Feb 13, 2018, 12:30 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Two common power issues
1. Changer draws more than 75W -- most on-aircraft AC outlets are limited to max 75Ws
Fixes
Fixes
1. Changer draws more than 75W -- most on-aircraft AC outlets are limited to max 75Ws
Fixes
Purchase a 75W or less charge for your computer
Change computer settings not to charge the battery, reducing power drain
Remove your computer battery (if removable)
2. AC plug will not stay in place or power module will not fit (especially Apple power modules)Change computer settings not to charge the battery, reducing power drain
Remove your computer battery (if removable)
Fixes
Use 3-prong adapters -- such as USA 2 to 3 prong adapter or UK adapter
Use a short travel extension cord
Slightly bend prongs outward (very slightly)
AC Power not working?Use a short travel extension cord
Slightly bend prongs outward (very slightly)
-- for some aircraft power is unavailable on landing/takeoff (until 10,000 ft ?)
-- sporadic reports (just certain aircraft) that due to excessive overall passenger AC power usage, some seats will have their power disabled -- very unclear how this works "Rotating" availability of electricity on 737s?
Most aircraft have a green light in the receptacle showing power availability, some aircraft have a blue light on the aisle side of the seat showing availability
-- sporadic reports (just certain aircraft) that due to excessive overall passenger AC power usage, some seats will have their power disabled -- very unclear how this works "Rotating" availability of electricity on 737s?
Most aircraft have a green light in the receptacle showing power availability, some aircraft have a blue light on the aisle side of the seat showing availability
Consolidated "In Seat AC Power Issues / Experiences / Questions"
Aug 11, 2015, 1:36 pm
#136
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MFR
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,883
I always bring a polarized extension cord which fits snugly. My iPad plug never stays in -- its like it's too heavy or something and it just falls to the ground (or worse, it partially comes out and hangs there until I realize my battery is dead).
I've encountered this in some of the clubs as well (especially DEN).
I've encountered this in some of the clubs as well (especially DEN).
Aug 11, 2015, 1:54 pm
#137
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
There's a long thread on power cycling on UA's 737s. Many of these aircraft will only supply intermittent power to each outlet - allegedly for load balancing reasons.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...city-737s.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...city-737s.html
Aug 11, 2015, 2:15 pm
#138
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
Half the time I can't even find the power outlets. Why does UA have them almost on the ground? I wish they would go with what AC does and put them on the back of the headrests.
I've also noticed that when taxiing and about to land, is when they don't work (at least for me - the green light turns off).
I've also noticed that when taxiing and about to land, is when they don't work (at least for me - the green light turns off).
Aug 11, 2015, 2:35 pm
#139
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 794
I've only attempted to charge my phone or tablet. I do remember it not working with my laptop recently (and that was in F), but I try to avoid using my laptop on flights.
When I say doesn't work, I definitely mean both but it feels like it's more of an issue with the outlet. You can jiggle it around in there so much, which sometimes you can see it'll charge for a second but since it won't stay in that position, it's not really usable
When I say doesn't work, I definitely mean both but it feels like it's more of an issue with the outlet. You can jiggle it around in there so much, which sometimes you can see it'll charge for a second but since it won't stay in that position, it's not really usable
Aug 11, 2015, 2:38 pm
#140
Moderator: United Airlines
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,850
Another common problem is Apple products, there are well known physical fit issues of their power modules. Many Apple users travel with short extenders to address this.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Aug 11, 2015 at 3:19 pm Reason: typo
Aug 11, 2015, 2:38 pm
#141
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: BOS
Programs: 1MM, UA 1k
Posts: 529
I've heard this announced lately during boarding, I believe it has to do with surges experienced when coming off gate power, and during takeoff. I get the disconnect off gate power, fluctuation during takeoff is a little less clear to me.
Aug 11, 2015, 2:43 pm
#142
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA MileagePlus (Premier Gold); Hilton HHonors (Gold); Chase Ultimate Rewards; Amex Plat
Posts: 6,675
What are you trying to plug in?
Many of the outlets have a maximum power output of around 70 watts, which is less than some laptop power supplies draw, especially when they are trying to charge the battery.
As a workaround you can remove the battery which will drop the draw, but has the disadvantage that when you or your seat-mate kick the plug out (and it's a when, not an if) you'll lose all power...
Many of the outlets have a maximum power output of around 70 watts, which is less than some laptop power supplies draw, especially when they are trying to charge the battery.
As a workaround you can remove the battery which will drop the draw, but has the disadvantage that when you or your seat-mate kick the plug out (and it's a when, not an if) you'll lose all power...
Aug 11, 2015, 2:48 pm
#143
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,428
Believe that's the case. I just wait until we're in the air.
My laptop has a dead battery, so don't even bring it with me (the battery, bring laptop) and I've never had problems once it's plugged in properly, though on occasion I've had green light turn red, which is a major pain for me as I have to shut down and start up the laptop after getting a green light.
My laptop has a dead battery, so don't even bring it with me (the battery, bring laptop) and I've never had problems once it's plugged in properly, though on occasion I've had green light turn red, which is a major pain for me as I have to shut down and start up the laptop after getting a green light.
Aug 11, 2015, 3:02 pm
#144
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.3MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,392
Aug 11, 2015, 3:08 pm
#145
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
It's a safety issue. If an emergency evacuation is necessary, the FAA doesn't want cords in the way that could be a tripping or snagging hazard.
Aug 11, 2015, 3:18 pm
#146
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Olympia, WA
Programs: United MM Alaska MP Cessna/Piper Captain
Posts: 244
The plugs on my UA flight last Saturday glowed green, but when I had something plugged into them, they'd start glowing red after a while (and no power would be provided to the device). Then I'd have to remove the plug, it would change back to green, then plug it back in. Really annoying.
Aug 11, 2015, 3:34 pm
#147
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco
Programs: All-Around Kettle
Posts: 3,289
What are you trying to plug in?
Many of the outlets have a maximum power output of around 70 watts, which is less than some laptop power supplies draw, especially when they are trying to charge the battery.
As a workaround you can remove the battery which will drop the draw, but has the disadvantage that when you or your seat-mate kick the plug out (and it's a when, not an if) you'll lose all power...
Many of the outlets have a maximum power output of around 70 watts, which is less than some laptop power supplies draw, especially when they are trying to charge the battery.
As a workaround you can remove the battery which will drop the draw, but has the disadvantage that when you or your seat-mate kick the plug out (and it's a when, not an if) you'll lose all power...
Aug 11, 2015, 3:39 pm
#148
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus
Posts: 35,415
FWIW, I've been on flights where the FA neglected to turn the power system 
n until I asked them to do so.
n until I asked them to do so.
Aug 11, 2015, 3:47 pm
#149
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,428