Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Travel Topics > Travel Tips & Trip Ideas
Reload this Page >

Charging my iPad on the plane

Search

Charging my iPad on the plane

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 30th, 2014 | 07:52 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
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
Pattie is offline  
Old Apr 30th, 2014 | 07:53 PM
  #2  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Sorry, That should read THANKS!!
Pattie is offline  
Old May 1st, 2014 | 05:02 AM
  #3  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,709
Likes: 1
Suggest you ask the airline, it's up to the airline not the manufacturer. And just charge it before you leave.
thursdaysd is offline  
Old May 1st, 2014 | 06:40 AM
  #4  
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 9,773
Likes: 0
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
crellston is offline  
Old May 1st, 2014 | 07:02 AM
  #5  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,709
Likes: 1
On an airplane, you should switch to airplane mode in any case, that's what it's for....
thursdaysd is offline  
Old May 1st, 2014 | 10:41 PM
  #6  
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,763
Likes: 0
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
sparkchaser is offline  
Old May 2nd, 2014 | 06:43 PM
  #7  
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Routehappy.com will also tell you if your plane has power ports.
Flem04 is offline  
Old May 2nd, 2014 | 09:03 PM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
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.
Pattie is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2014 | 05:21 AM
  #9  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,709
Likes: 1
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!).
thursdaysd is offline  
Old May 4th, 2014 | 12:03 PM
  #10  
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 11,786
Likes: 0
I saw a teensy-tinsy battery pack on Groupon yesterday. It was $10.
Tabernash2 is offline  
Old May 8th, 2014 | 05:30 AM
  #11  
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 10,210
Likes: 0
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.
doug_stallings is offline  
Old May 8th, 2014 | 06:09 AM
  #12  
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 0
<<<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.
Iowa_Redhead is offline  
Old May 8th, 2014 | 07:49 AM
  #13  
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 11,786
Likes: 0
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.
Tabernash2 is offline  
Old May 8th, 2014 | 10:06 PM
  #14  
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 9,773
Likes: 0
Some tips on extending battery life here
http://www.apple.com/uk/batteries/ipad.html
crellston is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
laurie_ann
Air Travel
18
Nov 21st, 2009 07:44 AM
Hofstra1
United States
16
Sep 3rd, 2009 09:05 PM
CarolK
Air Travel
6
Jun 26th, 2003 01:00 PM
xxx
Air Travel
5
Oct 24th, 2002 07:43 AM
EC
Air Travel
1
Oct 10th, 2002 12:08 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -