Flying has long been the backbone of efficient travel in the Pokemon world. What started as a specific move taught to a bird Pokemon has evolved into a sophisticated network of taxi services, rideable legendary mounts, and high-tech map applications. Whether navigating the sprawling wilderness of Paldea or the classic routes of Kanto, understanding the specific mechanics of flight is essential for any trainer looking to optimize their journey.

The Modern Era: Scarlet, Violet, and Legends Z-A

In the current landscape of Pokemon gaming, the traditional concept of teaching a move to a party member has largely been replaced by integrated ride systems and automated services.

Paldea's Flying Taxi Service

In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the ability to fly is accessible almost immediately after obtaining the Rotom Phone. Unlike earlier generations where flight was a mid-game reward, the Flying Taxi service in Paldea allows players to fast travel to any previously visited Pokemon Center or landmark. To use this, simply open the map app on the Rotom Phone, hover over a blue wing icon (representing a visited location), and select the "Fly here" option.

Crucially, this service is facilitated by a flock of Squawkabilly. One of the major upgrades in this generation is the ability to use the Flying Taxi even from within certain caves or the depths of Area Zero, a significant quality-of-life improvement over the Galar region's restrictions.

Koraidon and Miraidon: From Gliding to Full Flight

While the Flying Taxi handles teleportation, manual aerial exploration is tied to the box legendary Pokemon, Koraidon or Miraidon. Initially, these mounts only possess a limited "Glide" ability, which is unlocked after defeating the Stony Cliff Titan (Klawf). However, true manual flight is a late-game feature.

Following the events at the Blueberry Academy in the Indigo Disk expansion, players can unlock the permanent ability for their legendary mount to fly freely at any altitude. This is triggered by a specific challenge and allows for complete vertical and horizontal freedom, making the search for Gimmighoul coins or rare spawns significantly easier. To toggle between gliding and flying, players typically click the left joystick while in the air.

Fast Travel in Legends: Z-A

Moving into the urban landscape of Lumiose City in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, flight mechanics take on a more localized, structured form. Similar to the Arc Phone in Legends: Arceus, players utilize the Rotom Phone's map interface to jump between established hubs and sectors within the city. The emphasis here is on rapid transit within a dense environment, though specific ride Pokemon are utilized for aerial perspectives over the developing cityscape.

The Transition Years: Sword, Shield, and BDSP

The move away from Hidden Machines (HMs) reached its peak in the Galar and Sinnoh remake era.

Galar’s Corviknight Taxi

In Pokemon Sword and Shield, the Flying Taxi is introduced early in Motostoke. Operated by a Corviknight, this service provides free fast travel to any town or visited attraction. Unlike Paldea, Galar’s taxi service is strictly prohibited indoors or in areas without a clear sky view. The expansion passes for the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra extended this service, allowing trainers to move seamlessly between the mainland and the new territories.

Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: The Poketch Solution

For those playing the Sinnoh remakes, the developers returned to the HM02 move but removed the requirement to teach it to a party member. Once you obtain TM94 (Fly) from the Galactic Warehouse in Veilstone City, the move is added to the Hidden Moves app on your Poketch.

When you select a destination on the map, the game summons a wild Staraptor to carry you. This preserved the nostalgic progression of needing a specific badge—in this case, the Cobble Badge from Maylene—without the burden of wasting a move slot on a competitive Pokemon.

The Classic HM Era: Gens 1 through 6

For trainers revisiting classic titles or playing on legacy hardware, flight is a more involved process. It requires finding the HM, teaching it to a compatible Pokemon, and earning the correct Gym Badge to use it outside of battle.

Kanto (Red, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, LeafGreen)

In the original Kanto journey, HM02 is famously hidden. Players must travel to Route 16, just west of Celadon City. By using Cut on a small tree, you can access a hidden house where a woman gives you the HM to keep her secret retreat a mystery.

  • Requirement: Thunder Badge (Lt. Surge).
  • Function: Teleports the player to the front of any previously visited Pokemon Center.

Johto (Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, SoulSilver)

In Johto, the progression is tied to the mid-game story. After defeating Chuck at the Cianwood City Gym, his wife outside the gym gives you HM02 as a reward for your prowess.

  • Requirement: Storm Badge (Chuck).
  • Inter-Regional Travel: In the remakes, players can fly between Kanto and Johto, but only after reaching the Indigo Plateau or specific transit points like Route 26.

Hoenn (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, ORAS)

Hoenn offers one of the most unique takes on flight. Traditionally, HM02 is obtained from your Rival (May or Brendan) on Route 119 after they see your success at the Weather Institute.

  • Requirement: Feather Badge (Winona).
  • Soaring: In Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, a secondary mechanic called "Soar" is introduced. By using the Eon Flute to summon Mega Latios or Mega Latias, players can manually fly over the Hoenn map in real-time, engaging in aerial battles and accessing "Mirage Spots" that are otherwise unreachable.

