In flight charging /power for Apple Mac on BA 747

[hotwax]

Hi I am new to this forum and wondered if anyone can confirm whether it is possible to charge/ power my Apple Mac in flight with BA on a Boeing747 flight to Singapore and then Australia.

[dicktracy]

Are you sure you are in the right forum????

Anyway just bring an plug adapter and perhaps a USB cable and you will probably be fine.

[AyBee]

Out of curiosity, why did you pick a motoring forum to ask about something to do with aeroplanes and mac charging?

[hotwax]

A bit cheeky I know asking about a non car topic! - but a friend told me that 'Piston Heads' is the place to obtain answers to the most obscure questions. Thanks for your input. Hotwax.

[Dracoro]

Yes, and there's a computer section for just this type of question......

[hotwax]

and where's that then?

[Dracoro]

If you can find this forum, you can read I assume? I also assume you're familiar with "scrolling" down pages on the internet, page-down even, whichever tickles your fancy.

[Wax1234]

To be fair, as a new poster he wouldn't be allowed to post in that section

[Dracoro]

Wouldn't he? Didn't know that.

Did seem strange though, like someone telling you to get a new CD in town, walking down to your local town centre, going into the first shop (say a butchers) and asking for a music CD

[Wax1234]

Nope you have to wait two weeks until you can post in the Pie and Piston.

[Starfighter]

Most long haul BA aircraft have a power hook up in the seat arm along side the entertainment ssytem. The downside is that they need a separte DV / AC converter. These can be purchased from the airport but can be costly.

There are some 240v 3 pin sockets dotted around the cabins which are intended for use by ground crew (vacuum cleaners etc). If you can find one of these then you can usually use it provided you don't drag cables around. Im not sure where these are on the 747-400 but you might find some comments or help on www.seatguru.com

[hotwax]

Thanks - very helpful Starfighter - I will follow your advice

[pdw]

Some airlines have standard AC power, some have 12V cigarette lighter style, and others use "EmPower". You can buy a lead that'll work on the latter two from Apple for about 30 quid.

http://www.seatguru.net/ suggests that BA have two different 747 configurations, one with AC power, one with EmPower. In any event, you won't get it in cattle class, only in cattle plus (aka World Traveller Plus) and above. I've not flown BA for ages, but my recollection was EmPower in both cattle plus and business, but I can't remember what plane.

You're unlikely to be able to charge the battery: the Apple lead will only power your laptop, and the AC power may not provide sufficient current to charge.

See here for more:

http://www.seatguru.com/articles/in-seat_laptop_po...

[Zod]

BA Club is two pin US sockets on most flights these days so you don't need a converter. To be safe, jus tbuy the Apple MagSafe airline and car adapter. It is much more compact than the third party ones.

Edited by Zod on Friday 20th November 16:50