Question on A350 IFE interference from power sockets
 

I recently did 2 sectors in J on the A350 (LHR-HKG and BKK-HKG). On both flights I was not able to plug anything into either the power socket or the usb charging port without causing a lot of interference into my IFE headphones (loud buzzing from the socket or continual breaking up of the sound from the usb socket). Was I just unlucky to have this issue on both flights (in different seats) or is it a known bug of the seat design? I have a 14+ hour flight back to London later this week and it's going to be annoying not to be able to plug anything in while using the IFE system. Any suggestions on what I might be able to do to mitigate the problem would be appreciated.

The only thing you can do is move seats. This problem is very well-known. Tell the ISM about the problem, make sure they do a write up, and move seats. You should also file a complaint on the CX website, especially if you have status.

-Chris

Many thanks. I had the same problem again on the return flight to London, and as was the case with the other sectors, the J cabin was full so no possibility to move seats. I heard another passenger complaining about the same thing so it is clearly widespread. Have submitted a complain on the website as you suggested.

I would be very interested in knowing which seats have interference and which seats do not seem to have the problem (assuming that there is any consistency by seat)

Thanks in advance

I has the same problem on a recent 350-1000 CX flight to BKK.

I moved seats and had the same problem.

The ISM was aware of the issue. Ended up charging my computer on another seat and watching the IFE in my allocated seat.

FWIW on the 3 different flights I was on, I was in window seats 20A, 14K and 17K. However I would be very surprised if the location of the seat made any difference, I assume the issue is poor insulation of the internal wiring within the seat design which could happen in any seat.

I did take CX A350's J twice in late Dec, whatever in aisle or window seats also found my headset having some strange noise when I have inserted a charger into the sockets. Things working fine when I took 77W.