Does United Airlines have Charging ports in economy?

⚡ Does United Airlines Have Charging Ports in Economy?

Overview: It Depends on Aircraft & Cabin

Yes—but it’s not universal. Whether you get a charging port in economy depends on:

• The model of the plane (e.g. 777‑200ER, 787, A320, 737 MAX)
• The cabin tier (Economy, Economy Plus®, Basic Economy)
• Whether the aircraft has been retrofitted under United’s “Signature Interior” rollout

1. Economy & Economy Plus: In‑Seat AC Power

• ✅ Economy Plus (and standard Economy on retrofitted aircraft) typically includes under-seat 110 V AC power outlets—though not always at every seat.
• These outlets are often under the seat in front—hidden, black, and finicky.

Reddit travelers say:

“Many United planes have power at your seat for charging electronics in economy plus… the outlets are black and hidden under seats.”
“Under‑seat power is AC outlets, you’ll need your brick.”

They note two outlets per three-seat group, and AC power only—so bring your charger “brick”

2. Be Prepared for Limitations

• 🔌 Only 110 V AC power—no built-in USB or USB-C at economy seats on most aircraft
• Power limit ~75 W—high-draw devices may trip a breaker.
• Connection isn’t guaranteed—outlets may be loose or non-functional.

3. Long‑Haul Wide‑Bodies = Higher Odds

Aircraft like the 787 Dreamliner, 777, or 767 used on transcontinental/international routes are more likely to have fully equipped economy cabins with AC power and/or seat-back USB ports .

Example: 777‑200ER flown in international economy is reported to carry outlets

4. What about Basic Economy?

This fare tier doesn’t include seat selection and generally gets the older cabin configuration.
In-seat power is not guaranteed under Basic Economy—if your plane hasn’t been retrofitted, you will not have easy access .

5. What About USB / USB‑C?

• Limited USB/USB-C ports may exist on newer planes—but they’re typically part of seat-back entertainment systems, more common in Economy Plus and Premium cabins.
• Still, under-seat AC ports rule the roost in economy .

6. Tips & Best Practices

1. Identify your aircraft when booking—e.g. 787, retrofitted 737/A320 = better odds.
2. Bring your own AC charger with US plug or carry an adapter (British plugs sometimes fit snugger in loose outlets)
3. Carry a power bank—outlets may be dead or unavailable.
4. Use your phone’s flashlight to find the outlet under the seat
5. Don’t count on USB—always plan on AC power block access.

🎥 Where To Find the Outlet on a United?

Helpful visual walkthrough available here:

This video highlights where under-seat outlets are located and how to spot them—useful before your flight.

Final Take

• Yes, many United aircraft in Economy Plus and updated Economy offer in-seat 110 V AC power.
• No, Basic Economy doesn’t guarantee access—and older or unrevised cabins may lack outlets entirely.
• Be ready: bring your own charger, adapter, power bank—and use your phone’s light to locate the hidden ports.