Which airports are the best and worst for availability of electrical outlets?
Jul 24, 2014, 12:13 pm
#1
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Location: Venice, Florida
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Which airports are the best and worst for availability of electrical outlets?
Once again, an action repeated several times a week, is sitting on the floor in order to charge my phone at the airport. I understand that even a few years ago, not everyone had cell phones, but this borders on ridiculous. Right now I'm at CLT waiting for a ride.
Which us airports are better about this, and who are the worst???
Which us airports are better about this, and who are the worst???
Jul 24, 2014, 12:23 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2012
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Term B at SJC has AC and USB outlets in almost every seat.
IND has charging outlets in some of the seats.
That's all I can think of. At most other airports, I try to do my charging in a lounge if I'm there for any length of time.
I know your pain. What's almost as bad are the very few "charging pods" at some airports, which are always 100% in use.
IND has charging outlets in some of the seats.
That's all I can think of. At most other airports, I try to do my charging in a lounge if I'm there for any length of time.
I know your pain. What's almost as bad are the very few "charging pods" at some airports, which are always 100% in use.
Jul 24, 2014, 12:32 pm
#3
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I am not sure why you are shocked. Considering most airports were built when we probably were carrying nothing that required charging at the airport, not surprised they did not build with all those extra outlets. Plus, I am sure now many of them do not want to pay for us to use their electricity.
I am surprised that they have not found a way to provide more units and make you pay to utilize the units. I have seen a few in some airports.
I am surprised that they have not found a way to provide more units and make you pay to utilize the units. I have seen a few in some airports.
Jul 24, 2014, 12:32 pm
#4
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None are very good. A few have installed banks of charging kiosks...a few others have those little towers with dongles hanging off of them.
A couple years ago, I started carrying external battery packs. This one has worked extremely well for me for almost a year now. Handles cell phones and tablets well. (Thankfully, I haven't needed to charge a laptop in an airport in a long time, although I know people who carry heavier battery packs for that purpose as well.)
I also seem to accumulate those very small charging sticks that are commonly given away and conferences and such. They look like this. (Note: they're worth about ten bucks max. The fact that Amazon lists this one as $70 and 70+% off is kind of a joke.) But the ones I've had fall apart quickly and don't seem to deliver the charge they are advertised to. Still, for a short trip I might just throw a couple of them in my bag since they are super-light.
In other words, I've liberated myself from airport power outlets. The situation is dire and I don't see it getting a whole lot better anytime soon.
A couple years ago, I started carrying external battery packs. This one has worked extremely well for me for almost a year now. Handles cell phones and tablets well. (Thankfully, I haven't needed to charge a laptop in an airport in a long time, although I know people who carry heavier battery packs for that purpose as well.)
I also seem to accumulate those very small charging sticks that are commonly given away and conferences and such. They look like this. (Note: they're worth about ten bucks max. The fact that Amazon lists this one as $70 and 70+% off is kind of a joke.) But the ones I've had fall apart quickly and don't seem to deliver the charge they are advertised to. Still, for a short trip I might just throw a couple of them in my bag since they are super-light.
In other words, I've liberated myself from airport power outlets. The situation is dire and I don't see it getting a whole lot better anytime soon.
Jul 24, 2014, 12:36 pm
#5
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Of course, the responsibility to ensure that electronics have sufficient "juice" ultimately falls on the individual traveler. I travel with a portable iGo charger so that I can charge the phone on the airplane if needed, and I chose my new cell phone based partially on the fact that it has an easily-swappable, removable battery. I also carry a small three-outlet extension so I can share a single outlet in a tight spot.
A few years ago, one airport (don't remember which one) threatened to issue citations to people caught using the wall outlets (used by the overnight cleaning crews), stating that it amounted to a theft of a municipal asset.
A few years ago, one airport (don't remember which one) threatened to issue citations to people caught using the wall outlets (used by the overnight cleaning crews), stating that it amounted to a theft of a municipal asset.
Jul 24, 2014, 1:52 pm
#6
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LGW South has carefully removed all power sockets and only has ones that you now have to pay for. I consider that a proper [moderator edit] to passengers.
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Jul 25, 2014 at 8:49 am Reason: To comply with FT Rules re acceptable language.
Jul 24, 2014, 2:06 pm
#7
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A few years ago, one airport (don't remember which one) threatened to issue citations to people caught using the wall outlets (used by the overnight cleaning crews), stating that it amounted to a theft of a municipal asset.
Jul 24, 2014, 6:56 pm
#11
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I was amazed when flying out of PHF last week that they had a large number of chairs with outlets and USB ports built into them ^
Jul 24, 2014, 7:03 pm
#12
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Which airports are the best and worst for availability of electrical outlets?
DL installed them all over ATL. There are many reasons to avoid ATL, but lack of power outlets isn't one of them.
Jul 24, 2014, 8:08 pm
#13
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Terminal B at BOS has more outlets and USB ports than people. This is on the United side. I haven't walked over to the US Air side much but I suspect it may be the same.
Jul 24, 2014, 9:25 pm
#14
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Once again, an action repeated several times a week, is sitting on the floor in order to charge my phone at the airport. I understand that even a few years ago, not everyone had cell phones, but this borders on ridiculous. Right now I'm at CLT waiting for a ride.
Which us airports are better about this, and who are the worst???
Which us airports are better about this, and who are the worst???