May 18, 2018, 1:20 pm
Last edit by: superweak
NOTE: AA offers power points to most seats (some may be shared by two adjacent seats); while AA are moving to 110 VAC standard “Universal” (two blade US, Euro and UK) outlets, with 5 VDC low output USB outlets. The few remaining MD-80 aircraft still have "cigarette lighter" style outlets with ~15 VDC. LUS narrowbodied aircraft are generally do not offer seat power, though it will be retrofitted under Project Oasis, though the goal is to have this finalized in 2021.
See what power is available on our planes. Link (only general information: power yes or power no).
Power outlet types and power provided (See post no. 1 for illustrations and further information.)
American Airlines mainline aircraft and power outlet types
• A319 (LAA): Multi
• A319 (LUS): Multi
• A320: Multi on 1/2 of fleet, NO power on others
• A321T, A321H, A321S (LAA “32B”): Multi
• A321 (LUS): Currently, NO power
• A330-200: Multi
• A330-300: Multi
• 737, 737 MAX 8: Multi
• 757L International (LAA): Multi in J, MCE
• 757 MCE retrofit (LUS, Hawaii service): Currently, NO power
• 767 retrofit: J Multi, MCE 15 VDC
• 787-8: Multi
• 787-9: Multi
• 777-200: Multi
• 777-300: Multi
• E190: NO
• MD-80: 15 VDC 70 watt cigarette lighter style power ports between seats
Resources:
• Link to AA (unofficial) fleet site with WiFi, etc. listings for each aircraft
• Link to aa.com page with links to each aircraft's powerport status
• Link to SeatGuru - seat charts show show powerport locations (but note SeatGuru has some seat chart reliability issues)
• Related: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...2019-21-a.html
• Link to Travel Technology Forum: The In Flight Power Knowledge Compendium
• Previous posts (2012-2017) can be found in ARCHIVE: AA on board technology (inc. power ports) (master thread)
• Older posts than that can be found in Power ports, plugs and electric adapters / technology for AA (Archived)
Most of our planes have AC power outlets; those with DC power are being converted. If you need, we have DC-to-AC adaptors available on select flights in First or Business. Simply ask your flight attendant for an adaptor.
Power outlet types and power provided (See post no. 1 for illustrations and further information.)
B]Multi: Universal 110 AC power outlet combined with 5 VDC 1.0 amp USB
"Each set of outlets in a row can provide up to 225 watts of power, combined, with a maximum of 150 watts per plug. If one device is pulling its maximum allotment, this leaves only 75 watts for the second plug, meaning there are times where there may not be enough power to run 2 devices."
"Each set of outlets in a row can provide up to 225 watts of power, combined, with a maximum of 150 watts per plug. If one device is pulling its maximum allotment, this leaves only 75 watts for the second plug, meaning there are times where there may not be enough power to run 2 devices."
15 VDC: Cigar lighter plug with 75 watts capacity.
These may be sufficient to power your device, albeit without charging; drawing over 75 watts will generally cause the power to trip off.
These may be sufficient to power your device, albeit without charging; drawing over 75 watts will generally cause the power to trip off.
• A319 (LAA): Multi
• A319 (LUS): Multi
• A320: Multi on 1/2 of fleet, NO power on others
• A321T, A321H, A321S (LAA “32B”): Multi
• A321 (LUS): Currently, NO power
• A330-200: Multi
• A330-300: Multi
• 737, 737 MAX 8: Multi
• 757L International (LAA): Multi in J, MCE
• 757 MCE retrofit (LUS, Hawaii service): Currently, NO power
• 767 retrofit: J Multi, MCE 15 VDC
• 787-8: Multi
• 787-9: Multi
• 777-200: Multi
• 777-300: Multi
• E190: NO
• MD-80: 15 VDC 70 watt cigarette lighter style power ports between seats
Resources:
• Link to AA (unofficial) fleet site with WiFi, etc. listings for each aircraft
• Link to aa.com page with links to each aircraft's powerport status
• Link to SeatGuru - seat charts show show powerport locations (but note SeatGuru has some seat chart reliability issues)
• Related: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...2019-21-a.html
• Link to Travel Technology Forum: The In Flight Power Knowledge Compendium
• Previous posts (2012-2017) can be found in ARCHIVE: AA on board technology (inc. power ports) (master thread)
• Older posts than that can be found in Power ports, plugs and electric adapters / technology for AA (Archived)
Guide to AA Inflight Power in 2018-2019
Feb 23, 2012, 12:07 pm
#1
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
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Guide to AA Inflight Power in 2018-2019
On-board Power
N.B. Currently, there are four power configurations (including no power):
[INDENT](1) 787, 77W, 777, A321T and LAA A321 and 737 all offer 110 VAC / 225 Watts shared between two power points with multiprong (two or two plus ground, Australian, Euro and UK) outlet and USB 5.0 VDC 1.1 amp port.
