Charging my iPad on the plane
 

We are flying overseas with Aer LIngus (it says on a AirBus A300-200). Will I be able to charge my iPad. Do they provide a USB charging port or some other method?
Thaks

Sorry, That should read THANKS!!

Suggest you ask the airline, it's up to the airline not the manufacturer. And just charge it before you leave.

I doubt that there will be any facility for charging on Aer Lingus. Few airlines offer this facility. An IPad battery should last for around 9 hours max, enough for all but the longest trains continental flights. You can extend battery life by a reasonable amount by turning down the screen brightness and switching to ailane mode which will turn of the wifi etc. As Thursdaysd point out, the best people to ask is the airline

On an airplane, you should switch to airplane mode in any case, that's what it's for....

If you go to seatguru and enter you flight number, the subsequent map should show you what power ports, if any, that particular aircraft has. Of course, should that particular plane not fly that route that day, the replacement may or may not have the same setup.

If you want to be totally prepared, look into an external battery pack like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...B6PP2QFHCXSTKY

Routehappy.com will also tell you if your plane has power ports.

Thanks for the replies. Just charging it before we leave won't do the trick as our flight time is over 15 hrs, (including layover) plus the time at the airport prior to the flight but good suggestion on turning down the brightness etc.
I did check out the link suggested and it does say there is AC power so hopefully I'll be good to go.
The external power pack would be great but space and weight are going to be an issue.

You can charge in airports, and presumably your layover is at an airport. In any case, aren't you planning to try to sleep? Please note that your screen may be an annoyance to a seatmate trying to sleep (and do turn the volume down and wear earphones if you're listenong to something!).

I saw a teensy-tinsy battery pack on Groupon yesterday. It was $10.

FYI: Just because there is power doesn't mean the outlet takes a regular plug or USB (though most do these days, particularly most Airbus models).

A lot of Airbus models now offer charging ports in every row, though not for every seat. It appears that Aer Lingus offers exactly the same set-up that I recently experienced on Virgin America. So usually there's a plug (that takes either a USB or plug) between the aisle and middle seat and another between the middle and window. If both your row mates want to charge, then you may have to fight for it.

<<<Just charging it before we leave won't do the trick as our flight time is over 15 hrs, (including layover) plus the time at the airport prior to the flight>>>

One thing to consider with that though is that while 15 hours is longer than you could expect a battery to last, do you plan to sleep for any of that time? Do you plan to eat on the plane with the ipad on or to turn it off while you eat (lack of space to set it)? During your layover, you'll be moving between terminals, maybe having a quick meal, etc. If you have a layover in the middle, you can probably find an outlet somewhere to recharge a bit.

Pattie, if you're planning on watching videos, I understand why you are concerned about charging your iPad.

I hate it when I have to spend layover time trying to find an outlet and then staying nearby while it charges (IF I can get an outlet). I also don't like to partially charge my devices, a bit at a time. I like to get them to 100%. Old habits from old batteries, but I still prefer it.

As I posted above, I'd spring for the cheap charger you can take with you. They are small.

Some tips on extending battery life here
http://www.apple.com/uk/batteries/ipad.html