Lois Larson
Airport bathrooms are often the first and last places travellers visit, and they can make a lasting impression. While some airports have family bathrooms with electrical outlets, others do not. For example, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Denver, Austin, and Indianapolis airports have outlets in their bathrooms, while Toronto airport does not. Some airlines also have power outlets in the bathrooms of their aircraft, although they discourage passengers from using them unless necessary. Websites like Airport Plugs and Air Power Wiki can help travellers find electrical outlets at specific airports.
What You'll Learn
Some airport bathrooms have outlets
However, not all airports have outlets in their bathrooms, and even when they do, electrical equipment can sometimes fail. As a result, it is always a good idea to carry a battery adapter or a hand pump as a backup plan.
To find airports with outlets, travellers can use websites like Airport Plugs and Air Power Wiki, which provide information on the locations of electrical outlets at various airports. Additionally, thinking of places where cleaners would need to plug in their vacuum cleaners, such as underneath chairs and on pillars, can help in locating outlets.
Some airports are also taking initiatives to increase the number of accessible power sources. For instance, Tulsa International Airport (TUL) now has an average of 74 power outlets per gate, one of the highest averages in the country. Huntsville International Airport in Alabama has also installed several new charging stations to address the power needs of its passengers.
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Outlets are often marked for razor use only
When it comes to airport bathrooms, outlets are often marked for razor use only. This is a common feature in airport restrooms, and it is worth noting that not all outlets are suitable for charging electronic devices. While it may be tempting to plug in your phone or laptop, it is important to respect the intended purpose of these outlets and avoid causing any inconvenience to other travellers.
The presence of electrical outlets in airport bathrooms is influenced by various factors, including the airport's age, renovation status, and customer feedback. Some airports, particularly older ones, may have outdated designs or face code and accessibility issues that do not meet modern standards, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. As a result, outlets marked for razor use only may be the only option available in some airport bathrooms.
To address power demands, airports are increasingly adding and expanding power sources. For example, Tulsa International Airport (TUL) now offers an average of 74 power outlets per gate, while Huntsville International Airport has installed half a dozen new charging stations. These efforts are in response to the growing reliance on electronic devices by travellers and the need to provide accessible power sources.
Additionally, family restrooms in airports may offer a different array of amenities. Some airports, such as San Francisco Airport (SFO), Philadelphia Airport (PHL), and Denver Airport, have been noted to have family restrooms equipped with electrical outlets. These can be particularly useful for parents who need to utilise pumps or charge various devices.
It is always a good idea to come prepared and bring alternative charging options, such as battery packs or adapters, to ensure you can power your devices during your travel. However, if you find yourself in a pinch, checking the airport bathrooms for outlets marked for razor use only could provide a temporary solution until you reach your destination.
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Some plane bathrooms have outlets
Airports are increasingly becoming aware of the need for power outlets to serve passengers who are "power-parched" and are rapidly expanding the number and type of accessible power sources. For example, Tulsa International Airport (TUL) has an average of 74 power outlets per gate, and Huntsville International Airport has recently installed half a dozen new charging stations.
Some airports are also adding USB-enhanced power ports, such as San Diego International Airport, which has over 1,600 USB-enhanced power ports at every seat. Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport is installing charging stations with six power outlets and two USB ports each.
Additionally, some airlines have stepped in to help provide power sources for passengers at airports. For instance, Delta has added branded recharging stations with standard outlets and USB ports in over 40 airports worldwide. Alaska Airlines has also contributed to ensuring there are gate seating options with power outlets in several airports.
While not all aircraft have this amenity, some plane bathrooms do have power outlets. For example, a Frontier Airlines spokesperson confirmed that "many Frontier aircraft have an electrical outlet in the lavatories." These outlets can be used to charge devices in a pinch, but airlines discourage their use for an extended period to keep the lavatories open for others.
The presence of power outlets in plane bathrooms is not due to any specific request by the airlines but rather a standard part of the lavatory design provided by the manufacturer, as in the case of Frontier Airlines' Airbus A320neo aircraft.
So, if you're wondering whether you can charge your phone in a plane bathroom, the answer is that it depends on the aircraft. While some planes do have power outlets in the lavatories, it's not a standard feature across all airlines or aircraft models.
It's always a good idea to plan ahead and bring a spare battery pack or external battery charger to ensure your devices stay charged throughout your trip.
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Websites help locate airport outlets
As air travel becomes more common, so does the need for accessible power sources to charge the myriad electronic devices we carry with us. In the past, passengers spent a lot of time wandering airport terminals in search of power outlets. Nowadays, many airports are improving their facilities to include more power outlets.
However, if you're in a rush and need to find an outlet quickly, there are a few tricks you can try. One is to look near pay phones, as outlets are sometimes hidden underneath them. You can also follow power cords to their source, as maintenance workers will need to plug their equipment somewhere. Additionally, airport bars may have outlets you can use, and restrooms—especially women's restrooms—often have outlets near the counter.
If you're looking for a more reliable way to find outlets, there are now several websites dedicated to helping travellers locate power outlets in airports. Two such websites are Airport Plugs and Air Power Wiki. Air Power Wiki, created by Jeff Sandquist, is similar to Wikipedia and allows travellers to share the locations of outlets in airports all over the world. Airport Plugs, on the other hand, asks travellers to provide the exact locations of electrical outlets, and currently covers major airports in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Medford, and Ore.
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Outlets are added to serve power-parched passengers
For example, Tulsa International Airport (TUL) has seen passengers powering up in various locations, including next to a vending machine, in the bathroom, or up against a wall in a hallway. Huntsville International Airport in Alabama has also noticed similar behaviour, with passengers sitting on the floor next to an outlet or moving seating closer to an outlet. In response, Tulsa International Airport now has an average of 74 power outlets per gate, one of the highest averages in the country. Huntsville International Airport has also installed several new charging stations, which have proven to be popular with passengers. Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport is installing more than 60 charging stations, each with six power outlets and two USB ports. Omaha's Eppley Airfield has also been adding electrical outlets throughout the terminal.
Some airlines have also added branded recharging stations in over 40 airports worldwide. These stations feature standard outlets and USB ports, providing passengers with more options to charge their devices.
In addition to airports and airlines, websites like Air Power Wiki and AirportPlugs.com have emerged to help travellers find power outlets in airports. Air Power Wiki, for instance, provides information on the locations of outlets at Kansas City Airport's Terminal A.
The addition of outlets in airport bathrooms is part of a broader trend to enhance the travel experience and meet the evolving needs of passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport. Some airports do have outlets in their bathrooms, while others do not. It's always a good idea to check beforehand, especially if you need to pump or charge your devices.
While some airports are taking steps to improve customer service by adding more outlets, others are still lagging behind. It may be due to the high costs associated with renovating airport restrooms, which can run into the millions. Additionally, some airports may prioritize other amenities that they believe will better serve their customers.
You can use websites like Airport Plugs and Air Power Wiki, which provide information on the locations of power outlets at various airports. These sites rely on crowd-sourcing, so they may not always be up-to-date, but they can still be useful tools for travellers.
If you're looking to charge your devices, there are usually outlets available in the general airport seating areas, near gates, or at charging stations. Additionally, some planes have power outlets in the bathrooms or at every seat, but it's always a good idea to check with your airline beforehand.
