Show HN: Will my flight have Starlink?

Introduction to In-Flight Starlink

As a frequent flyer, I've had the opportunity to experience the game-changing power of Starlink on a flight. For those who haven't been as lucky, Starlink is a satellite-based internet connectivity system that provides fast and reliable internet access on flights. However, its availability can be patchy and hard to predict. To address this issue, a team has built a database of airlines that have rolled out Starlink, along with a flight search tool to predict its availability.

How the Flight Search Tool Works

The tool, available at https://stardrift.ai/starlink, allows users to plug in a flight number and date to estimate the likelihood of Starlink being available on-board. The tool checks three key factors in order:

• Does the airline have Starlink?
• Does the aircraft body have Starlink?
• Does the specific aircraft have Starlink?

Only a handful of airlines, including United, Hawaiian, Alaskan, Air France, Qatar, and JSX, have rolled out Starlink so far. If an aircraft is operated by any other airline, the tool can immediately issue a blanket "no". The tool also checks the actual aircraft body and tail number to provide a more accurate prediction.

The Importance of Tail Numbers

The tail number, equivalent to a license plate for planes, is usually assigned only a few days before a flight. Before that, the tool calculates the probability of the plane being assigned an aircraft with Starlink enabled. To achieve this, the team built a mapping of aircraft tails to Starlink status, relying on data from online airline enthusiasts who maintain meticulous spreadsheets and forum threads.

The Technology Behind Starlink

Starlink itself is a remarkable technology that has made in-flight internet connectivity a reality. I've written a separate blog post on why Starlink stands out from other aircraft wifi options. In short, Starlink's performance is great, making it well worth planning flights around it when possible.

Current Availability and Future Prospects

Currently, the best options for experiencing Starlink in the US are on United regional flights and JSX/Hawaiian. Internationally, Qatar is the top option, followed by Air France. However, as more airlines roll out Starlink, this landscape is expected to change throughout the year. The team will continue to update their database to reflect these changes.

Who is this for?

This tool is perfect for frequent flyers who want to stay connected and productive during their flights. Whether you're a business traveler or simply someone who wants to stay entertained during long flights, the ability to predict Starlink availability can be a game-changer. With the tool's ability to estimate the likelihood of Starlink on a given flight, you can plan your travels accordingly and make the most of your in-flight experience.

What do you think about the potential of Starlink to revolutionize in-flight connectivity? Have you had a chance to experience it on a flight? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!