|
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. |
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. |
Allowed or not, there was insufficient reason for a flight attendant to be yelling at a customer.
|
1 Attachment(s)
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. |
There is NO such rule. I use an extension cord all the time. Crazy AA FA.... pathetic!
|
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.
|
Why not just use the Apple 3 prong cord that comes with your laptop?
|
Originally Posted by fotoflyer88
(Post 30279304)
Why not just use the Apple 3 prong cord that comes with your laptop?
|
Originally Posted by fotoflyer88
(Post 30279304)
Why not just use the Apple 3 prong cord that comes with your laptop?
|
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://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/14...g?v=1524178033https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/14...g?v=1524178033 https://www.ceptics.com/products/uk-england-travel-adapter-type-g-dual-usb-ctu-7 |
|
I recommend this:
Cheap, lightweight, and useful to split power when in the terminal, hotel room, or other places without UK outlets. |
Originally Posted by aschuett
(Post 30279640)
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. |
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 :D
for the planes where they only equip power upfront. |
Originally Posted by henhen
(Post 30279739)
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 :D
for the planes where they only equip power upfront. |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 6:11 am. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