(2) Aircraft with two-prong (ungrounded) 110 VAC common US powerports - with a limitation of 225 Watts supply shared between two seats' power points - include all "75L" "International" 757-200s.
(3) MD-80 aircraft with 15 VDC cigar lighter type plus, limited to 75 Watts per power receptacle
(4) Aircraft with USB outlets are 5 VDC standard female 1.1 low amp USB ports.
(5) The 737 MAX 8 / 7M8 and A321neo /32Q offer 110 VAC universal socket and 5 VDC USB (1.1 amp) power. This standard is also applicable to Project Oasis conversions of 737-800 / 738 and A321 aircraft.
[MD80 and 75L (MCE only) in-seat power supply is 15 Volts Direct Current (VDC), with a "cigar lighter" style outlet, limited to 75 watts of power. Some computers and devices with heavier power needs than 15 VDC and 75 Watts will not work, and may disable the powerport. Be aware power converters are "lossy" in converting DC to AC and may not serve your purpose. Those devices that specifically state they are limited to 12 VDC input may not be approved for 15 VDC use.
From AA: "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, mounted to the seat frame below your seat cushion or near the seat back tray / tablet receptacle, in the seatback ahead of you, or inear the Bose headphone mi icsbunet door.. 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.
Narrowbody audio jacks are standard single-prong stereo mini-jacks (though newer wudebody provisioned with Bose noise reducing headphones in J and F aircraft are using three prong powered audio jacks).
aa.com also states "*AC adaptors are available for First and Business Class passengers on some flights: planes flying to/from Europe or South America."
N.B. Currently, there are four power configurations (including no power):
[INDENT](1) 787, 77W, 777, A321T and LAA A321 and 737 all offer 110 VAC / 225 Watts shared between two power points with multiprong (two or two plus ground, Australian, Euro and UK) outlet and USB 5.0 VDC 1.1 amp port.
(2) Aircraft with two-prong (ungrounded) 110 VAC common US powerports - with a limitation of 225 Watts supply shared between two seats' power points - include all "75L" "International" 757-200s.
(3) MD-80 aircraft with 15 VDC cigar lighter type plus, limited to 75 Watts per power receptacle
(4) Aircraft with USB outlets are 5 VDC standard female 1.1 low amp USB ports.
(5) The 737 MAX 8 / 7M8 and A321neo /32Q offer 110 VAC universal socket and 5 VDC USB (1.1 amp) power. This standard is also applicable to Project Oasis conversions of 737-800 / 738 and A321 aircraft.
[MD80 and 75L (MCE only) in-seat power supply is 15 Volts Direct Current (VDC), with a "cigar lighter" style outlet, limited to 75 watts of power. Some computers and devices with heavier power needs than 15 VDC and 75 Watts will not work, and may disable the powerport. Be aware power converters are "lossy" in converting DC to AC and may not serve your purpose. Those devices that specifically state they are limited to 12 VDC input may not be approved for 15 VDC use.
From AA: "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, mounted to the seat frame below your seat cushion or near the seat back tray / tablet receptacle, in the seatback ahead of you, or inear the Bose headphone mi icsbunet door.. 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.
Narrowbody audio jacks are standard single-prong stereo mini-jacks (though newer wudebody provisioned with Bose noise reducing headphones in J and F aircraft are using three prong powered audio jacks).
aa.com also states "*AC adaptors are available for First and Business Class passengers on some flights: planes flying to/from Europe or South America."
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 6, 2019 at 9:02 pm Reason: Update for 2018 thread
Mar 6, 2012, 5:55 pm
#2
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
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Posts: 62,948
Some have stated they’re not finding power provision in the new 7M8 / MAX 8 and Oasis 737 (A321 to come) First / Business MiQ seat. Illustrations courtesy of The Points Guy. Link.
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 6, 2019 at 9:06 pm
Jun 9, 2015, 6:24 pm
#3
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Posts: 2,096
Guide to AA Inflight Power in 2018
Only thing FAs can do is turn off/on the switch to see if it works...otherwise, nothing FAs can do in the air.
Generally, powerports are always on. There may be instances it was turned off prior to boarding by a previous cabin crew, flight deck crew, maintenance, or plane was sitting overnight with all power turned completely off.
Some powerports feature a green indicator light that illuminates when power is available. AC powerports also feature red indicator lights that illuminate when powerport is not operating correctly. If a red light appears and there is an item plugged in to the outlet, try removing and reinserting the plug. If nothing is plugged in, or the red light remains illuminated, report it to the FA so they can inform the pilots to write it up for maintenance to check it out.
