Try this simple trick for almost-guaranteed airline seat power.
If you’re flying right now, odds are you’re headed somewhere within the States. With most countries closed to Americans, there aren’t many international destinations to visit.
But even if you’re flying someplace that doesn’t require a passport, there’s one international travel necessity you shouldn’t forget to pack: an international power converter.
Why? So you can avoid a travel pet peeve: loose power sockets.
Most major U.S. airlines offer power outlets across their domestic fleet. But just because an outlet is available doesn’t mean your charger is going to stay plugged into it.
Domestic planes can be used for four, five, or even more flights per day. Even assuming only half of all passengers need power inflight, a charger may be plugged into or removed from a given outlet four or more times every 24 hours. Multiply that usage across a year and you’ll end up with worn-out power sockets, meaning it’s hard to get plugs to stay in place. You’re forced to fiddle with your power source throughout the flight, trying for the Goldilocks spot—not too far in, not too far out—in order to pull any juice.
That is, if you’re using a U.S. plug.
I had my lightbulb moment on a domestic flight from Denver to NYC. I inserted my laptop’s plug into the plane’s outlet; no matter how I positioned it, the plug wouldn’t stay in place to continuously draw power. I then switched out the US plug for the European one on my power connector. Voilà! A snug connection was made, thanks to the Euro and UK slots not being used as much.
Since that flight, I’ve always traveled with an international power adapter regardless of my final destination. I like TryAce’s universal power adapter($13); it comes with three outlets, four plugs, and works in 190 countries.
If you don’t want to bring a multi-country model, nearly every domestic plane’s plugs accept both UK and Euro plugs. Here are FOUR UK plugs for $8:
and SIX Euro plugs for $6:
So while the United Kingdom and Europe are closed to US travelers for now, if you need to fly domestically, pack a power adapter for either or both of those destinations in your carry-on and don’t worry about running out of power mid-Netflix binge.
Twist’s Take: Pack an international power adapter for guaranteed power connection on domestic flights.
