Use of outlets
Apr 29, 2017, 11:09 am
#16
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Apr 29, 2017, 12:14 pm
#17
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: none
Posts: 1,668
Nothing like losing an upgrade because the first flight is two hours late only to end up in the middle seat between a couple who already have both outlets occupied. They complained they weren't working. I see no reason to explain that they won't until the plane is in the air. I offered to change seats but they like where they are.
Apr 29, 2017, 12:30 pm
#18
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 19,506
Apr 29, 2017, 12:47 pm
#19
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Depending on what generation MacBook Pro, yes.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204360
Originally Posted by Apple Support
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports), MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports), and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2016) have either two or four ports with additional Thunderbolt 3 features built in. You can learn more about what Thunderbolt 3 over USB-C ports brings to your MacBook Pro.
Through USB-C ports, you can:
Charge your Mac.
Provide power out.
Through USB-C ports, you can:
Charge your Mac.
Provide power out.
Apr 29, 2017, 4:58 pm
#20
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: LHR
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, mLife Platinum
Posts: 380
Being polite and helpful costs nothing, and other people using the outlets while you are not is not "hogging". You're just annoyed that you lost your upgrade and ended up with a middle seat in Y.
I'm wholeheartedly sure that if you wanted to use a socket, you'd have worked out a way to share with them, so I find this thread a disappointing reminder of how people can make their own lives so much more crappy than they need be.
I'm wholeheartedly sure that if you wanted to use a socket, you'd have worked out a way to share with them, so I find this thread a disappointing reminder of how people can make their own lives so much more crappy than they need be.
Apr 29, 2017, 5:17 pm
#21
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: between SFO & SJC
Programs: UA 1MM (and no longer flying much)
Posts: 777
I know this is going to be an unpopular position, but here goes. <donning flame-retardant suit>
When my wife and I travel together, we sit next to each other and we never grab aisle/window. Why? Well, first we like each other's company. But also because we figure that the inconvenience of shared space & armrests is minimized when couples sit next to each other. I can imagine reserving window/aisle (hoping the middle will be empty) and then moving if middle is taken.
But if a couple is sitting window/aisle and won't move to sit next to each other, then I assume they essentially are just in it for themselves and they don't give a crap about the comfort & convenience of others. And so I'd feel no inclination to do anything to make their flight more comfortable or convenient.
When my wife and I travel together, we sit next to each other and we never grab aisle/window. Why? Well, first we like each other's company. But also because we figure that the inconvenience of shared space & armrests is minimized when couples sit next to each other. I can imagine reserving window/aisle (hoping the middle will be empty) and then moving if middle is taken.
But if a couple is sitting window/aisle and won't move to sit next to each other, then I assume they essentially are just in it for themselves and they don't give a crap about the comfort & convenience of others. And so I'd feel no inclination to do anything to make their flight more comfortable or convenient.
May 1, 2017, 12:17 am
#22
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,313
I politely asked if they wanted to sit together. I got attitude from them. They liked what they had and besides "they had been traveling" when I asked if they needed both outlets.
But, by all means, think I am awful for not helping these poor people understand about how the outlets work.
But, by all means, think I am awful for not helping these poor people understand about how the outlets work.
why they heck do you care if they need both outlets if you aren't going to use one? Just seems like you're being stubborn
May 1, 2017, 1:23 am
#23
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 812
I don't see what's wrong with trying to get an aisle and window with an empty middle, but I also don't see the point of not moving to middle and aisle if someone else sits in the middle. You'd think it's better as a couple to be sitting next to each other (and thus only have 1 person have a stranger on one side) than to be sitting apart (and thus both people have to deal with a stranger on one side).
May 1, 2017, 5:40 am
#24
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
I don't see what's wrong with trying to get an aisle and window with an empty middle, but I also don't see the point of not moving to middle and aisle if someone else sits in the middle. You'd think it's better as a couple to be sitting next to each other (and thus only have 1 person have a stranger on one side) than to be sitting apart (and thus both people have to deal with a stranger on one side).
May 1, 2017, 9:38 am
#25
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AA EXP, HH Diamond, MR Gold, Avis PC, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,252
I know this is going to be an unpopular position, but here goes. <donning flame-retardant suit>
When my wife and I travel together, we sit next to each other and we never grab aisle/window. Why? Well, first we like each other's company. But also because we figure that the inconvenience of shared space & armrests is minimized when couples sit next to each other. I can imagine reserving window/aisle (hoping the middle will be empty) and then moving if middle is taken.
But if a couple is sitting window/aisle and won't move to sit next to each other, then I assume they essentially are just in it for themselves and they don't give a crap about the comfort & convenience of others. And so I'd feel no inclination to do anything to make their flight more comfortable or convenient.
When my wife and I travel together, we sit next to each other and we never grab aisle/window. Why? Well, first we like each other's company. But also because we figure that the inconvenience of shared space & armrests is minimized when couples sit next to each other. I can imagine reserving window/aisle (hoping the middle will be empty) and then moving if middle is taken.
