It is only reasonable for you to worry if your plane will have power outlets if you're getting ready to board and intend to use your gadgets. Fortunately, we researched about the airlines having outlets, most specifically Delta airlines, and here’s what we found.
Without a doubt, Delta aircraft have outlets. The best part about this airline is that you can actually see whether seats have a power outlet when you book your seat.
In this article, we'll cover the information you require regarding the outlets in flight. Especially the outlet's availability on Delta and other airlines. Also, we'll share with you some tips on charging your devices on the plane. So keep on reading.
Overview Of Airplane Power Outlets And USB Ports
Below are a few things you should know about power outlets and USB ports on airplanes so that you can fly with the proper expectations.
Outlet-Equipped Cabin
Each seat in the majority of first- and business-class cabins will include a power outlet and/or a USB port. Although it's not always a given, the vast majority of major US airlines offer them with premium seats.
It is significantly less typical for economy travelers to have their own USB connections and power outlets. You might have to share any power outlets with other passengers. In certain cases, the first few rows of economy seats are the only ones with power outlets.
Location
Each aircraft has a different configuration for the power outlet and USB port locations. Sometimes you might find them close together on the back of the seat, but other times they might be in the space in between the seats.
This is especially true if you're in the economy and sharing an outlet with someone else.
Sometimes when traveling in first or business class, you have to search for them somewhere on the side of your seat, underneath your seat, or even within a storage compartment.
For each passenger, truly premium cabins frequently contain many power outlets or USB connections.
Aircraft
Your airline's ability to supply a power outlet and USB port depends on the type of aircraft you're flying on.
In most cases, newer or renovated aircraft will have power outlets and USB connections, and they might do so for each individual seat. Additionally, long-haul aircraft typically have more electronics on board.
As was said further down, there are several versions of an aircraft, therefore if you are not flying on an updated model, you might not have access to the power outlets. Occasionally, premium cabins on smaller airplanes feature outlets.
Outlets Problem
On aircraft, outlets frequently experience problems. If this occurs, depending on the length of the flight, your class, etc., you might be eligible for reimbursement.
But the most important thing to remember when flying is that you can't always rely on power to achieve your purpose.
Do Delta Planes Have Outlets?
Even though the majority of airlines claim to provide power outlets, you can find yourself unfortunate enough to be traveling on a plane or sitting in a seat without one.
Fortunately, Delta prevents this by making it clear which seats have power outlets when you book your seat.
During the trip planning stage, customers can now see an indicator for in-seat power during buying the route on the airline's website for any aircraft that offers it.
International Flights
Delta Aircraft |
Standard Power Outlets |
USB Ports |
|
BusinessElite |
|||
Airbus 330 |
Available in all seats |
Available in all seats |
|
Boeing |
747 |
||
757 |
|||
767-300ER |
|||
767-400ER |
|||
777 |
|||
Economy Class |
|||
Airbus 330 |
Available in the first 10 rows only |
Available in all seats |
|
Boeing |
747 |
||
757 |
|||
767-300ER |
|||
767-400ER |
|||
777 |
Domestic Flights
Delta Aircraft |
Outlets |
USB Ports |
|
First Class |
|||
MD88 |
Available in all seats |
Available in all seats |
|
Boeing |
717 |
||
737-700 |
|||
737-800 |
|||
737-900ER |
|||
757-200 |
|||
767-300 |
|||
MD90 (majority) |
|||
CRJ900 (majority) |
Unavailable |
||
Economy |
|||
Boeing |
717 |
Available in all rows |
Unavailable |
737-900ER |
Available in all seats |
||
737-700 (majority) |
Available in rows 10-12 only |
||
MD90 (majority) |
Unavailable |
Do Airplanes Have Power Outlets?
The availability of power outlets varies. If there are power outlets available on your flight, you might have one all to yourself, or you might have to share one or two with the passengers next to you.
