Tim2sms - 17/01/2011 11:21 GMT
I know that this is an old question, but what are the at-seat power sockets (e.g. US 110 volt socket) for BA flights in premium cabins:
First, New First, NCW, WTP, New WTP.
Thanks.
BA power sockets in premium cabins
Posts
DisgustedofSwieqi - 17/01/2011 11:51 GMT
Tim2sms
From my experience as a pax:
First - empower (this was over 5 years ago, but I have not heard anything about upgrading the seat power supply)
New First, don't know
NCW, US or Euro plug (last used on 1 Jan this year)
WTP - empower (last used on 24 Dec 2010)
New WTP - don't know
BT did a review of New First and the 777-300 with new WTP, you may find answers there.
If you carry a power supply with either euro/US plugs and an empower socket, you are covered. However, the UK plug needs an adaptor to euro or US.
There are some 3rd party power supplies that can do this, e.g. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kensington-33196EU-Universal-Power-Adapter/dp/B000B8GSCK
Otherwise, you can buy an inverter with an empower connector.
Tim2sms - 17/01/2011 11:54 GMT
@DisgustedofSwieqi - Many Thanks.
After your answer, I found link to Empower at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EmPower_(aircraft_power_adapter)
Tim2sms - 17/01/2011 12:10 GMT
Thanks. I have a Kingston Empower unit from some years back. I have not flown with BA for 3 years, but have a flight booked, so the old kit still works.
With thanks to the BT forum, BA USA gave me an upgrade as a return to them from VAA (who no longer fly to ORD), plus in return for my referral of this forum to them as a good source of positive and negative comments about BA transatlantic services.
(Just looked at your link for the Kingston gadget, and it is a lot lighter than the inverter I have!)
DisgustedofSwieqi - 17/01/2011 13:14 GMT
@tim
Sorry, Posted the wrong link ;-)
This is the one I meant, it also works from 120/240AC power and thus gives you a wall/air solution.
Interestlingly, you take the power tip off the mains unit and attach it to a separate Empower cable, but the whole unit is supplied in a carry case, so it is a single pack to carry.
FCTraveller - 17/01/2011 14:12 GMT
All I can add to this is some info about Old First. There is a strange looking power socket which requires a power pack supplied by the crew. It works fine if all you're charging is an iPod or mobile phone but there is not enough juice coming out of there to power a modern laptop. I haven't tried my laptop in New First yet but I expect it should be no problem.
DisgustedofSwieqi - 17/01/2011 14:41 GMT
FCTraveller
What you are describing is an Empower socket.
These are limited to 75 watts output, which for example will power my enegery efficient lenovo Thinkpad X200s laptop (which requires 65 watts), but will not power other laptops that need 90 or 120w, such as the Fujitsu Siemens Lifebook S6410 that I used until 18 months ago.
Most netbooks will also be okay with 75 watts.
I am not an expert in this area, but many years of frequent travelling have lead to a number of trial and error conclusions ;-)
It is not just empower sources that sometimes struggle, my Fujitsu was the bane of the Emirates engineer who used to travel on board, as it would frequently trip the supply to my seat, that came through a 2 pin socket.
FCTraveller - 17/01/2011 14:54 GMT
Thanks for the clarification DS, I guess I have to admit that my laptops are pretty power hungry. It would be great if the crew were as knowledgeable as you, every time I asked, they were clueless and tried substituting the unit thinking there was something wrong with it.
DisgustedofSwieqi - 17/01/2011 18:07 GMT
FCT
Knowledge gained by much frustration ;-) I bet the crew don't get any training on the sockets/power adaptors.
The only way I could get the Fujitsu to work reliably, was to invest in 2 x main batteries and swap after 4 1/2 hours, that way I could manage 9 in a flight, but with a dim screen and slow processor :-(
The lenovo is a joy, has worked every time, so far, which is on of the reasons I went for a less power hungry device.
Tim2sms - 31/01/2011 16:29 GMT
@DisgustedofSwieqi - I have just received the Kingston product you suggested, and wanted to thank you for the recommendation. It is 1/4 of the size and weight of my old device, and came with both empower and car charger, plus different adaptors including one that fits my Acer laptop.
Thanks once again.
Tim.
