Is there a standard power adaptor to use on airplanes?
For international flights of 12-15+ hours, do the planes usually have AC power available in Economy? If not, is there a standard "airplane power adaptor" that can convert the DC into AC to power a laptop or other electronic item? Is this the same type of adaptor that you can use in cars, or is it a different plug type on an airplane?
Best Answer
Air Canada has power in economy. It is a standard North American plug. There was a brief time when in-air power required a special airline-only adapter, similar to the way headphones had that strange two-prong plug. But I think these days if there's power it will be a "normal" plug for that airline. The only adapter you are likely to need is one you would use anyway in the country you're heading to.
After reading Joel's answer I realized that the plug is a little more complicated than a North American plug (though my stuff fits in it fine) and found this picture:
Perhaps most European devices could also use this plug.
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Answer 2
I haven't flown an airline offering power in economy, but Apple offers an Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter, so I guess that the answer to that part of your question is yes, otherwise apple is lying. Seatguru.com offers insight which airline offers in flight power, but I could not find one that offers power in economy.
Answer 3
I have seen power outlets offered in economy a few times. Most recently on a UK to US flight with United. Also, on some internal flights. The sockets took US plugs and delivered something that my laptop power supply was happy with: probably 110V 60Hz. Fortunately, most laptop and other portable device power supplies are quite tolerant these days. If something bad came out of the socket then I hope that the power supply would lay down its life for the device it served. I had a power block with me but power was so easily available for the whole trip that I never used it.
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