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Yesterday, I wrote about my Los Angeles to Toronto flight on Air Canada from the day before. Like many, we’re spending Christmas with our family, in my case, my in-laws, since my wife is a Canuck. RELATED: Record Numbers of People are Traveling This Holiday and Thieves Know It – Here’s How to Protect Your Home While You’re Away
While my wife and kids were watching movies on the plane, I was working on my laptop thanks to the in-flight WiFi and power ports. While I was checking emails, I came across an eye-catching headline on Reddit titled, “Hacks for loose in flight outlets?” The caption read: “This is me in 4A departing AUS, with a backpack wedged under the outlet to keep my plug in, which must be at exactly 87 degrees to maintain a power connection… not 86…not 88, but exactly 87 degrees. I’ve tried bending prongs in… I’ve tried splaying prongs out… and these outlets on certain delta flights are just terribly fickle. Flight from CDG a couple months ago in D1 wouldn’t take anything I tried. Any road warrior hacks I’m missing here?”
It had 144 comments and the most popular one was two words: “European adapter” by someone who goes by TerrapinTribe. They’re absolutely right and it’s one of the reasons I always have a European travel adapter in my carry-on, besides the fact that I might have a last-minute trip to Europe and don’t want to forget to pack one of the most essential items. It’s also why I usually have a universal adapter and a power strip.
The reason is because the power ports on the plane can fit a variety of plug types and the U.S. ones tend to get worn down the most either because they’re used the most or Americans are more impatient in their handling of cords. But the European sockets are nice and tight.
Another user commented that they “actually find the UK adapter to be the best choice of them all.”
So if your plug won’t work because it’s too loose, then try a European or UK adapter and see if you have better luck like I did on my way to Toronto.
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I ran into exactly this problem on a Delta flight from LIS to JFK this week! Wish I had known about this hack, as I certainly had an adapter. Next time!
OMG this truly is a brilliant travel hack, thank you so much! It is so screamingly frustrating when my phone charger won’t stay in the plug!! It’s up there with hotels allowing people to save chairs at the pool! :-)
I’m going to bring my European travel adapters from now on. Thank you again!
Thanks bro!
3 weeks ago on DB ICE from Berlin to Frankfurt phone wen dead. Of course I had a schuko plug but the train seat power port was so worn out I could barely find the proper angle and gave up. Europeans aren’t any more patient, transporters need to do a better job of maintenance. Happy travels!
Or a small all-in-one, in case you decide to keep going. Or, why have multiple adapters when you can have one?
I do carry both
This isn’t the best solution and quite poor, actually. It doesn’t solve the problem of a heavy charger hanging from two, small pins. You’ll still kick it or watch it bounce out with turbulence. The best solution is a 3 terminal, 8 to 12” extension. This is far more mechanically sound. Amazon sells a 4 pack. Give a couple to friends and keep the other two in your travel kit.
https://amzn.to/41Ee6eR
Really this is wonderful information, Thank Dear I will tell my all known friends to read Johnny Jet info:
I always have a small amount of gaffer tape (sort of like heavy masking tape) and it a 6 in strip would hold a plug or adapter in place – as well as great for other things when traveling.
I had no idea the European adaptors would fit in those sockets! looks like a 3 prong plug would be better also
Always packed with useful information. Keep up the good work