Sinnoh (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum)

As mentioned in the BDSP section, the original Sinnoh games require finding the HM in the Galactic Warehouse in Veilstone City. In Platinum, the warehouse layout is slightly different, but the reward remains the same.

  • Requirement: Cobble Badge (Maylene).

Unova (Black, White, B2W2)

In Unova, the HM02 is gifted by Bianca in Driftveil City after you assist with a Team Plasma event. In the sequels, the player receives it from Skyla after defeating her at the Mistralton Gym.

  • Requirement: Jet Badge (Skyla).

Kalos (X and Y)

Professor Sycamore's assistants give the player HM02 in Courmarine City. This generation maintained the standard HM rules before the massive shift in the Alola region.

  • Requirement: Plant Badge (Ramos).

The Experimental Phase: Alola and Let’s Go

Gen 7 represented a radical departure from the HM system, testing the waters for the modern taxi systems we see today.

Alola: Charizard Glide

In Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, the Poke Ride system replaced HMs entirely. By summoning a Charizard via the Ride Pager, players can fly to any visited location. This Charizard is not a member of your party and does not take up a slot, solving the "HM Slave" problem that had plagued the series for decades.

Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee: Sky Dash

These games introduced "Secret Techniques" (TS). The technique for flight is called Sky Dash. It is learned from the proprietor of the Gaming Corner in Celadon City. Furthermore, after becoming the Champion, certain Pokemon like Charizard, Dragonite, and Aerodactyl can be taken out of their Poke Balls to fly over routes, bypassing trainers and obstacles in real-time.

Combat Analysis of the Move "Fly"

Beyond its utility for travel, Fly is a viable physical Flying-type move in competitive and casual play. Understanding its mechanics can help in difficult Gym battles or online matches.

  • Type: Flying
  • Category: Physical
  • Power: 90 (70 in earlier generations)
  • Accuracy: 95%
  • PP: 15 (Max 24)

The Two-Turn Mechanic

On the first turn, the user soars high, becoming invulnerable to most attacks. On the second turn, it strikes the target.

Vulnerabilities: While "in the air," the user can still be hit by certain moves:

  • Gust and Twister: These moves deal double damage to a flying target.
  • Thunder, Hurricane, Smack Down, and Sky Uppercut: These bypass the invulnerability and hit with standard or increased effect.
  • No Guard Ability: Pokemon with No Guard (like Machamp) will always hit a soaring target.

Strategic Tip: To maximize the effectiveness of Fly in battle, players often use a Power Herb. This single-use item allows the Pokemon to complete the move in a single turn, surprising opponents who expected a turn to set up or switch.

Which Pokemon Can Learn Fly?

While most bird-like Pokemon are obvious candidates, the list of Pokemon capable of learning Fly is surprisingly diverse. It includes:

  1. Standard Flying-types: Pidgeot, Staraptor, Corviknight, Talonflame.
  2. Dragon-types: Dragonite, Salamence, Rayquaza, Hydreigon.
  3. Surprises: Golurk (who uses rockets in its legs), Mew (who can learn all TMs/HMs), and even Dodrio (despite lacking visible wings, it jumps high enough to simulate flight).

In modern games like Scarlet and Violet, Fly is taught via TM097. This TM is often found in the wild or crafted at a TM Machine using materials like Squawkabilly Feathers and Rufflet Feathers.

Troubleshooting: Why Can't I Fly?

If you find yourself stuck on the ground, check for these common inhibitors:

  • Unvisited Locations: You can only fly to places you have physically entered at least once. If a city icon on your map isn't highlighted or doesn't have a wing icon, you must walk or ride there first.
  • Indoor Restrictions: You generally cannot initiate flight from inside buildings, caves (except in Paldea), or Gyms. Move to an outdoor route or city street.
  • Badge Requirements: In older games, having the HM isn't enough. You must defeat the specific Gym Leader associated with the move's field use.
  • Story Blocks: Certain plot points (like a bridge being blocked or a city being under siege by a villainous team) may temporarily disable fast travel to that specific location until the conflict is resolved.
  • Special Areas: Some locations, like the Battle Frontier or certain isolated islands, require specific transport (like a ferry) before they can be added to the flight map.

Conclusion: Selecting Your Best Flight Path

The evolution of Pokemon flight has consistently moved toward player convenience. In the earliest games, flight was a precious resource that required careful party management. In 2026, it is a seamless part of the open-world experience, allowing trainers to focus more on catching and battling rather than trekking through tall grass for the tenth time. Whether you prefer the classic feel of a Pidgeot or the high-tech efficiency of a Rotom Taxi, mastering flight is the first step toward becoming a truly mobile Pokemon Master.