Airports And Pay Phones: Availability And Accessibility

Payphones used to be a common sight, but with the rise of cellphones, they have become less and less prevalent. Airports, however, are one of the few places where payphones can still be found. This is because airport managers want to provide phones for travellers who are in a bind: those whose cell phone battery has run out, who are travelling internationally without cell phone service, or those who do not own a cell phone. While some airports have removed their payphones, such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, others have chosen to replace them with phones that allow free calls, supported by advertising revenue.

Payphones at airports are being replaced with charging stations

With the advent of mobile phones, payphones have become a relic of the past. This is especially true at airports, where payphones were once a common sight. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift, with airports replacing payphones with charging stations or other services. This evolution reflects the changing times and the need to enhance the airport experience for travellers.

The decision to replace payphones at airports is driven by several factors. Firstly, the usage of payphones has significantly declined due to the widespread adoption of mobile phones. As a result, there are very few companies interested in bearing the financial burden of a payphone contract for a limited number of users. Secondly, airports are now prioritising traveller needs and preferences, aiming to provide a range of amenities that improve their overall experience. This includes offering dining and shopping options, as well as facilities like nursing rooms, pet relief areas, and children's play areas.

The transition from payphones to charging stations is well underway at many airports. For instance, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) removed all its payphones in 2016, and airports in Dallas/Fort Worth, Minneapolis, and Chicago have also significantly reduced the number of payphones available. While some payphones remain at these airports due to their necessity for certain travellers, the overall trend is towards replacement.

To accommodate travellers who may need to make calls, some airports have introduced courtesy phones that allow free local or toll-free calls. For example, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas provides a courtesy phone for free local calls on its baggage claim level, and their information desk staff can assist travellers with calls if needed. Additionally, Denver International Airport stands out with a unique offering—approximately 200 payphones that provide unlimited free domestic calls and the first 10 minutes of international calls for free, thanks to a deal dating back to 2012.

While payphones are becoming a thing of the past at airports, the need for communication remains. Airports are finding innovative ways to meet this need, ensuring travellers can stay connected even if their mobile phones run out of battery or lack service. The transformation of airport amenities reflects a commitment to not just meeting but exceeding traveller expectations in an ever-changing world.

Some airports are replacing payphones with free phones

Denver International Airport has also installed free, ad-supported phones with free domestic and international calls, although the latter are capped at 10 minutes. However, the start of this program has been bumpy, with slow ad revenue growth and technical issues.

The number of payphones at airports in Dallas/Fort Worth, Minneapolis, and Chicago is also being steadily reduced. For example, O'Hare International Airport in Chicago had 650 payphones five years ago, but now only has 503. These payphones are being removed due to low usage, construction in gate areas, and the repurposing of space for revenue-generating ventures.

Some airports, like Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Nevada, have opted to provide free local or toll-free calls from any courtesy phone in the airport. This decision was made to ensure that all travelers have access to a phone, as not everyone carries a cellphone.

Payphones are still useful for travellers without a cell phone

Airports are often large spaces with multiple terminals, and it can be difficult to find someone if you don't have a phone. This is where payphones come in handy. They allow you to make local or international calls with just a handful of change or a prepaid phone card. While fees for local calls vary, you can usually make a short call for a dollar or two. Most payphones accept nickels, dimes, and quarters, so it's a good idea to carry plenty of change if you're planning to use one.

In addition to facilitating communication, payphones can also provide a sense of security for travellers. If you're in an emergency situation, you can always call 911 from any payphone in the United States without charge. This can be especially important for those without a cell phone, as it ensures they have access to emergency services if needed.

While the number of payphones has been declining, they can still be found in many airports. For example, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, had around 200 payphones as of 2013. More recently, in 2024, O'Hare International Airport in Chicago had 503 payphones, and Midway International Airport in the same city had 174.

However, it's important to exercise caution when using airport payphones. Some travellers have reported being overcharged for short calls, with rates that seem designed to take advantage of tired and stressed travellers. It's always a good idea to check the rates and fine print before making a call, and to have a backup plan in case the payphone is not working or unreasonably priced.

Payphone costs can be high, especially when using a credit card

While payphones are becoming less common, they can still be found in airports and can be a lifesaver if you're stuck without a cell phone. However, payphone costs can be high, especially when using a credit card, and it's important to be aware of the potential charges.

In the United States, payphones typically accept nickels, dimes, and quarters, with local calls often costing around $0.25. However, when using a credit card, the charges can be significantly higher. For example, a user on TripAdvisor reported being charged $8.69 for a 2-3 minute local call at the Seattle-Tacoma airport, which was later reduced to $5 after a complaint. Another user reported being charged $25 for an 8-second call in Athens. These high charges are often due to hidden fees and surcharges, which can apply when using a credit card.

International calls can be even more expensive, with users reporting charges of £60 for four short calls and €21.91 for five calls, including two that didn't go through, at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport. In some cases, the payphone companies deliberately make the rates confusing and deceptive to take advantage of unsuspecting users.

To avoid high payphone costs, it's recommended to carry change or a prepaid phone card when travelling. Additionally, some airports, like Hartsfield-Jackson International, have started replacing payphones with phones that allow free calls supported by advertising revenue. Others, like Denver International Airport, offer free domestic and international calls with a time limit.

While payphones can be convenient in certain situations, it's important to be aware of the potential costs, especially when using a credit card. By carrying alternative payment methods and being mindful of the rates, travellers can avoid unexpected charges and make informed decisions when using payphones at airports.

Payphones are becoming harder to find

However, this doesn't mean that payphones have disappeared entirely. If you're stuck without a cellphone, a payphone can still be a lifesaver. Airports, in particular, tend to have payphones readily available for travellers who need to make a quick call. This is especially true of international airports, where travellers may not have cell service or may not have purchased a special phone plan for the country they are visiting.

While payphones are becoming harder to find, there are still some places where you are likely to find them. Aside from airports, payphones can often be found at gas stations, bus stations, train depots, and government, community, and medical centres. Online directories, such as Payphone Directory and Payphone Project, can also help you locate payphones in your area.

It's important to note that the rates for payphones can be quite high, especially for long-distance or international calls. It's always a good idea to carry a phone card or some change with you in case you need to make a call from a payphone. Additionally, be sure to read the fine print and watch out for hidden charges, as deceptive pricing is a common issue with payphones.

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