Notes about Apple’s Magsafe Airline Power Adapter

Recently, I did some research into Apple’s airline power adapter and their use on Continental planes for a trip to India that had me on a plane twice for 14-15 hours each time. I really wanted to be able to work during that time.

Much of what I found online was vague and inconclusive, but I decided to make some guesses and try it out anyway.

Here’s what I learned…

• EmPower outlets supply up to 75 watts of DC power. You need a custom adapter to use it with your laptop. I think there are two kinds of plugs, and this plane used the newer, smaller one.
• Here’s Seatguru’s guide to in-plane power
• EmPower powers your laptop, but does not charge it. Even on a Macbook, which draws less power than a Macbook Pro. Leaving it plugged in while the laptop was sleeping seemed to charge it VERY slowly.
• You can charge your iPhone while you’re using your computer. However, it’ll slowly tick down your battery. No big deal, as the iPhone charges pretty fast. But this basically means you’re using your laptop battery to charge your iPhone/iPod.
• I read that some laptops will refuse to work with EmPower unless you take out the battery. I didn’t experience this.
• Apple’s adapter costs $50. It’s decently well made and looks good. I’m sure it cost just a dollar or so to make, but for power for 29-30 hours of flight time, it was worth it to me.

Specific to my flight…

• Continental flight 82 (CO82) does have power outlets on their planes in coach, but only in rows 16-23. Supposedly they fly a newer version of the 777-200 on this flight that has power in all rows, but customer service didn’t know anything about it.
• The 777-200 Continental flies on this route has EmPower outlets (the newer version of the plane is supposed to have AC outlets, but again, I didn’t experience it.)