I was wondering how often power ports get used on aircraft, especially long-haul aircraft. I fly AA often and love their product, but sometimes I hate having to sort through the seatmaps to find power ports in coach. For example, I am flying LGW-DFW in a few weeks, and I had to book seat 28H on the 777 -- the worst seat according to -- because it was the only one left with a power port.

Just wondering if the usage on international flights would justify power ports on every row in coach -- not every seat, mind you -- but every row. I'm sure they are used more than AA's telephone service was used. If it's not cost-effective, however, I understand. Is there anyone from AA who can shed more light on this subject.

BTW, I am thankful to AA for providing the ports in the first place -- they are one of the few airlines that have this service on domestic flights, and despite searching through the seatmaps, I LOVE it.

I'd love to have them at every seat, but, then again, anyone travelling with a computer probably would love that... especially those that LH (btw., who else uses this version?) uses, since they don't require any adapters: you just use the normal plug...

Leskova --

What kind of plug are you talking about on LH? Do they use a standard European two-pronged plug? I particularly like AA's "cigarette lighter" version.

It's actually a combination plug which can accommodate the European two-pronged plug as well as the US standard two- or three-pronged plugs. I've used them quite a few times, they're really nice to have - unfortunately, as far as I know, you won't find a single plug in economy class... at least I've never seen one in Economy on either the A340-300 or the B747-400...

Regards,
Frank


[Edited 2003-12-04 20:28:57]

This is what LH says about the plugs on their website:

PC power
In the First and Business Class on long-distance flights our seats are equipped with laptop connections. So even on board you can enjoy unrestricted use of your laptop. And the very best: Thanks to new technology you do not even need an adapter. You just plug your PC in like you do at home and off you go! The sockets on board are suitable for both two-pin Euro flat plugs as well as two- or three-pin US plugs.

Does anyone know what airlines other than AA offer power ports in coach on domestic flights?

Ssides, I am guessing that you mean domestic flights within the US.

US Airways has power ports on all of their Airbus aircraft. So far as I know, there is one at each seat on every aircraft. The ones in F/C were used right often. The ones in coach not often at all. In fact, I sometimes had people ask me what they were.

As far as I know, SK has powerports in many of their 737NGs. The same kind LH has, with no need for an adaptor.

I know this wasn't the question asked, but SQ also has that kind of power ports on their 744s. I loved not having to use an adapter at all. I don't know about Economy class, as I was in Raffles, but the last time I used one of those adapters, on a Delta 767-400 going to HNL, it fried the battery in my laptop.

I think I may just fly to US with AA now so I can use my laptop inflight, where can I get the adapters?

LHR340

I think you can buy the adapters at skymall.com or onboard from Duty Free on UA. I think Dell sells them directly, but don't quote me (I own a Sony so I'm not certain).

UA has power plugs on most of the Airbus 320/319, 757, 767, 777 and 744 fleets in First and Business classes. This mix of aircraft means plugs for both international and domestic services.

I know they're used frequently because when they are switched off it seems like the whole of Business Class was intent on using them! Everyone complains when they don't work. As an avid user of my laptop, I understand completely!

FA4UA

You can purchase the adapters usually directly from the company that made the laptop. Last time I flew on AA it seemed that they had the power outlets in ever row of coach for the first 5 or 6 rows then they started skipping rows. Is there any reason for this?

Dinker

On the adapter question, here's the info for AA: http://www.aa.com/content/travelInformation/duringFlight/onboardTechnology.jhtml?anchorEvent=false

I purchased my adapter from Targus via their web site: http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PAPWR200U
These can be a little pricey, but from what I understand they will work on any airline's ports.

PiedmontGirl, if what you say is correct, I will have gained a newfound respect for USAirways. Did you mean every seat in coach or every row?

Dinker225 -- If you look on AA's seat maps, they generally do have ports on the first few rows, then begin skipping two or three rows between ports. You will notice, however, that all the exit rows have them. I assume this is because the elite frequent flyers often sit either at the front of coach or at the exit rows. Just my hunch ...

I've flown domestically with AA quite a bit, and am usually one of the very few using the power outlet. I've also had some very strange looks from my seat neighbours when plugging it in, so I'm sure a lot of people have no clue that they're even there.

As for the adaptor, I got an Auto/Air adaptor from IBM.

Hopefully it isn't too much longer until there will be an ethernet port alongside the power point for high-speed internet access in flight. 

The ports are great on AA. Try going from JFK to LAX on one battery when running multiple aplications. It saves weight in my bag, and allows me to get more work done, or most of the time, watch multiple movies!

PiedmontGirl, if what you say is correct, I will have gained a newfound respect for USAirways. Did you mean every seat in coach or every row?

US Airways has power ports at *every seat* in its Airbus aircraft.

That is quite impressive that USAirways has ports at every seat. Bravo to them.

I use the Targus adapter. It works quite well with my Compaq laptop.

I fly AA as my primary carrier and almost always use the powerport when it is available. It's just annoying on those three hour regional jet flights to not have one.

I believe the original question involved power port usage. In coach, I don't believe they're used very often. In first class, especially domestically they get regular use.

Any computer store should carry the adapter. The plugs are the cigarette lighter type. Additionally, www.targus.com has a wide selection available.

I think you'll be surprised to see more than a small handful of people in coach with the powerports in use.

I think you'll be surprised to see more than a small handful of people in coach with the powerports in use.

I'll agree to that. I often get asked by passengers next to me what I'm doing/what is that apparatus/etc.

The powerports are one of the key reasons I fly AA... flights can be productive... a place to plug in the computer and no phone that can ring.