Loose power plug on an airplane? A Europlug adapter might help

All too often I’ve had trouble where the mere weight of my iPhone or MacBook power adapter is enough to pull it from its own airplane power socket. Why are they so loose? If the plug at your seat is one of the universal outlets that can accept any plug, you might find that an inexpensive Europlug adapter might have a more secure fit. I always carry one in my travel bag, even when I travel within the US. Specifically, I fly Alaska Airlines and I always have this problem on their planes. And weirdly, the plug is recessed slightly so the new MacBook Air Dual Charger doesn’t insert fully. The adapter solves this problem as well.

Why? The Europlug may be superior. Instead of two parallel metal blades like we have used in the US since 1904, the Europlug which came about in 1963 has two rigid pins that are ever so slightly pointed inward, creating tension.

If you don’t have a Europlug adapter, this six-pack for $6 will do the trick. You do not need an expensive voltage converter, just an adapter. The US standard is 110v and much of the rest of the world is 220v, but electronic devices are all built to accept either voltage. If in doubt, there will be a sticker on your device or DC power converter that confirms the acceptable input range. Voltage converters are really only useful for devices that utilize A/C power such as plug-in shavers, curling irons, and light bulbs… devices that we don’t usually travel with, at least any more.

If only the plugs on airplanes were mounted sideways so that the blades were horizontal… but nobody asked me. Though I’m not an engineer so maybe there is a good reason I’m not aware of.