You might only have USB power outlets that you can use to charge phones and tablets, or you might have a full-size AC outlet that you can plug a laptop into. You might frequently have both.
Aside from the information above about Delta airlines, below is a summary of a few airlines with or without power outlets or USB ports.
Airlines |
Outlets Available (/); Unavailable (X) |
USB Ports Available (/); Unavailable (X) |
Alaska Airlines |
/ | / |
Allegiant Air |
X |
X |
American Airlines |
/ |
/ |
Frontier Airlines |
X |
X |
JetBlue |
/ |
/ |
Southwest Airlines |
X |
X |
Spirit Airlines |
X |
X |
United Airlines | Most have outlets |
Most have USB ports |
Each airline offers a diverse selection of in-flight outlets and USB ports, both in terms of quantity and position.
Therefore, if you're going to board an aircraft soon, you can always get in touch with the airline and confirm what services they can offer you in relation to these devices. Additionally, these flight companies offer a variety of outlets and ports, including the following:
- AC power: Typically 110V AC power. Suitable for your phone, tablet, or computer.
- DC power: Similar to the cigarette lighter in your car, these outlets normally use 15V DC power and can deliver up to 75 watts each.
- EmPower DC power: Offered on more than 40 airlines. An adaptor is required to connect to it.
Other airlines advise their customers to only occasionally use the power outlets rather than charging their devices.
How To Charge A Device On An Airplane?
Flying for long hours without entertainment might be challenging. Unfortunately, many aircraft lack power outlets for charging any electronics.
Some of your equipment frequently can't be charged by power outlets. You should carefully plan your flights and pack adapters and power packs to ensure that you can continue working and playing while in the air.
1. Choose A Flight That Has Outlets At Each Seat
Although they are becoming more frequent, power ports are still not a standard in airplanes. Check to see if plugs are listed among the facilities offered on the flight when booking tickets because many airplanes only provide outlets near specific seats.
2. Bring An Adapter
Many of the power outlets on airplanes are not designed to accept connectors for common devices. Consider a universal device that has a variety of different adapters if you are traveling internationally.
Although they are more expensive, international power plugs frequently do not work with U.S. gadgets. With a reliable, universal adapter, you can power up your gadgets both domestically and overseas.
Click here to see this universal adapter on Amazon.
3. Be Willing To Wait And The Flight Attendant Instructions
Charging during critical flight phases, including takeoff, landing, and turbulence might be risky. There aren't any established rules about when it's appropriate to charge yet.
However, each airline has its own regulations, and there may be times during the flight when the flight attendants ask you to unplug your electronics.
4. Bring More Compact/Smaller Gadgets
Sadly, the majority of on-flight power interfaces operate at a relatively low voltage. Rarely will these be enough to fully charge bigger items like laptops.
The power circuit will frequently trip as a result of the laptop's demand, depriving you of power. Smaller devices have a lower chance of tripping the circuit.
5. Consult The Flight Attendants About Alternate Locations For Charging
There may be open power outlets on some airplanes that are not near the regular seating sections. Expect not to be able to use these. However, it won't hurt to ask to see if there is anything accessible.
6. Save Power
If you don't consume a lot of power, you won't need to recharge. Check to see if your laptop has an energy-saving mode. To reduce energy usage, shut off any superfluous programs. Airplane mode on electronics can also save energy.
Among all the guidelines above, having devices that have already been charged will make it simpler to pass the time throughout the trip.
Also, some security will no longer let you board a plane with an electronic device that won't start up on its own due to worries that bombs could be concealed inside them.
Moreover, you can invest in a power bank. They might be able to charge a number of gadgets for up to a week, depending on the type. But even on the longest trips, the less expensive ones can adequately power your electronics.
Click here to see this power bank on Amazon.
Conclusion
Checking with the airline company prior to takeoff is a good idea because this is the best way to be ready in advance and discover what you need to do before you board the plane if you wish to use your electrical gadgets while in the air. So if in doubt, check on the airline.
Check out some flight facts below.