Toting laptops, cellphones and other gadgets, frequent travelers are more desperate than ever to remain plugged in for electrical power during long flights.
Tucked away below seat-pans or elbow rests, power outlets usually aren't the most sought-after in-flight perk for occasional leisure travelers. But workaholic, e-mail-addicted business travelers just can't get enough. The advent of Wi-Fi on U.S. carriers last year ratcheted up demand. Travelers who want to bring their own in-flight entertainment have further raised the desire to be plugged in while in the air.
"It's definitely an important issue," says profesional speaker Don Schmincke of Baltimore, who travels frequently for business. "My productivity goes up tremendously — access to the Web for research and networking. Also, relaxation (with) more options for entertainment."
The airline industry's response to the issue has been similar to its approach for other in-flight amenities: First- and business-class passengers are covered; back-of-the-plane customers are pretty much on their own.
Few U.S. airlines offer the perk in economy seats for short flights. Even in aircraft used for longer flights, such as Boeing 767s and Airbus 330s, coach passengers will find them placed only sporadically throughout the cabin — say, an outlet every two or three rows.
"There's really nothing in economy (on U.S. carriers)," says Matt Daimler, founder of Seatguru.com, which provides detailed information about aircraft cabins. "They're thinking it'll help up-sell. They clearly see that it's a differentiating factor for business travelers."
European and Asian carriers are more generous about providing electrical power, Daimler says, noting Cathay Pacific has outlets at all seats.
U.S. carriers stingy
Among major U.S. carriers, only American Airlines has economy-seat power ports — installed every three rows — in the majority of its fleet, according to Daimler.
Virgin America is the only U.S. carrier to install outlets in all seats. Although it flies only 28 planes, the carrier has not been shy about touting the advantage in marketing.
"Power outlets is one of the reasons why they fly with us," says Virgin spokeswoman Abby Lunardini, adding that 53% of its customers travel with laptops.
Other discount carriers, such as AirTran and Southwest, don't offer them at all, even as they provide or have plans for in-flight Internet that customers pay to use.
Frequent traveler Geoffrey Ashton, a financial-industry executive in San Francisco, laments that "the domestic traveler always gets the rough end of the stick."
"I always make sure I pack a car charger and to charge up my Bluetooth headset," he says. "Leaving home without a charger is a disaster."
Some airlines are starting to pay attention to disgruntled coach passengers, especially given that their Wi-Fi service drains laptop battery power 30% faster, says Mark Peabody of Astronics, which makes electronics for aircraft."You pay $9.99 for Wi-Fi, and your battery dies after an hour and a half," he says. "You're not a happy camper. Airlines are looking at this."
American Airlines says it's installing power outlets in all seats for new Boeing 737s. In 2005, United introduced power outlets to non-premium passengers for the first time when it installed them in all "Economy Plus" seats in select Boeing 757s that fly transcontinental routes.
Amping up the wattage
Carriers also are converting old 75-watt plugs — a common outlet type still available — to regular AC outlets that can transmit more power and won't require adapters. Travelers toting large laptops may find that 75-watt outlets aren't sufficient. American, United, Continental and Delta have already switched or are in the process, Peabody says. The aircraft power system provides the electricity, which is converted into power that's useable for the outlets.
The standard for batteries currently shipped to airlines has increased to 150 watts to 200 watts, Peabody says. The new Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s, which are long-haul aircraft still in development, will likely have 150-watt ports in all seats when they are finally shipped, he says.
Many wide-body jets also have new in-flight entertainment systems that come with USB ports that can be used to power electronic gadgets. Astronics says it'll introduce later this year a new type of power outlet that will also have a USB connection.
The improving quality of laptop batteries also has helped travelers deal with the scarcity of in-flight power. Batteries introduced in the last few years typically last longer, with some running up to six hours. Some smaller netbooks, including the iPad, have batteries that exceed eight hours.
David Carter of East Lansing, Mich., a Delta frequent flier, says he hasn't noticed upgrades by airlines to provide more power, but srugs off the issue.
"Even on a New York-to-Los Angeles run, most modern laptops and iPods have sufficient battery power," he says. "(Outlets) are far more valuable on international flights."from and go
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