Are extension cords banned by FAA? (& how secure connector to loose receptacle)
Oct 4, 2018, 12:25 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 3
Are extension cords banned by FAA? (& how secure connector to loose receptacle)
On an AA flight from SFO to JFK in business class today. On the flight out, my MacBook charger (the white square kind that the prongs flip out of) kept falling out of the loose outlet because of the weight. I’ve had this issue before. Figured I would just buy a 2-foot extension cord so my power cord could lay on the tray for my return. Halfway through the flight a flight attendant literally started yelling at me that I was in violation of FAA regulations for using an extension cord of a flight (I only had one thing plugged in to it), and that I would immediately be ticketed if an FAA agent was on the flight. Was forced to unplug. Is this real, or was she misinterpreting something? I could see a concern if I had multiple things in the plug, but it was literally just my laptop cord, w the extension cord as a go between.
Oct 4, 2018, 12:33 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
It's slightly more complicated than that, but the FA was largely correct.
Each carrier files its safety and security policy with FAA. Once accepted by FAA, the carrier's failure to enforce its policy becomes a violation.
It's up to AA to have such a rule, but once it does, it's effectively "the law". A pretty sensible one too.
Each carrier files its safety and security policy with FAA. Once accepted by FAA, the carrier's failure to enforce its policy becomes a violation.
It's up to AA to have such a rule, but once it does, it's effectively "the law". A pretty sensible one too.
Oct 4, 2018, 12:39 pm
#4
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I’ve never seen any documentation that extension cords are prohibited, though iirc the FAA does have some standards for cords (have to be controlled so they don’t impede passenger movement, etc.) I’m interested in a definitive answer as well. If AA has such a policy, it’d have been FAA approved - but I’m unaware of one. Unprofessional FAs, I’m aware of. Fortunately, they’re relatively uncommon IME,
Tangentially, the US twin blade and even the two pin Euro portion of plug receptacles on aircraft are often well used and the plug will attach loosely. My answer has been a simple UK to universal plug adapter, which is relatively small and usually fastens solidly into the plug receptacle.
I’ve never had any problems with this in aircraft cabins.
Tangentially, the US twin blade and even the two pin Euro portion of plug receptacles on aircraft are often well used and the plug will attach loosely. My answer has been a simple UK to universal plug adapter, which is relatively small and usually fastens solidly into the plug receptacle.
I’ve never had any problems with this in aircraft cabins.
Oct 4, 2018, 1:14 pm
#6
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Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Rapid Rewards, AAdvantage, SkyMiles
Posts: 2,931
Even if there was a rule/law banning them, the FA should be informing you as politely as possible, which I've seen happen many times before. No excuse for yelling at a customer unless they are repeatedly ignoring you.
Oct 4, 2018, 2:16 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: TX
Programs: AA: EXP MR: Ti
Posts: 495
Strongly agree with JDiver's suggestion of a UK plug with a universal or even American outlet on the other end. I have one of these and it works great:
https://www.ceptics.com/products/uk-england-travel-adapter-type-g-dual-usb-ctu-7
https://www.ceptics.com/products/uk-england-travel-adapter-type-g-dual-usb-ctu-7
Oct 4, 2018, 3:12 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,632
I recommend this: https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-692-W.../dp/B000P9SXTG
Cheap, lightweight, and useful to split power when in the terminal, hotel room, or other places without UK outlets.
Cheap, lightweight, and useful to split power when in the terminal, hotel room, or other places without UK outlets.
Oct 4, 2018, 3:38 pm
#14
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Atlanta, USA
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 75
not that this would ever happen but can you picture the amusement if someone from Business cabin had an extension cord/power strip to supply power to those in economy 
for the planes where they only equip power upfront.
for the planes where they only equip power upfront.
Oct 4, 2018, 3:43 pm
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,734
I'm selling 1 hour of access to the cord for $10, $20 for the entire flight.
