Air travel has come a long way in terms of comfort and convenience, but one challenge that still persists is keeping your devices charged. Whether you're using your iPhone to catch up on emails, stream movies, or simply pass the time, a dead battery can be a major inconvenience during a long flight. Fortunately, there are several ways to ensure your iPhone stays powered up while cruising at 30,000 feet. In this post, we'll share some practical solutions to charge your iPhone on a plane.
1. Plan Ahead with Charging Apps
Some airlines have their own apps or websites that provide information on the amenities available during the flight, including charging options. Before you board, check if the airline provides in-seat charging or if there are any tips specific to your flight for keeping your devices powered up. This can help you plan and avoid surprises once you’re in the air.
2. Gate Charging Islands
Ok, this one is for before you get on the plane, but most airports offer charging areas that are packed with outlets. You will often see a pile of digital nomads slumped in these areas as they charge all manner of devices. That is your last good chance to get as much charge in your iPhone before you get on the plane. Do your best to power up there before getting on the flight so your phone is prepared to last as long as possible during your flight.
3. In-Flight USB Ports
Many modern planes are equipped with USB ports in the seats, making it easy to charge your iPhone without needing to bring your own adapter. These ports are typically located near the entertainment screen or underneath the armrest, and they can provide a steady charge for your device. While USB ports may not always offer the fastest charging speeds, they’re convenient and eliminate the need for carrying extra cords. Be sure to carry a USB-A to USB-A cable to connect your iPhone, and maybe even a USB-A to USB-C adapter, just to cover all the bases.
4. Portable Power Banks
One of the most reliable methods for keeping your iPhone charged on a plane is by using a portable power bank. These compact, rechargeable battery packs come in various sizes and capacities, allowing you to charge your device multiple times before needing to recharge the power bank itself. When choosing a power bank for air travel, make sure it complies with airline regulations. Most airlines limit the capacity of power banks to around 100Wh (watt-hours), so check the specifications before you pack. A power bank can be a lifesaver, especially on flights that lack charging ports or if you're seated in a location without easy access to outlets. There are even power banks that work through MagSafe for even more convenience.
5. In-Seat AC Power Outlets
Some planes, particularly those on long-haul flights, offer in-seat AC power outlets, which you can use to charge your iPhone. These are similar to the outlets you’d find in a hotel room, allowing you to plug in your regular iPhone charger. While not all airlines offer this service, it’s becoming more common on certain routes. If your flight has this feature, you can use a standard wall charger and ensure your iPhone stays fully charged throughout the flight.
6. Airplane Mode and Power-Saving Tips
While not a method for charging, enabling airplane mode during your flight can help conserve battery life. By turning off features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and location services, you reduce the amount of energy your iPhone consumes. This way, your battery lasts longer, and you’re not as reliant on charging options during the flight. If you do need to charge, consider using your iPhone in power-saving mode to make the most of every bit of battery life. And, turning down your screen brightness can also help.
7. Solar Chargers
This one is a bit of a stretch, and definitely requires a window seat, but it might be a unique and useful option. Think about it, you are up there, closer to the sun, and you plant one of these compact cells in the window, you might be looking at some nice, reliable, power. Solar-powered chargers use sunlight to generate charging power, so as long as you have access to some sunshine, you can keep your iPhone going while your plane gets you to your destination. These chargers come in various sizes and styles, from compact single panels, to foldable panels that can really pull down some power. Just don’t block out the entire window, for the sake of your row mates 😉
Ready for Takeoff
While charging your iPhone on a plane is somewhat different than in your car, it doesn’t have to be a hassle. From in-seat USB ports and power outlets to portable power banks and solar chargers, there are multiple ways to ensure your device stays powered throughout your flight. Just be sure to plan ahead and check with your airline on the available options so you can enjoy a fully charged phone when you land.