CHARGING YOUR PHONE OR GADGETS ON THE AIRLINES
TYPES OF POWER PORT OUTLETS ON AIRLINES

CHARGING YOUR GADGETS IN THE AIR - TYPES OF POWER PORTS ON AIRLINERS

AIRBORNE POWER TIPS
On some aircraft, you'll find power outlets at or near your seat, However, only some aircraft on some carriers offer this feature. You'll need to check with the carrier before your flight and keep in mind that the aircraft may be changed at the last minute. Even if the airplane you're flying in has power ports, they may not be located at every seat.

Your notebook or your plane may require an adapter, which are available from laptop manufacturers, or you can opt for a multi-source, multi-device power adapter such as the iGo everywherel30 notebook power adapter ($149) or the Targus Universal Notebook 90 Watt AC/DC Adapter ($149).

AC POWER OUTLETS
These basic power outlets allow you to plug in using the standard wall power brick that came with your laptop. The power on the plane is typically 110V AC and features a semi-universal receptacle that accepts polarized and nonpolarized two-blade plugs, as well as the three-prong plug. You'll find this type of power on older planes from Continental and Virgin America.

DC POWER PORTS
Identical to the cigarette lighter power port in your car, these usually offer 15V DC power at up to 75 watts per outlet. This may not be enough juice to operate a power-hungry Vista notebook. DC ports are available on American Airlines, but to plug in your laptop, you'll need an adapter.

EMPOWER SYSTEM
This is the gold standard for on-airplane power. Found in more than 125,000 seats on 40 airlines, it's the most widely installed in-seat power system in the skies. It features 15V DC power at up to 75 watts per outlet, but you'll need a compatible adapter to charge your notebook.