USB Type C points on BA
Jun 1, 2019, 2:20 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: BA GGL, GfL, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, AllAccor Diamond, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 1,078
USB Type C points on BA
Does anyone know if the new A350s, 7810s and/or the remaining neos will come with USB Type C charging points? Or will the lounge re-fit program start providing for them?
Having been a little miffed when my new iPad arrived with one of these, I have since been impressed by their capabilities (not least on the fast charging front).
Having been a little miffed when my new iPad arrived with one of these, I have since been impressed by their capabilities (not least on the fast charging front).
Jun 1, 2019, 2:36 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: GGL/CCR
Posts: 1,899
Does anyone know if the new A350s, 7810s and/or the remaining neos will come with USB Type C charging points? Or will the lounge re-fit program start providing for them?
Having been a little miffed when my new iPad arrived with one of these, I have since been impressed by their capabilities (not least on the fast charging front).
Having been a little miffed when my new iPad arrived with one of these, I have since been impressed by their capabilities (not least on the fast charging front).
Just carry an A to C cable
Jun 1, 2019, 3:30 am
#4
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 373
Type A is the standard USB you are used to that every plane, lounge, train and virtually everything have on it.
As another said, you'll have to carry an A - C converter for the next decade or so.
Jun 1, 2019, 4:04 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Greater Metropolitan Area
Programs: Yes
Posts: 367
Part of the problem is that “USB-C” is really just the connector, and there’s a whole raft of things you can do with it. For an iPad, I suspect a USB-A to USB-C cable will suffice. But if there were actual USB-C ports on planes, then people might conceivably expect to be able to charge their MacBook as well for example, or any of the other laptops with USB-C, which use USB-PD over USB-C to draw 45W or even 65W. Getting that to every seat is far less trivial then the usual 5W or 10W for mobile devices and tablets. There was an interesting Runway Girl article on that, which seems to be the go-to place for everything “Tech” on airplanes. There does not seem to be a real solution on that front yet, but ultimately I think we can expect the traditional power sockets disappear for USB-C - but that is a looong way off. We all know that airplane tech moves at a glacial pace (Empower or Composite Video anyone)?.
A bit like old 30-pin iPod connectors on a whole range of alarm clocks in “luxury” hotels, still all going strong!
A bit like old 30-pin iPod connectors on a whole range of alarm clocks in “luxury” hotels, still all going strong!
Jun 1, 2019, 4:41 am
#6
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Leicestershire / Dubai
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite & Lifetime Gold, Heathrow Rewards Premium, Tesco Clubcard
Posts: 668
Whilst our friends at QR plan to have USB-C in their new Y seats (source: https://samchui.com/2019/03/25/qatar.../#.XPJVWZNKhL4), I think it'll still take BA at least a few years.
One of the things I like is the fast charging, but when you're on a longhaul flight, this is not usually an issue (for me anyway).
One of the things I like is the fast charging, but when you're on a longhaul flight, this is not usually an issue (for me anyway).
Jun 1, 2019, 6:36 am
#8
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: BA Blue, EI Silver, Honours Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,220
Apple have embraced USB-C in a big way. My MacBookPro has 4 of them and nothing else. It’s great at the office as a single USB-C cable does video, audio, data and power (via a USB-C hub). It’s a total pain in the backside on the move, if you forget the adaptor/dock.
The iPads have already gone USB-C and so have most high-end android phones. Once the iPhone gets USB-C, I think it will become ubiquitous pretty quickly. On the move a USB-A to USB-C is going to be necessary for a long time - no different to USB-A to Lightening/Mini-UUSB/Micro-USB today, I suppose.
The iPads have already gone USB-C and so have most high-end android phones. Once the iPhone gets USB-C, I think it will become ubiquitous pretty quickly. On the move a USB-A to USB-C is going to be necessary for a long time - no different to USB-A to Lightening/Mini-UUSB/Micro-USB today, I suppose.
Jun 1, 2019, 6:42 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: BA GGL, GfL, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, AllAccor Diamond, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 1,078
The problem is that Apple's new generation of fast chargers use USB-C to USB-C cables, although you can buy a USB-C to Lighting cable as well, so your iPad charger can fast charge your iPhone.
I have managed to find some adapters which enable you to convert a USB socket into a USB-C socket. They are about £3 each on Amazon and mean the number of cables needed can be reduced.
I have managed to find some adapters which enable you to convert a USB socket into a USB-C socket. They are about £3 each on Amazon and mean the number of cables needed can be reduced.
Jun 1, 2019, 8:11 am
#10
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: American Airlines ExecPlat, Asiana Diamond
Posts: 127
Why not just use a plug? Anker makes USB-C plugs the same size as the standard iPhone USB plug, all at 30W. (PowerPort Atom PD 1)
Plus if you use an A to C convertor, you will be charging at extremely slow 2.4W.
Plus if you use an A to C convertor, you will be charging at extremely slow 2.4W.
Jun 1, 2019, 8:17 am
#11
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Battleaxe Alliance
Posts: 22,130
I carry adaptors for USB-C, micro USB, mini USB (Phillips Diamond Clean toothbrush, you are guilty of still using that...) and Lightning, and USB-C PD + USB-A charging unit.
The adaptors with a hole for putting a strap is great as I can tie it to cables so that they don't get lost (in fact 2 of my cables are 2.4A Micro-USB retractables for tidiness, to which I have tied Lightning and USB-C adaptors).
I also carry USB-C PD cables with USB-A adaptor attached to them.
There are also combination cables that have different plugs attached to them, but the ties for the plugs are often made of plastic and prone to snapping off.
Plus power banks that can do PD up to 45W.
I've also bought USB-C PD cable for Surface as well, which I have been trying out on this trip (so far, so good).
The adaptors with a hole for putting a strap is great as I can tie it to cables so that they don't get lost (in fact 2 of my cables are 2.4A Micro-USB retractables for tidiness, to which I have tied Lightning and USB-C adaptors).
I also carry USB-C PD cables with USB-A adaptor attached to them.
There are also combination cables that have different plugs attached to them, but the ties for the plugs are often made of plastic and prone to snapping off.
Plus power banks that can do PD up to 45W.
I've also bought USB-C PD cable for Surface as well, which I have been trying out on this trip (so far, so good).
Last edited by LTN Phobia; Jun 1, 2019 at 7:12 pm
Jun 1, 2019, 7:47 pm
#14
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Alameda, CA, US
Programs: BAEC Gold (GGL/CCR), HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,346
Jun 1, 2019, 7:57 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: NZ Koru
Posts: 6,435
Panasonic now is making IFE screens with the option of having an USB-C port on them, NZ has them on there A320/1NEOs.
You can’t charge an MacBook Pro with them, but you can use them to stop power being drawn from your battery with them.
You can’t charge an MacBook Pro with them, but you can use them to stop power being drawn from your battery with them.