Some airlines, like Southwest and Alaska Air have no power ports. Virgin America has plugs on every flight. The accessibility of power ports on most other airlines varies with the model of the plane. [2] X Research source
For Cigarette DC Adapters, look for an “Auto/Air” adapter. For Empower DC Power, you might need an additional device that can be attached to a Cigarette DC Power adapter. Most “Auto/Air” adapters can easily be converted from Cigarette to Empower Adapters. [3] X Research source The Empower DC adapter looks much like a Cigarette DC adapter. Whereas a Cigarette DC adapter has a circular shape with a number of very small inputs, the Empower DC adapter has a circular shape, with some small inputs and two larger ones near the top. If you are flying internationally you should consider a universal device that includes an array of different adapters. These are more expensive, but international power plugs often are not compatible with U. S devices. A good, universal adapter will allow you to charge your devices both on the plane and abroad. [4] X Research source
Often, the power ports will shut off automatically at the end of flight. [6] X Research source
Sometimes if you remove the battery, the device will be able to run off the current from low voltage power plugs. [7] X Research source Smaller devices like tablets, DVD Players, and cell phones are more likely to charge effectively with airplane power ports.
These tricks will also allow you to charge your device faster. [8] X Research source
So far, this rule is only being used for select international flights, but it is unclear how this rule will be applied in the future. [9] X Research source
One good way to get around the scarcity of power ports is to bring your own power strip. These allow you to turn 1 power port into 5 or 6. That way you can charge several devices at once and even make some friends at the airport!
