Comments on: $15 to check a bag, but free to charge an iPod

United Airlines becomes the first domestic carrier to implement a partnership with Apple that brings iPod and iPhone connectivity to select planes' in-flight entertainment systems.

[tlimongello]

You could have also used the Matrix here - having iPod jacks coming out of people's heads, but that would have been tough to photoshop. Maybe all my UA points won't go to waste.

[Pishkado]

It would be a heck of a lot more useful, to more people, if they'd install seat power for laptops, DVD players and so on aft of the premium cabins. Nothing against iPods (I have one) but their batteries already last long enough for most flights, and you can charge them from a laptop anyhow.

[shahnyboy]

Well said Pishkado...
This will hardly be a perk that flyers will flock to AA for. And it sounds like such a dull way to attract more business. Give something that people can REALLY use on a plane.

[pixelpusher220]

The amount of power a laptop draws is pretty significant compared to an iPod. Charging iPod's isn't going to have a huge issue on power.

I'd be more upset that they aren't just putting USB power ports at the seats, but are going specifically with iPod connectors. Then again, I'm betting the airlines won't be happy when Apple changes it's port design, so maybe this will be a way to keep Apple for forcing us to buy new adapters with new models...

[pixelpusher220]

The amount of power a laptop draws is pretty significant compared to an iPod. Charging iPod's isn't going to have a huge issue on power.

I'd be more upset that they aren't just putting USB power ports at the seats, but are going specifically with iPod connectors. Then again, I'm betting the airlines won't be happy when Apple changes it's port design, so maybe this will be a way to keep Apple for forcing us to buy new adapters with new models...

[pixelpusher220]

The amount of power a laptop draws is pretty significant compared to an iPod. Charging iPod's isn't going to have a huge issue on power.

I'd be more upset that they aren't just putting USB power ports at the seats, but are going specifically with iPod connectors. Then again, I'm betting the airlines won't be happy when Apple changes it's port design, so maybe this will be a way to keep Apple for forcing us to buy new adapters with new models...

[pixelpusher220]

The amount of power a laptop draws is pretty significant compared to an iPod. Charging iPod's isn't going to have a huge issue on power.

I'd be more upset that they aren't just putting USB power ports at the seats, but are going specifically with iPod connectors. Then again, I'm betting the airlines won't be happy when Apple changes it's port design, so maybe this will be a way to keep Apple for forcing us to buy new adapters with new models...

[ckramer--2008]

And yet I still can't get a simple power outlet in first or business class when flying between DC to San Diego or San Francisco!

[bigmc6000]

The last 4 flights I've been on have had power outlets under the seats. MD-80's and 747's have them (at least all the ones I've flows on with AA). You just need a car adapter (which my after-market power supply comes with) and you're set.

All of that is in coach class in case you were wondering...

[davezatz]

What in-flight entertainment screens? I've never seen one IAD<->SFO and IAD<->OAK. Also flew into Chicago a few weeks ago. Unless they mean first class...

[LunaticSX]

Here's an idea:

Apple's iPod/iPhone docks have the same connectors on the back as iPods and iPhones. So, take one of those apart to get the connector, then use it to hack together a cable with a laptop power connector on the other end. Presto! A trickle charger for your laptop!

iPods and iPhones obviously don't take as much current to charge, so you're not going to be able to actually run your laptop off the amount of power the cable will provide. Like one of the low-current solar cell trickle chargers that are sold for laptops and other devices, though, it could at least keep your battery from draining as fast while you use it. Or, you could leave your laptop in sleep mode and use the power to slowly top up its battery, if it's not fully charged already.

Of course, beware all usual caveats about possibly voiding your warranty, etc.

[Sherman-Homan]

How about some regular plugs in the terminals while we wait for late planes?!

[appledogx--2008]

AA hasn't had 747s for years. Perhaps 777s or 767s? It is good news, though. Now you can feed your iPod while you yourself go hungry!

Airline "service" today is worse than an intercity bus ride at rush hour and airline personnel are much less friendly than those who drive the bus.