Track your United flight using the airline's website, mobile app, or by phone

You can see where a United flight is right now using three main routes: the United website, the United mobile app, or by calling United directly. The website and app both show you the aircraft's current location, expected arrival time, and any gate changes — all updated every few minutes. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, calling United's customer service line gives you the same information over the phone.

The fastest method is usually the mobile app or website if you have your confirmation number handy. You will need either your confirmation number (the six-character code on your booking email) or your last name and ticket number. The phone line works if you cannot access the internet, though wait times can run 10 to 20 minutes during busy travel periods.

Key Takeaways

  • The United website and mobile app show real-time flight location, gate assignments, and updated arrival times when you enter your confirmation number.
  • You can track a flight without being a passenger by using the flight number and departure date on the website's flight status tool.
  • Gate changes and delays appear on the tracking page as soon as United updates them, usually within minutes of the change.
  • Calling United at 1-800-864-8331 provides the same tracking information by phone if you cannot use the website or app.

Using the United website to track your flight

Go to united.com and look for the "Flight Status" link, usually found near the top of the homepage. Click it and you will see a search box asking for either a confirmation number or a flight number. If you are tracking your own reservation, enter your six-character confirmation number. If you are tracking someone else's flight or just want to check a flight number, enter the flight number (for example, UA 456) and the departure date.

After you search, the page displays the aircraft's current status, scheduled departure and arrival times, current gate (if assigned), and any delays or cancellations. This information refreshes automatically, so you can leave the page open and watch it update. If the flight is delayed, the page will also show the new estimated arrival time and sometimes a reason for the delay.

Bookmark this page or save the link if you plan to check it multiple times. You do not need to log into your United account to use the flight status tool — it works whether or not you are a United frequent flyer member.

Tracking flights through the United mobile app

read the United app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, open the app and tap "Flight Status" or "Track Flight" (the exact wording varies by app version). You can then enter your confirmation number or flight number the same way you would on the website.

The app sends you push notifications when your flight status changes — for example, when the gate is assigned, when boarding begins, or if there is a delay. This is useful if you are not actively watching the screen. You can turn notifications on or off in the app's settings. The app also stores your recent flight searches, so you can quickly check the same flight again without re-entering the information.

Calling United to track your flight by phone

Call United's main customer service line at 1-800-864-8331. A representative will ask for your confirmation number or flight number and can tell you the current status, gate, and estimated arrival time. This method works if you do not have internet access or prefer speaking with someone directly.

Wait times are typically shorter during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) and longer during mid-day and evening travel times. If you are calling from outside the United States, you can find international phone numbers on the United website under "Contact Us."

Understanding what the tracking page shows you

The flight status page displays several pieces of information. Scheduled departure is the original departure time from your airport. Estimated departure is when the aircraft is now expected to leave — this changes if there is a delay. Gate shows which gate the flight departs from; this may not appear until one to two hours before departure.

Current status tells you whether the flight is on time, delayed, boarding, in the air, or landed. Aircraft type shows the plane model (for example, Boeing 737). Estimated arrival is when the plane is expected to land at your destination. If there is a delay, this time updates to reflect the new arrival window.

Some pages also show the aircraft's current location on a map if the flight is already in the air. This map updates every few minutes and shows the plane's altitude, speed, and time remaining until landing.

What to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled

If the tracking page shows a delay, check back every 15 to 30 minutes because the estimated time changes as the situation develops. United will also send you a notification if you have the app installed and notifications turned on. If the delay is more than three hours, you may be may have access to to a rebooking on a later flight or a refund, depending on the reason for the delay and your ticket type.

If the flight is cancelled, the tracking page will show "Cancelled" as the status. United will automatically rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra charge. You can also call United to discuss other options, such as a different flight time or a refund. Do not wait — rebooking lines fill up quickly after a cancellation.

Tracking a flight you are not booked on

You can track any United flight using just the flight number and departure date, even if you are not a passenger. This is useful if you are picking someone up or want to know when a friend or family member will arrive. Go to united.com, click "Flight Status," and enter the flight number (such as UA 100) and the date the flight departs. The same real-time information appears as it would for a booked passenger.

This method does not show you seat assignments or boarding details — only the flight's location, gate, and timing. If you need more detailed information about a specific passenger's reservation, you will need their confirmation number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the flight tracking information update?

The United website and app update every few minutes when the flight is in the air. Gate assignments and departure times update as soon as United makes changes, usually within minutes. Once the flight lands, the status page shows "Arrived" and the actual landing time.

Can I track a United flight if I booked through a travel website like Expedia?

Yes. Use your confirmation number from the travel website on united.com's flight status page, or use the United flight number and departure date. The tracking information is the same regardless of where you booked. Some travel websites also have their own flight tracking tools, but United's is usually the most current.

What if the gate has not been assigned yet?

Gates are typically assigned one to two hours before departure. If you are at the airport and the gate is not showing, check the airport's departure board or ask at a United ticket counter. The tracking page will update automatically once the gate is assigned.

Will I get a notification if my flight is delayed?

Yes, if you have the United app installed and push notifications turned on. You can also enable email or text notifications in the app's settings. If you do not have the app, check the website every 15 to 30 minutes, or call United at 1-800-864-8331.

Can I track a flight that departed hours ago?

Yes. The flight status page shows completed flights for several hours after they land, displaying the actual departure and arrival times. After that, the information may no longer appear on the main flight status tool, but you can contact United directly if you need details about a past flight.