On-Board AC Power Outlets
#16
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: DL DM+(segs)/MM, UA Ag, Hilton DM, Marriott Ti (life Pt), TSA Opt-out Platinum
Posts: 3,227
I bring my own power. I have a battery more or less the size of 2 packs of cigs end to end. It has two USB charging ports so it keeps our phones powered up when we need it. It has the capacity to fully charge a cell phone 7 times before it needs to be recharged. I cant rely on maybe having an outlet or maybe having a plug that works. I'm totally ocd and have to have things i can count on.
#17
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DAY/CMH
Programs: UA MileagePlus
Posts: 2,474
#18
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: The shape-shifting urban sprawl that is El Lay. FT member #71.
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Posts: 4,690
Why not use a USB condom like this? It doesn't connect the data pins so there's no path for malware to enter your device.
Last edited by Craig6z; Sep 10, 2018 at 4:11 pm Reason: Bad grade school math
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Falls Gulch VA
Posts: 222
Anything that increases the length extending out from the socket increases the risk that, even with a reasonably snug fit, it will get knocked out by an inadvertent kick when you or your seat neighbor moves a leg, or crosses your plug when getting out of their seat. Power at the seat is a nice perk when it works, but I've learned not to depend on it being there.
I have an adapter, but (as above) it adds about another inch and a half to the "level" attempting to pry the plug out of the socket.
#20
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: DL DM+(segs)/MM, UA Ag, Hilton DM, Marriott Ti (life Pt), TSA Opt-out Platinum
Posts: 3,227
While I see this solves the potential malware problem, AFAIK the USB ports on planes are 0.5 amps. At that low current flow, very few devices other than a smartphone will benefit from the miniscule 5 watt output. Even a smartphone (in airplane mode) may draw more current than being replaced, depending on what you are doing with it
500mA was the original spec for USB power Eons ago, but there are still many devices out there that only support 500mA. My power bank provides 4A, so that's plenty to charge either an iPad or iPhone. My laptop usually lasts 6-8hr so I just charge it prior to flight.
#21
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
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ROAD WARRIOR 3-Outlet Travel Universal Power Strip, Designed in JAPAN - Go!Con Tap RW47BK-US [Black]
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Falls Gulch VA
Posts: 222
This. I carry an inline meter to see how many amps I'm pulling (they're like $7 on Amazon). I did check a DL plane once and it was 500mA (0.5A) which takes forever to charge most devices. iPhone for example pulls about 1.5A at peak then drops down to about 1.1 and then lower as it reaches 100%. iPad ~2.3A peak. IIRC, an iPad will not even charge off of 500mA.
#23
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: DL DM+(segs)/MM, UA Ag, Hilton DM, Marriott Ti (life Pt), TSA Opt-out Platinum
Posts: 3,227
Me either, which is why I suggested (and subscribe to) bringing your own power. Even if an airline has higher Amperage power outlets, there's always the chance it could be INOP at your seat.
#24
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SNA
Programs: Bonvoy LTTE/AMB, AmEx Plat, National EE, WN A-List, CLEAR+, Covid-19
Posts: 4,966
I use one of those 99-cent 3-prong-to-2-prong adapters (the kind like you'd use for plugging in a grounded device into a very old home). They have flexible prongs(? tines?) that I can spread as necessary to get it to fit; works well in the hotel room case as well. But thanks for the British adapter Pro-Tip for plane usage!