Can I plug my laptop in on a plane?

Charging Laptops on Airplanes: A Guide to Safe and Efficient Power

The convenience of working or staying entertained on a laptop during a flight has become an essential part of modern travel. However, ensuring safe and efficient charging of your laptop on an airplane requires following specific guidelines.

Electrical Outlets on Airplanes

Most commercial airplanes today feature electrical outlets for passenger use. These outlets typically provide a standard 110-volt AC power supply, similar to what you have at home.

Charging Laptops

Charging a laptop on an airplane is generally straightforward. Simply plug the laptop’s power adapter into the electrical outlet and connect the other end to your laptop.

Power Limitations

The power output of the electrical outlets on airplanes is limited. Most outlets can handle a maximum of 75 watts of power. This is sufficient for charging small laptops and basic devices, such as smartphones or tablets.

However, laptops with powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) require more power. Exceeding the 75-watt limit can trigger safety measures, including the tripping of circuit breakers or the shutdown of the electrical outlet.

Best Practices

To ensure safe and efficient charging of your laptop on an airplane, follow these best practices:

• Check the power requirements of your laptop’s power adapter. If it exceeds 75 watts, consider bringing an additional charging method, such as a portable battery pack.
• Use the laptop’s built-in power management settings to reduce power consumption.
• If possible, avoid using power-intensive applications, such as gaming or video editing, while charging on an airplane.
• Be aware of the location of the electrical outlets and ensure that your laptop’s power cord does not obstruct aisle access.
• Report any malfunctioning electrical outlets or power issues to the flight attendants immediately.

Conclusion

Charging laptops on airplanes is possible, but it requires being mindful of power limitations and following best practices. By adhering to these guidelines, travelers can safely and conveniently power their laptops during their flights.