Laptop power on QF A380

[rocket]

Hi,
Not sure if this is covered anywhere on here - if it is hopefully someone can point me....
travelling in J on QF A380 in a couple of weeks. This is the first time I'll want to use a laptop - Macbook - to work inflight, and am wondering what I need to power it via in-seat power. Do I need an adaptor, or does normal plug work?
Thanks

 

[moa999]

normal plug will be fine - is a multi-style plug.

 

[Skoogle]

I have used the power on the A380 for my eeePC twice. No special plug required and I just left it plugged in the whole flight.

The powerpoint is at the front of the center arm console. I just put the laptop in the foot well of the seat infront when not in use.

 

[rocket]

Thank you for your prompt and helpful replies ... looking forward to the flight. Been allocated 16K which am pretty happy about. Hope it's a good seat.

 

[simongr]

When are you flying? I am on the A380 on 6 march.

 

[Skoogle]

Been allocated 16K which am pretty happy about. Hope it's a good seat.

I have been in 17K & 18K on VH-OQC (Paul McGinness). One of those, 17K I think, you could only open 1 of the 2 under window components.

Thre is plenty of room. You should be happy with 16K.

 

[Mal]

I assume the power supply is less than 90W - anything 90W or above (some laptops do come with these chargers) will possibly trip the fuse and not work... This used to happen with the 747, but I believe it also happens with the A380.

 

[milehighclub]

As mentioned the power port is between seats and require no special adaptor (unless it is a UK plug) Just plug it in and your off

However there have been a number reports of some devices not working

On the A380 there is a small problem with the power ports. Some plugs don't reach the inside of the power port correctly and thus don't power. The problem seems to be mostly with AUS/NZ plugs (though most do work - the ones that don't have always been AUS/NZ plugs)

If you have such a plug and it doesn't work - ask a crew member for an adaptor which are now carried onboard (about 5). It converts the AUS/NZ plug to a US 3 prong plug which solves the problem.

 

[ozscot]

If you have such a plug and it doesn't work - ask a crew member for an adaptor which are now carried onboard (about 5). It converts the AUS/NZ plug to a US 3 prong plug which solves the problem.

Never realised that and will make sure I leave the US plug on the power brick. In seat power has never worked for me but I've got a 17" macbook and read somewhere it draws too much current when charging so doesn't work anyway.

Cheers,
Steve.

 

[serfty]

...

However there have been a number reports of some devices not working

On the A380 there is a small problem with the power ports. Some plugs don't reach the inside of the power port correctly and thus don't power. The problem seems to be mostly with AUS/NZ plugs (though most do work - the ones that don't have always been AUS/NZ plugs)

If you have such a plug and it doesn't work - ask a crew member for an adaptor which are now carried onboard (about 5). It converts the AUS/NZ plug to a US 3 prong plug which solves the problem.

This is on old problem and the US adaptor solution has been mentioned before, here is a post from 4 years ago:

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/your-questions/pc-power-outlets-on-qf-6835.html#post84140

Note that in my experience, the power outlest on the Skybeds and new F suite are more reliable when using a US type plug than with an Aussie plug. The socket is designed to take an array of different type of connectors. So I generally use a US adapter for my Aussie plug and find it is more reliable. The Aussie plugs just don't always make contact between pins and socket.

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/your-questions/in-seat-power-9570.html#post120912

 

[NM]

This is on old problem and the US adaptor solution has been mentioned before, here is a post form 4 years ago:

When I read the previous post about using an adapter, I thought "what a great idea ... wish I thought of that"

Indeed its not new or unique to A380 - the problem nor the solution.

 

[sammm]

just wondering if there is laptop power on all airlines? i am using air China and Swiss air

 

[Mal]

just wondering if there is laptop power on all airlines? i am using air China and Swiss air

A very hard question to answer as it depends on the airline, and also the type of aircraft. In some cases also the cabin that you're travelling in.

You could have a look at SeatGuru Airline Seating Charts - Best Airplane Seats - SeatGuru and look at the particular airlines/plane types you will be flying. If power is offered on a plane, you will see a symbol for power listed above the seat configuration. Click it for more information about the power (eg what cabins / what type of plug is required etc).

 

[sammm]

Thanks mal, i was able to check.

unfortunately i will be economy on the A330 using air china, and no power to the laptops unless i was in the dynasty class!

oh well

 

[laffer]

Also flying on the A380 but with a UK plug. Anyone know what type of plug adaptor I need? Something that converts to US?

 

[serfty]

Also flying on the A380 but with a UK plug. Anyone know what type of plug adaptor I need? Something that converts to US?

You'll need any UK plug ->USA/Oz|NZ/Euro socket adaptor.

The UK->USA may work best.