QUESTION

Do I need a special adaptor plug to use my laptop on an airline that says it offers seat power in Business Class ?

Answer

G Bibberts

Delta Business Class uses a 2 pin plug but they do not have available any adaptors - at least on their London/Atlanta flights.

Answer

Neil Wedderburn

Some standard 2 pin plugs are not suitable for good connectivity with certain types of 110V PC power. The larger American pin size plugs give much better connectivity than the European ones. In addition the PC power supply on some A/C is not rated for laptops that are rated at 75 Watts or above. The supply will shut down if it has to take too much load. So, check the A/C system before use and know the status of your laptop battery -  ie charged or discharged.

Answer

Anthony Cheung

Yes, you need empower adaptor for most airlines. I am using that adaptor in the CX business class.

Answer

I Henderson

Lufthansa comes top here, as they just require a 2 pin plug. Oddly enough a round pin plug (European) seems to work better than the flat pin (North American). Next is Swiss, who have 2 adaptors you can borrow if nobody in first class requires them. Both BA and Aer Lingus require an adaptor which you can purchase on board subject to availability. They have not been available on the flights I have been on.

Answer

G Boernhorst, Taipei

It depends on which airline you are taking, and also may be subject to type of aircraft. Many of the older in-seat power sockets need a special adaptor which can cost anything up to about USD99 in most airport tax free outlets - a Targus or Empower adaptor. But some of the latest seats can be used with your normal plug - a 2 pin round (European) or square 2 pin (US) socket available. Flew recently with China Airlines on their Airbus A340 and they have these new sockets. Lets hope that all airliners adopt this policy.

Answer

M Wachenfer

Yes you will need adaptor with most airlines. As above writer says there are 1 or 2 who provide sockets you plug a US pin style plug into - some like Malaysia Airlines have sockets onboard but their choice is total rubbish and fit about 2 laptops and normally only 2 power cables for whole of First and Business class.

Answer

C Teasdel

I know for a fact that on BA you will need a adaptor to use in seat power. You can buy this onboard in Club and you can borrow it in First Class. On SAS and AA flight you will also need an adaptor I have a LIND Auto & Air adaptor which works great. I have not seen the standard 2 pin connections that people talk about, I guess some airlines have reservations about these as they are 110vac instead of the 12-16vdc the adaptors use.