billbolton wrote:... The 12V at-seat power outlets on commercial aircraft is usually an EmPower socket, which is NOT the same as the cigarette lighter style power outlet in automobiles. ...
Excellent point. However, in the case of American Airlines, this appears to not be the case:
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformatio ... nology.jsp
The American Airlines website specifically states:
Your seat may be equipped with a DC power outlet. American uses a "cigarette lighter" style outlet delivering 15 volts of direct current. ... Outlets may be used to operate ... other devices with a maximum 75-watt capacity. ... For detailed powerport locations by aircraft type, visit the Our Planes section on AA.com.
And the Our Planes section is off the "About Us" tab to the left of the AA.com home page. It is currently at:
http://www.aa.com/i18n/aboutUs/ourPlane ... vent=false
Still, if someone travels extensively and can use the power port it is wise to have an adapter as you noted. Also thanks for reminding me about Magellens mail order (where you found that adapter image). I use their power adpater products but had not thought of them as a possible source to help here.
billbolton wrote:... The EmPower outlets are also limited to about 75W of energy (maximum), which may not be enough to power a xPAP machine if you are using pressure greater than ~12 cms H20 at the cabin pressure equivalent-altitude of 2400 metres. Also, at-seat power is not guaranteed so you may end out without power in any case. ...
Excellent point. So, though "It depends!" answers whether it will work or not, you provide information to qualify it. If someone needs pressure greather than about 12cm H
20 at normal cabin pressure, then the power port is probably not a good option. Thank you. That will save me (and others) a good bit of time.
billbolton wrote:... I have had several occasions across various airlines when at-seat power simply did not work, to the point where I have since elected to carry my own rechargeable battery pack for in-flight use, as it is a power source I control and therefore can trust be available when I need it. ...
Great point. I am rapidly reaching the same conclusion. Another point in favor of the rechargeable battery pack is the following statement, which American Airlines makes (and probably every other airline has similar wording):
The use of powerports is at your own risk. American is not responsible for loss of data or damage to personal hardware or software.
Some things I just don't want to risk, and in my case my ASV unit is one of those.