Often times, only one device is allowed per outlet, splitter or power adapter cords may not be used. Often times, when too much power is being drawn to the powerport, it will shut off so it won't create overheating/fire. Powerports are NOT to be used to recharge batteries; however, electronic devices containing batteries may be plugged in, as long as the device is switched on.
If you suspect a powerport is inoperable, try unplugging the device for a couple of minutes, then plugging it back in. This MAY resolve the issue, particularly if the device was plugged in before the powerport system was turned on (if it had been off for whatever reason)
**added**
just saw this interesting article on Lithium batteries too, so this is another thing to keep in the back of your mind with all our electronics we have now.
Lithium Battery Fires
Hope this helps a little
Generally, powerports are always on. There may be instances it was turned off prior to boarding by a previous cabin crew, flight deck crew, maintenance, or plane was sitting overnight with all power turned completely off.
Some powerports feature a green indicator light that illuminates when power is available. AC powerports also feature red indicator lights that illuminate when powerport is not operating correctly. If a red light appears and there is an item plugged in to the outlet, try removing and reinserting the plug. If nothing is plugged in, or the red light remains illuminated, report it to the FA so they can inform the pilots to write it up for maintenance to check it out.
Often times, only one device is allowed per outlet, splitter or power adapter cords may not be used. Often times, when too much power is being drawn to the powerport, it will shut off so it won't create overheating/fire. Powerports are NOT to be used to recharge batteries; however, electronic devices containing batteries may be plugged in, as long as the device is switched on.
If you suspect a powerport is inoperable, try unplugging the device for a couple of minutes, then plugging it back in. This MAY resolve the issue, particularly if the device was plugged in before the powerport system was turned on (if it had been off for whatever reason)
**added**
just saw this interesting article on Lithium batteries too, so this is another thing to keep in the back of your mind with all our electronics we have now.
Lithium Battery Fires
Hope this helps a little
Last edited by sluggoaafa; Jun 9, 2015 at 6:35 pm Reason: added link
Jan 30, 2018, 6:27 pm
#4
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AA upside down power outlet
Flew PEK-DFW today in J and noticed the orientation of power outlets was off. Usually the ground pin is on the bottom (738, Main cabin with new seats), but these are opposite.
Any reason why the J cabin seats in the 788 (and maybe others) is oriented differently?
788:
77W(?)
Any reason why the J cabin seats in the 788 (and maybe others) is oriented differently?
788:
77W(?)
Jan 30, 2018, 6:45 pm
#6
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Notice that it's an outlet that accept many different kinds of plugs, on an international airplane.
Perhaps some of those other plugs have the opposite standard, of putting the grounding pin on top?
On the other hand, the 738 only tends to fly domestically (plus very "nearby" international). Does it even support that many different kind of plugs?
Perhaps some of those other plugs have the opposite standard, of putting the grounding pin on top?
On the other hand, the 738 only tends to fly domestically (plus very "nearby" international). Does it even support that many different kind of plugs?
Jan 30, 2018, 6:51 pm
#7
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Jan 30, 2018, 6:54 pm
#8
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I found it interesting and was curious if anyone knew why, knew more or had thoughts about it. thats it.
Last edited by Antarius; Jan 30, 2018 at 7:01 pm
Jan 30, 2018, 6:56 pm
#9
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i think this is the answer. I saw similar when I was on the AY A350 recently.
Jan 30, 2018, 6:59 pm
#10
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Notice that it's an outlet that accept many different kinds of plugs, on an international airplane.
Perhaps some of those other plugs have the opposite standard, of putting the grounding pin on top?
On the other hand, the 738 only tends to fly domestically (plus very "nearby" international). Does it even support that many different kind of plugs?
Perhaps some of those other plugs have the opposite standard, of putting the grounding pin on top?
On the other hand, the 738 only tends to fly domestically (plus very "nearby" international). Does it even support that many different kind of plugs?
Here is what is interesting, some images show it downwards
But the 787 pics show ground up
Jan 30, 2018, 7:19 pm
#11
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Ground prong up is standard on AA, iirc. A UK three prong adapter works best for stable power, as the two prong US and Euro sockets get badly used and loose.
Jan 30, 2018, 7:21 pm
#12
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In some houses, the grounding pin is also above the other two. I'm not sure orientation matters with electrical plugs. Even some DL aircraft have the "normal" orientation with the grounding pin on the bottom.
Jan 31, 2018, 6:49 am
#13
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NB panel (old 738 is similar, just with less ports)
Jan 31, 2018, 7:17 am
#15
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The BA 777 I flew on Sunday had the ground pin UP. On future flights, I'll kindly request that they please fly the plane upside-down, so that the plug will look more normal to their American passengers. It's a reasonable request.
