpenFlights

Import your flight history from the OpenFlights open-source flight logging system.

About OpenFlights​

OpenFlights is an open-source flight logging tool that many aviation enthusiasts use. SkyJourney supports importing from their standard CSV format.

Export from OpenFlights​

Step 1: Access OpenFlights​

  1. Go to OpenFlights.org
  2. Log in to your account
  3. Navigate to your flight list

Step 2: Export Your Data​

  1. Click Export or Download

  2. Select CSV format

  3. Choose export options:

    • All flights
    • Date range
    • Specific filters

  4. Download the CSV file

Step 3: Save the File​

  • Save to your computer
  • Note the file location
  • Keep as backup

Import to SkyJourney​

Step 1: Start Import Process​

  1. Log in to SkyJourney
  2. Go to Flights page
  3. Click Add Flight → Import
  4. Select OpenFlights from source dropdown

Step 2: Upload CSV File​

  1. Click Choose File button
  2. Navigate to your OpenFlights CSV
  3. Select the file
  4. Click Upload

Step 3: Processing​

SkyJourney will:

  • Parse the OpenFlights CSV format
  • Extract flight information
  • Validate airport codes
  • Check for potential duplicates
  • Calculate statistics

Step 4: Review Import​

Before confirming:

  • Check number of flights detected
  • Review any errors or warnings
  • Preview sample flights
  • Verify data accuracy

Step 5: Complete Import​

  1. Click Import Flights
  2. Wait for processing (may take a minute for large imports)
  3. See confirmation message
  4. View your imported flights

What Gets Imported​

OpenFlights data typically includes:

Imported Fields​

  • ✅ Flight number
  • ✅ Airline (IATA/ICAO code)
  • ✅ Source airport (IATA/ICAO)
  • ✅ Destination airport (IATA/ICAO)
  • ✅ Date of flight
  • ✅ Aircraft type
  • ✅ Registration (tail number)
  • ✅ Seat number
  • ✅ Seat class
  • ✅ Trip/reason
  • ✅ Distance
  • ✅ Duration

Not Imported​

  • ❌ OpenFlights-specific IDs
  • ❌ Custom fields not in standard format

OpenFlights CSV Format​

Standard OpenFlights format:

Year,Month,Day,Flight,Airline,From,To,Aircraft,Seat,Class,Reason,Registration
2024,01,15,AA100,American Airlines,JFK,LAX,738,12A,Y,Business,N12345

SkyJourney understands this format automatically.

After Importing​

Verify Your Data​

Check a sample of flights:

  1. Open a few random flights
  2. Verify airports are correct
  3. Check dates and times
  4. Confirm airlines match

Enhance Imported Data​

Add missing information:

  • Times: OpenFlights may not have exact times - add if known
  • Prices: Add ticket costs for expense tracking
  • Notes: Add personal memories
  • Photos: Attach boarding passes (Premium)

Update Profile​

With more data:

Handling Duplicates​

If you've imported flights before:

Duplicate Detection​

SkyJourney checks for duplicates using:

  • Flight number
  • Date
  • Route (airports)

If Duplicates Found​

You can:

  • Skip duplicate flights
  • Import anyway (creates duplicate)
  • Review individually

After Import​

Delete duplicate flights manually if needed.

Troubleshooting​

File Not Recognized​

Problem: CSV format not recognized

Solution:

  • Ensure file is from OpenFlights export
  • Don't edit the CSV in Excel (can change format)
  • Use original export file
  • Check file encoding (should be UTF-8)

Missing Flights After Import​

Problem: Not all flights imported

Reasons:

  • Some rows had errors
  • Invalid airport codes
  • Duplicate detection removed them
  • File was incomplete

Solution:

  • Check import error log
  • Manually add missing flights
  • Re-export from OpenFlights

Airport Codes Not Found​

Problem: Some airports not recognized

Solution:

  • OpenFlights uses IATA/ICAO codes
  • Small airports may not be in SkyJourney database
  • Edit flights after import to correct
  • Report missing airports to support

Data Differences​

OpenFlights vs SkyJourney​

Time Data:

  • OpenFlights: Often just dates
  • SkyJourney: Prefers full timestamps
  • Add times after import for accuracy

Aircraft Data:

  • OpenFlights: Type code (e.g., "738")
  • SkyJourney: Full name (e.g., "Boeing 737-800")
  • Usually matched automatically

Class Codes:

  • Y = Economy
  • W = Economy Plus
  • C = Business
  • F = First
  • P = Private

Best Practices​

Successful Import
  • Clean data first: Fix errors in OpenFlights before exporting
  • Don't edit CSV: Excel can corrupt the format
  • Test small first: Try importing recent flights as a test
  • Backup: Keep your OpenFlights data as backup
  • Enhance after: Add missing details after import

Continuing to Use OpenFlights​

You can:

  • Keep using both platforms
  • Export from OpenFlights periodically
  • Import updates to SkyJourney
  • Use SkyJourney for new flights

Or:

  • Fully migrate to SkyJourney
  • Use advanced features
  • Enjoy better visualizations

Advantages of SkyJourney​

After migrating:

  • ✨ Modern interface
  • ✨ Advanced statistics
  • ✨ Social features
  • ✨ Mobile-friendly
  • ✨ Active development
  • ✨ Premium features

Next Steps​

Need Help?​