Laptop power in PE LHR-HKG? UC Suites to HKG?

Hi,

The VS website indicates that they are working on laptop power in PE and E (and that UC definitely has it) - does anyone know if any progress has been made in this area?

I will be going to HKG around 9 Jan (PE) so I hope they do it in time!

I may even go UC, does anyone know if Suites will be available then or will it be J2000 - I've read about a HKG Suites launch party on FlyerTalk but there's no dates as to when it'll be available.

Cheers,

Sahajesh.

VA operate A340-600's (mostly) on the HKG route and they all have the new WASH PE seating which has a power point for laptop power in each seat.

With regards to the economy seating im not really sure, but seems to recall it is available but there isnt a port in every seat.

Approx 80% of the HKG flights currently get the UCS so IMO January is a pretty safe bet for the suites!! All the 600's will be done by then. Thats no garauntee tho!!

Thanks for that - the minimum I'll go in is PE so at least I can use the laptop!

Good to know that there's a fair old chance of getting Suites in UC , that'll be a big deciding factor - after all, I wouldn't want my first UC flights to be in J2000, would I?

Cheers,

Sahajesh

All A340-600 and V-Port fitted 747-400 have lap top power in PE.

No Laptop power in Y though.

Remember VS do not allow Pax to use there own laptop lead on board the aircraft due to lithium battery fires, however please ask the crew who will be happy to supply you with a lead!

quote:Originally posted by declansmith
Remember VS do not allow Pax to use there own laptop lead on board the aircraft due to lithium battery fires, however please ask the crew who will be happy to supply you with a lead!

Not heard about this - can they supply leads for all brands of laptop? I could try to use my own lead by saying that my Powerbook isn't one of the ones that recently had a battery recall....

Thanks,

Sahajesh.

There are leads for over 200 types of Laptop so I am sure VS will have the correct lead for you!

quote:Originally posted by declansmith
All A340-600 and V-Port fitted 747-400 have lap top power in PE.

No Laptop power in Y though.

Remember VS do not allow Pax to use there own laptop lead on board the aircraft due to lithium battery fires, however please ask the crew who will be happy to supply you with a lead!

Interesting one for you Declan (and any other VS crew reading)...

My Compaq Evo N400C has it's own EmPower lead, supplied by Compaq and allegedly "FAA approved". It is just a lead - there is no blimp in the middle. The laptop draws on the native 15V EmPower supply.

When I questioned Compaq about this (way back when they were still Compaq, before they were borged into HP), they said "Yes, that is correct, the power input is designed to run from the supplied AC adaptor, and EmPower, or cigarette lighter-style sockets, at 10-15V DC."

When running from the EmPower lead, it powers the laptop only and will not charge the batteries.

When I have run it from Targus (like VS dish out) or "Juice" adapters, I have noted that the batteries will go on charge from time to time.

Somehow my laptop can tell the difference between the AC adaptor and the EmPower supply (and therefore disconnect the batteries), but not between the AC adaptor and the Targus.

I therefore believe that my own lead could actually be safer than the one VS supply when used with my laptop! (It is also very short - maybe 2ft long max - so not a trip hazard, so you guys don't go flying with a tray full of drinks!)

Maybe you can raise this for more detailed research by Cabin Services and Engineering?

Cheers,
Mike