Few travel worries compare to watching your phone battery dip into the red mid-flight — especially when your boarding pass, playlist, and entertainment all depend on it. If you’re flying with British Airways and wondering,
“Can I charge my phone or laptop in Economy Class?” — you’ll be happy to know the answer is usually
yes.
Most British Airways aircraft now include
USB ports and AC power outlets in Economy cabins, allowing you to stay connected throughout your journey. And if you’re booking or need to confirm which aircraft you’ll be flying on, you can always
call (844-734-0813) to get help identifying in-flight amenities for your specific route.
In fact, according to a recent travel study by Skytrax,
over 80% of travelers consider charging access a top priority when choosing an airline — and British Airways continues to invest heavily in keeping passengers powered up.
Do British Airways Economy Seats Have Charging Ports?
Short Answer — Yes, on Most Aircraft
Most British Airways
Economy (World Traveller) and
short-haul (Euro Traveller) seats now include at least
USB charging ports, and many feature
both USB and AC outlets.
The availability depends largely on the aircraft model:
Aircraft Type | USB Ports | AC Power Outlet | Notes |
---|
Airbus A350 / Boeing 787 / 777 | USB + AC | Available | Full charging options in every seat |
Airbus A320neo / A321neo | USB-A & some USB-C | Limited | Short-haul, new USB-C options |
Older Airbus A319 / A320 | USB Only | None | Gradually being upgraded |
Airbus A380 | USB + AC | Dual access | Great for long-haul routes |
So, if you’re flying on a newer or long-haul British Airways aircraft, you can expect full device charging options at your seat.
Where Are the Ports Located?
- USB ports: Usually beneath the seatback screen or built into the entertainment system.
- AC outlets: Often located under the seat or between seat pairs.
Pro tip: On some aircraft, the outlet is shared between two passengers — meaning charging may be slower when both sockets are in use.
Charging Options by Flight Type
Long-Haul Flights (A350, B777, B787, A380)
All British Airways long-haul jets feature
both USB and AC power outlets for Economy passengers. You can charge phones, tablets, or laptops easily.
Example: A traveler flying from London to New York on a Boeing 787-10 shared,
“I was able to charge my phone and work on my laptop the whole way — no power issues at all.”
Short-Haul Flights (A319, A320, A321neo)
On short-haul European routes, most planes now feature
USB-A ports, while newer A321neo aircraft include
USB-C connections for faster charging.
Older Airbus models may only offer USB ports at a lower wattage — perfect for phones or tablets, but not powerful enough for laptops.
Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus)
While this article focuses on Economy, note that
World Traveller Plus includes individual AC sockets and dual USB ports per seat — ideal for long flights or business travelers.
British Airways began rolling out its
2023 cabin refresh, adding upgraded power and USB-C access across its fleet for improved passenger convenience.
Pro Tips for Charging Devices on British Airways Flights
- Carry a Dual USB Cable (A & C): Not all aircraft have USB-C ports yet — bring both types for flexibility.
- Pre-Charge Before Boarding: In-flight charging can be slower than wall outlets.
- Switch to Airplane Mode: Helps your device charge faster and saves battery.
- Use a Power Bank: Portable chargers under 100Wh are allowed in carry-ons.
- Check Your Aircraft Type: Use “Manage My Booking” on BA.com to see your aircraft model.
Need help confirming if your flight includes power outlets? Just
call (844-734-0813) and a British Airways representative can check your aircraft’s amenities instantly.
Other In-Flight Connectivity Perks
British Airways also offers
Wi-Fi on most long-haul and select short-haul flights.
- Messaging Plan: Starting at £2.99
- Streaming Plan: Around £4.99–£7.99 (varies by route)
You can browse, stream, or work online while keeping your devices charged.
Conclusion: Stay Connected from Takeoff to Touchdown
So, does British Airways have charging ports in Economy Class? Absolutely — especially on newer aircraft. Whether you’re crossing the Atlantic or flying across Europe, BA ensures you can keep your phone, tablet, or laptop powered throughout your journey.
And if you’re planning a trip or want to confirm your aircraft’s amenities before booking,
call (844-734-0813) for quick assistance and travel support.
Because with British Airways, you don’t just fly — you stay connected every mile of the way.