Paging inventor Pelicans who frequently travel

[kevin993]

Problem - flying on airplanes with personal devices that plug into an on-board power supply, but the outlet on the airplane is too loose to keep the plug engaged and connected. The plug is fine (easily fits into other outlets) and there is a connection if you manually hold the plug against the outlet. Have had a similar problem with outlets in hotel rooms like those that are embedded in the base of a lamp.

Looking for a work-around. Perhaps something that is small enough to throw in a travel bag that can keep the plug snug in the outlet?

Any solutions or ideas?

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by peteremsley

assuming it is a 2 pin US type plug, can you either bend in or spread the pins a bit, giving it a bit more mechanical grip?

well you seem to have adjusted to our electrical system quite well.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by kevin993

Any solutions or ideas?

Use one of these:


If you have to ask why, you never had one of these:



Seriously, I carry an external power supply with me. Can be charged by the USB port when you get to the hotel with your matchbook

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by peteremsley

assuming it is a 2 pin US type plug, can you either bend in or spread the pins a bit, giving it a bit more mechanical grip?

Too simple, effective, and cheap.

Thats not how we roll here.

[porsche4life]

Just shove a chunk of bailing wire in with the plug.

[Neilk]

Get a British plug adapter. Heard those work well because that type of plug is barely ever used and therefore the plugs dont fall out. Just the adapter, not voltage transformer.

[john70t]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Too simple, effective, and cheap.

Thats not how we roll here.

I vote for carrying a portable anvil and 3lb sledge hammer on vacation.
Just in case you need to forge something.

[cstreit]

There's got to be a reason for this.. ...but yeah - the airline plugs seem to be spring loaded and kick out the adaptor easily.

I just bend the prongs a little...

[Bill Douglas]

Or fill it with chewing gum so the connector doesn't wobble around as much.

[island911]

Originally Posted by cstreit

I just bend the prongs a little...

the prongs on the female side? (on the plane seatback?) Yeah, no doubt those get smooshed up on the planes. do you use a toothpick?

one could also consider bending up the square holes on the male side.