But if a couple is sitting window/aisle and won't move to sit next to each other, then I assume they essentially are just in it for themselves and they don't give a crap about the comfort & convenience of others. And so I'd feel no inclination to do anything to make their flight more comfortable or convenient.
May 1, 2017, 9:59 am
#26
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
Sorry, I don't really understand the purpose of the post. What is being complained about or asked about.
None of us were there. Whether the couple was being rude to your or extremely nice, you are under no obligation to inform other people of how the airplane works. If you had no need to use the outlet and the other two were using them, it seems like the perfect fit. If you had needed the outlet, the they are supposed to unplug anyways before takeoff so there would be your chance to get to one of the outlets.
As for a couple moving together so you can have the aisle or window, they are under no obligation to change their seat either.
It sounds like your beef is with UA for causing you to lose your upgrade due to the delay. I'm sure if you write in to them, they'll throw you a voucher or some miles.
You could easily turn that around. One could say that you are just in it for yourself and don't give a crap about the comfort & convenience of the couple by expecting one of them to take the middle seat in order to make you comfortable. Seating assignments are first come first serve. The person who comes first should have no obligation give up the comfort and convenience to someone else that may or may not come along later. Just because you like to sit directly next to your significant other, it doesnt mean that every feels the same. I never saw the big deal of sitting apart even on the other side of a plane. Most flight's arent that long, a couple should be able to survive a few hours apart.
None of us were there. Whether the couple was being rude to your or extremely nice, you are under no obligation to inform other people of how the airplane works. If you had no need to use the outlet and the other two were using them, it seems like the perfect fit. If you had needed the outlet, the they are supposed to unplug anyways before takeoff so there would be your chance to get to one of the outlets.
As for a couple moving together so you can have the aisle or window, they are under no obligation to change their seat either.
It sounds like your beef is with UA for causing you to lose your upgrade due to the delay. I'm sure if you write in to them, they'll throw you a voucher or some miles.
You could easily turn that around. One could say that you are just in it for yourself and don't give a crap about the comfort & convenience of the couple by expecting one of them to take the middle seat in order to make you comfortable. Seating assignments are first come first serve. The person who comes first should have no obligation give up the comfort and convenience to someone else that may or may not come along later. Just because you like to sit directly next to your significant other, it doesnt mean that every feels the same. I never saw the big deal of sitting apart even on the other side of a plane. Most flight's arent that long, a couple should be able to survive a few hours apart.
Last edited by eng3; May 1, 2017 at 10:05 am
May 1, 2017, 3:20 pm
#27
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Somewhere in Florida
Posts: 2,622
If you're a frequent flyer carry a small power strip like this one or this one.
I always carry a mini-power-strip in my carry-on, along with a 4-port USB charger and USB power pack. While I carry them primarily for me, and primarily for use at the hotel, I often will offer it when other travelers need them. AC outlets and power ports on airplanes are far more common than they were 10+ years ago, they still seem in short supply. Even when I don't speak a common language with another traveler, I've never been refused when I offer to share the already-in-use outlet.
I always carry a mini-power-strip in my carry-on, along with a 4-port USB charger and USB power pack. While I carry them primarily for me, and primarily for use at the hotel, I often will offer it when other travelers need them. AC outlets and power ports on airplanes are far more common than they were 10+ years ago, they still seem in short supply. Even when I don't speak a common language with another traveler, I've never been refused when I offer to share the already-in-use outlet.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; May 1, 2017 at 5:54 pm Reason: discuss the issue, not the poster(s)
May 1, 2017, 3:46 pm
#28
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,418
There are 2 outlets for 3 seats. As a group of 3 people you're supposed to be mature enough to figure out how to make that work for the group. Beyond that there are no rules like families only get one or the middle seat gets priority.
So many ways to easily solve the "problem" presented other than kvetch on FT.
So many ways to easily solve the "problem" presented other than kvetch on FT.
Jun 22, 2017, 9:53 am
#29
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Premier Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 280
Somewhat different question: I just flew RT IAD-MCO on a 737, both trips in first. On neither flight did my outlet work; I was trying to charge my dying laptop both times. Both times the green light was on. I don't often use the outlets; is there a trick I"m not aware of? Do they not work to charge laptops but only smaller devices? Or did they just not work (it's conceivable this was the same aircraft in both directions)?
Jun 22, 2017, 10:03 am
#30
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 163
Do you have a high performance laptop? The current draw is not very strong so you may only be able to sustain a charge while using it, or slowly drain battery.
For a travel laptop usually it's fine. The biggest issue I have faced is the socket itself is too loose. But it has not been a big enough issue that I have ever looked into getting yet another plug thing to carry around as suggested in this post.
For a travel laptop usually it's fine. The biggest issue I have faced is the socket itself is too loose. But it has not been a big enough issue that I have ever looked into getting yet another plug thing to carry around as suggested in this post.