ARCHIVE: Power ports, plugs and electric adapters / technology for AA
I have a flight coming up on AA from NRT to ORD. It's a 777, and the seat I'm booked into has a power plug.
In the last few years I think I've seen three or four different types of power ports on airlines, including normal plugs. Does anyone have an educated guess about what type of plug this will be, so I can get the right kind of adapters for my time-wasting gadgets?
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FOR THE CURRENT THREAD, PLEASE REFER TO: Power ports, plugs and electric adapters / technology for AA (consolidated)
N.B. Currently, there are four power configurations (including no power):
(1) The new 777-300ER / 77W with 110 VAC / 75 Watt limit with multiprong outlet and USB 5.0 VDC port. 2014's 777-200ER / 772 Cabin Improvement Program (CIP) is likely to see these installed in the 772 dribbled in beginning Q3 2014. See
this post for Coach seat photo (110 VAC + 5.0 VDC USB).
(2) Aircraft with two-prong (ungrounded) 110 VAC common US powerports - with a limitation of 75 Watts supply - include all "75L" "International" 757-200s, some 737 and "domestic" 757s. All remaining 763, 757 and 737s are to be converted to 110 VAC.
(3) Aircraft with 15 VDC cigar lighter type plus, also limited to 75 Watts
(4) Some aircraft have powerports disabled due to technical issues.
Some new or refurbished 737 and 757 aircraft are provided with 110 VAC powerports with standard two-prong US power outlets; all 757s and 737s (and probably Airbus) aircraft will eventually offer 110 VAC 75 Watt powerports.
From AA: Powerports are offered on Boeing 777, 767, 757, 737, and MD80 aircraft. Use of powerports is permitted only when the aircraft is above 10,000 feet in altitude and the flight attendant announces that personal electronic devices are allowed. The use of powerports is at your own risk. American is not responsible for loss of data or damage to personal hardware or software.
On most aircraft, a power outlet is available at each seat in First and Business class, as well as selected rows in the Coach cabin. Outlets are located on your seat console, or mounted to the seat frame below your seat cushion. Look for the "lightning bolt" symbol on the overhead bin rows containing powerport-equipped seats. Splitter or Y adaptor cords may not be used. Only one device is allowed per outlet. System power is available when the green light on the outlet is illuminated.
Adapters for 15 VDC / "cigarette lighter" outlets are offered for sale on international flights with Duty Free sales. Powerports are limited in use to times the aircraft is above 10,000 feet and the FAs announce electronic devices may be used.
aa.com also states "*AC adaptors are available for First and Business Class passengers on the following flights: 777-200 and 767-300 planes flying to/from Europe or South America, and 767-200 and 767-300 planes on transcontinental flights between JFK and LAX or between JFK and San Francisco (SFO)." (Ask an FA to borrow one.)
Resources:
• Link to aa.com Onboard Technology page
• Link to aa.com status of the fleet and power issues
• Link to aa.com page with links to each aircraft's seat and powerport chart
• Link to SeatGuru - seat charts show show powerport locations
• LinkTravel Technology Forum: The In Flight Power Knowledge Compendium
• Link to FT-AA FAQ
Also note: Link to FT AA Power ports domestic 757 temporarily disabled September 1 2010
N.B. Though a particular aircraft may be equipped with the new powerports, there are many reports of flying on those and having the power not be available, or requiring a lot of fiddling around with the connection to make it work.
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 3, 2014 at 12:43 pm
Reason: update