I will be spending more time flying between destinations and want to be able to use my laptop to work in-flight. What do I need to know when booking my seat and what other gear might I need to make my laptop work?
When booking a flight (domestic or international) always check to see that there are power outlets in the seat you want. Not all flights have power outlets at every seat and sometimes you won't find out until you are on the plane.
There are three different power source possibilities in airplanes and they are:
- AC Power - which uses your power cord without any need for an adapter. The outlet is normally 110V AC and can accept the following:
- US polarized 2-blade plug with one blade larger
- US polarized 2-blade plug with both blades the same size
- US non-polarized 3 prong plug
- European 2 round prong plug
- DC Cigarette Power - this is the same outlet as found in your vehicle. It does require an adapter to convert the power from DC to AC.
- EmPower® DC Power - this is most commonly found power source found on many airlines. You will need an adapter that is compatibile with the EmPower outlet.
What Not To Do
You hear tales from fellow travelers or read in message boards on the Internet that there is a [em]"hidden"[/em] power source on airplanes that can be used to power your mobile gear. What they are talking about is using the 110V/400Hz airframe sockets. These can be found under covers near the floor by exit doors. These are not for use with mobile gear but intended for in-flight medical gear. They are for emergency use! Not to power mobile gear. Using this as a power source for your laptop could put the life of someone else in jeopardy.