Skip to content
Customer Service: 305-305-4271

How Airlines Are Keeping Up With Increasing Demand for In-flight Power

airplane power adapter

Nowadays, airplane passengers are using more than one electronic device, which presents a unique challenge for airlines. How do they keep these passengers happy by maximizing the in-seat power supply without affecting other essential flight elements?

To make matters worse, these gadgets require different power outlets, includeing AC ports, 115V, and in-seat USB systems. The question remains, which airplane power adapter will you go for?

According to a 2017 survey, at least 98% of passengers carry at least one device during a flight. The same study found that 70% of passengers bring two or more gadgets with them.

Meanwhile, revelations by consumer trends show laptops remain quite popular among flyers. These devices require in-seat AC power outlets. Further, most passengers use at least one USB-enabled device in their flight.

Here are some noteworthy statistics by the Airline Passenger Experience Association:

  • 43% of global flight passengers will carry a tablet on their flight and at least 70% of these passengers will use the device.
  • 38% of flight passengers will have a laptop onboard and at least 42% of these passengers will operate their laptop.
  • Another study shows 88% of passengers on business travel rely on their phones.

As you can see from these statistics, in-seat USB systems are in high demand. Yet, this doesn’t mean you do away with AC airplane power adapters — not necessarily.

Many travelers need AC power outlets to charge their laptops. But, the development of USB power outlets is changing the power supply game. Such a change ensures the must-have devices like tablets are fully charged. For instance, USB Type-C airplane power adapters support fast charging for smartphones, making it easier to use tablets during a flight.

How to Manage Airplane Power Supply

The supply of power in an aircraft is limited. As such, the airline should focus on critical flight operations.

For safety reasons, original equipment set limits on power distribution to passenger applications. Yes, your plane power systems can distribute power to passenger seats. The systems will then limit power by cutting off the supply to non-essential equipment. The limitations and requirements for in-seat supply vary depending on the plane. It’s essential to choose a power supply solution that doesn’t impact your passenger’s experience.

In this case, you want a company that provides high-quality airplane power adapters, which would allow power delivery to your passengers without compromising the aircraft’s safety.

Make it Easy for Customers to Explore In-Flight Features

Approximately 41% of flight passengers watch a movie during a flight. How do you plan to meet their needs? You can invest in a large aircraft display screen or provide enough power to help customers watch movies on their own devices.

Which Airlines Offer Power Outlets

Before booking a plane, customers want to know whether or not power is supplied. If not, they’ll shift their focus to a different airline. Here’s a list of leading airlines offering power options and their details:

  • Air Canada: the airline is offering USB ports and power outlets. Customers can use these to charge small devices.
  • Alaska Air: the airline has set the bar on power outlets. These planes have USB ports and individual power outlets for every seat on the plane.
  • JetBlue: the airline provides USB ports and power outlets on some of their planes. For instance, the new A321 planes, unlike the A320 series, has individual power outlets.

Final Verdict

There’s no denying that price is a vital factor for passengers when choosing an airline. Yet, the quality of your in-flight experience plays a critical role, as well. The variety of in-flight entertainment, legroom, and display help shape positive customer expectations.