Air travel with notebook

[azkiwi]

I have a laptop shipping soon, and soon after I will be off on about 24 hrs of combined flight time. Obviouslythe battery won't last. Is there anyway to recharge in-flight?

I am assuming too that modern laptops can run on the 240V that will be standard at my destination...

 

[thraxes]

It depends on the airline you are flying on and the aircraft that they use for that route. Better ask the airline, they will have more info.

Some airlines have laptop power outlets even in monkey class, but only on their newest long-range birds. As I said, you should ask the airline.

 

[jagec]

yeah, the airline would know better than anyone else. Other than that, you could bring on a little hand-held generator or pack of solar cells...

 

[TubStain]

yeah newer laptops will work on international voltages. Look on your power brick and it should say 110 - 240 or somethign like that.

 

[vladbot]

It depends on the airline. Since you mentioned the 240v, I assume that you're going to Europe. Lufthansa, the German airline lets you recharge your notebook inflight in all business class seats. Also, at airports you can find power outlets.

 

[azkiwi]

Originally posted by: vladbot
It depends on the airline. Since you mentioned the 240v, I assume that you're going to Europe. Lufthansa, the German airline lets you recharge your notebook inflight in all business class seats. Also, at airports you can find power outlets.

opposite direction - Air New Zealand, and since Busines class is a $5K upgrade, I'll be in the back flapping with the rest of the chickens. It will be a 747-SP400 I think, I'll just have to cross my fingers.

Thanks for all your replies - I wish I could get Firefox to log me in to AT - I always have to switch browsers to comment.

 

[vladbot]

Oh,

well have fun in New Zealand!

 

[azkiwi]

thanks vladbot, and welcome to the forums.

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: azkiwi
I have a laptop shipping soon, and soon after I will be off on about 24 hrs of combined flight time. Obviouslythe battery won't last. Is there anyway to recharge in-flight?

I am assuming too that modern laptops can run on the 240V that will be standard at my destination...

Look here...

SeatGuru.com

That will show you if the plane you are going to be on will have outlets and WHERE they are located on the plane.... Usually, Biz class and up will always have a port on the newer planes... In coach/economy, you may not have ports at every seat,,,, as you'll see by visiting that site.

1. You need to find out what type of port is on the aircraft... I've found three different plugs in my travels.

2. Yes, most major laptop brands power adapters work with both 110 and 220. BUT>... Make sure you get the plug end adapter (the 110/220 end) that mates with the outlet you might find in that country.

Some of your better hotels out of country will possibly provide both native outlets and 110volt U.S. style outlets. You can buy the adapter once in country but they'll over charge you for it.

 

[azkiwi]

Great link Bad news

Looks like I'll have a solid 9 hours after the battery deflates on my M6805 to enjoy its good looks... no power in cattle-class seating on a 747!

Think they'll mind if I bring a 100' extension in my carry-on and run it up the aisle to business?:beer:

 

[rainypickles]

seatguru is a pretty neat site =)

 

[jai6638]

ur hotel might have an adapter so i dont think u would need to buy one..... when i went to new zealand the hotel provided me with an adapter.....


also i was wondering.. to recharge on flight.. do u need to have a special air charger??? also where are the power outlets usually located on the seat???

cheers

 

[aakerman]

Originally posted by: azkiwi
Thanks for all your replies - I wish I could get Firefox to log me in to AT - I always have to switch browsers to comment.

It works flawlessly here !

 

[Ravenit]

Most planes have power in the toilets so maybe you just have to sit in there for an hour or so until your lappy charges. lol

 

[vegetation]

Originally posted by: Ravenit
Most planes have power in the toilets so maybe you just have to sit in there for an hour or so until your lappy charges. lol

Those restroom outlets can only supply very limited power, like 30 watts. Any modern laptop is going to exceed that amount of current even during recharge cycle, so it wont work.

 

[vladbot]

But if you ask the flight attendant, I'm sure they will assist you in some way. If worst comes worst, then you can always buy an extra battery for your laptop.

 

[azkiwi]

well, an extra battery is about a buck and a half and would still only get me halfway across the Pacific... so unless the hosty can help out I guess I'll be stuck with in-flight service.

How long does a recharge take anyway?

 

[vladbot]

It depends on the battery, the power and the laptop. Mine charges on a toshiba tecra m2 for about 1 hour