United’s New Starlink WiFi Tracker Makes It Easier to Check Your Flight

United Airlines released a tool called the Starlink WiFi Tracker, giving travelers a clearer way to see whether their flight is scheduled to include Starlink internet. Passengers can enter a flight number up to 3 days before departure to check availability.

The airline says the tracker includes real-time updates for last-minute aircraft changes, though the result is not guaranteed because United can switch planes. United already used texts, emails, and its app for Starlink notifications; the new tool adds a direct way to check before flying.

As of Thursday morning, United said 639 aircraft, or about 43% of its fleet, were equipped with Starlink. That includes all regional aircraft operated under United Express and about a third of other narrow-body aircraft, including planes like the Airbus A321 and Boeing 737.

Wide-body coverage remains limited: Starlink is on six of United’s 248 wide-body airplanes, which operate long-haul flights. United said it is installing Starlink on about 20 aircraft a week and plans to complete installations by the end of 2027.

The tracker also shows the percentage of daily flights departing from each of United’s seven hubs that are equipped with Starlink. Chicago O’Hare leads at 54%, while San Francisco is lowest at 36%.

United said nearly half of its daily departures are now equipped with Starlink. For travelers, the practical takeaway is to check close to departure, especially if WiFi availability is an important part of the trip.

Starlink has become a notable advantage for United because its main rivals do not yet have it. American Airlines plans to install Starlink starting next year, while Delta Air Lines has tapped Amazon Leo.

United is also using WiFi as part of a push to win customers, including an offer matching travelers’ loyalty status on Delta or American. United said thousands of customers signed up within two weeks, status match applications rose 275% compared with before the campaign, and the offer is being extended for another week.