FCTraveller - 31/01/2011 16:33 GMT
If only BA could install WIFI on their long haul aircraft, then there would be a reason to use our laptops on the plane. Most major airlines are moving that way but not the case for BA.. Unless someone knows something I don't?
DisgustedofSwieqi - 31/01/2011 16:34 GMT
Tim2sms
Please to hear that it worked out for you, thanksfor the feedback.
MartynSinclair - 31/01/2011 17:40 GMT
I can speak for the NCW cabin. I use my standard computer cable and just change the plug lead. I used to carry the Kensignton unit, but the Fujitsu power supply unit works perfectly well. Never had a problem.
JordanD - 01/02/2011 14:23 GMT
Just to let you know on new WT+ (and I think on the new WT, so therefore on the 777-300ERs), it is a multi-socket, comprising UK, US & EU plus socket. Hope that helps.
Extranuts - 01/02/2011 22:51 GMT
I must add my personal note to this.I recently settled into my club world seat with my Sony laptop and mains lead only to find the plug did not fit. The cabin crew were as surprised as I was that it turned out our British flag carrier airline appeared to have a US socket!!! Who in BA specified that? Of course the very helpful purser offered to sell me an adaptor for about £60 so maybe the person who specified it saw an additional income stream......
DisgustedofSwieqi - 02/02/2011 10:01 GMT
Extranuts
I believe that the seat sockets are also made by Empower, a US company.
If you do the math of total users of (a) US plugs, (b) Euro type 2 pin plugs and (c) UK plugs, you will understand why the 2 sockets provided, are provided.
Also, although the UK plug is probably the safest plug in the world, it is very bulky and thus difficult to fit a socket into a confined area.
I am based in Malta, where the UK plug is standard, but as I travel a lot, I find the following set up is convenient
I use a euro plug for my power brick to mains cable http://www.rapidonline.com/Cables-Connectors/Connectors-Mains-Power/Cordsets/European-2-pin-plug-to-figure-8-lead/72092/kw/23-7498?source=googleps&utm_source=googleps
I have a euro to UK adaptor (fused and to BS standard) like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Travel-Adaptor-Plug-Worldwide-European/dp/B000P0FIUM/ref=pd_bxgy_ce_text_b
Then I carry a US convertor http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Travel-Changer-Adapter-Plug-European-Euro-to-US-USA_W0QQitemZ260648785224QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=206418207059&rvr_id=206418207059&cguid=5079e86812c0a0aa17175b67ff8ccbd6
This covers me for the countries I visit regularly.
I also use an aftermarket power supply with land/air electricity supply capability, including an Empower classic type adaptor. It also has a USB output, which is useful for charging my iPod and BlackBerry, without using a laptop USB port.
With this combination I can manage most countries, but still have to pack separate plugs for South Africa and India.
Ymelord - 17/01/2012 06:34 GMT
"All I can add to this is some info about Old First. There is a strange looking power socket which requires a power pack supplied by the crew. It works fine if all you're charging is an iPod or mobile phone but there is not enough juice coming out of there to power a modern laptop. I haven't tried my laptop in New First yet but I expect it should be no problem"
There is a reason for this, and it is that the sockets on board are a trickle supply and are to be used to power you laptop not charge it... And also it is to be used only for laptops not mobiles or any other electrical items
Ymelord - 17/01/2012 06:38 GMT
"I must add my personal note to this.I recently settled into my club world seat with my Sony laptop and mains lead only to find the plug did not fit. The cabin crew were as surprised as I was that it turned out our British flag carrier airline appeared to have a US socket!!! Who in BA specified that? Of course the very helpful purser offered to sell me an adaptor for about £60 so maybe the person who specified it saw an additional income stream"
I THINK U WILL FIND IT IS MORE TO DO WITH THE VOLTAGE OF THE AIRCRAFT THAT THE DESIGN OF THE SEAT... THEY ARE AMERICAN BUILT AIRCRAFT... EVEN THE PLUGS FOR THE CLEANERS HOOVERS ARE 2 PIN USA PLUGS...
FirstFleeter35 - 17/01/2012 10:27 GMT
laptops are not meant to be charged on the aircraft, particulary when passengers then fall asleep, it is a serious fire risk as many laptops overheat very easily. It is a major cause of fire in many households, I would never charge my laptop overnight at home, I only do so when I am around, the same applies on an aeroplane.
