Key facts
- United's Starlink WiFi Tracker tool launched Thursday.
- Starlink is available on 639 aircraft, 43% of United's fleet.
- Starlink is on all regional planes and about a third of narrow-body planes.
- Only six of 248 wide-body planes have Starlink.
- United aims to complete Starlink installations by the end of 2027.
United Airlines has made it easier for passengers to determine if their flight will be equipped with Starlink's high-speed internet service through a new tool called the Starlink WiFi Tracker. Launched on Thursday, the tool allows customers to enter their flight number up to three days before departure to check for Starlink availability. United stated that the tool is updated in real time to reflect last-minute aircraft changes. As of Thursday morning, 639 aircraft, representing about 43% of United's fleet, have been equipped with the service. This includes all of its regional United Express planes and approximately one-third of its narrow-body aircraft. However, Starlink is currently installed on only six of its 248 wide-body airplanes, which are used for long-haul flights. United is installing the service on about 20 aircraft per week, with a goal to complete the fleet-wide installation by the end of 2027. The airline also noted that nearly half of its daily departures across its seven hubs are equipped with Starlink, with Chicago O'Hare leading at 54% and San Francisco at 36%.