Houston Airport: Availability Of Payphones For Quick Calls

Are there still payphones at Houston Airport? This question may seem odd, but it's not uncommon. In fact, people in Houston have been discussing the existence of payphones across the city, and some have even turned them into art installations. So, do they exist at Houston Airport? The answer is yes.

Payphone locations in Houston

Payphones are becoming increasingly obsolete, but you can still find them in Houston, Texas.

Houston Airport

Houston Airport has several payphones located in weird little places. You can find them in Terminal C baggage claim, and another user mentions finding one right behind Terminal C security next to the flight information screens.

HEB Gas Stations

Several HEB gas stations in Houston are built with payphones, which can be used to make emergency calls to 911. One user mentions the HEB gas station at Jones Rd. and West Rd., where the payphone is located at the edge of the parking lot near West Rd. Another user mentions the HEB gas station on 45 South @ Woodridge (Gulfgate).

Other Locations

• Valero at North Braeswood and Stella Link
• Houston Hull Airport, 12888 Highway 6 South
• Chevron at the intersection of S Post Oak and Willowbend (although one user thinks they may be gone now)
• Montrose on Westheimer, across from McDonald's

Payphone art installations

Luna Rail's West Ridge Installation

An abandoned payphone booth in West Ridge, Chicago, became the site of a fantastical art installation by local artist Luna Rail. The installation depicts a day in the life of future Earth, where aliens sit around a campfire, surrounded by the remnants of human life. The scene is set inside a 19th-century theatre display, complete with gold ornamentation and red velvet curtains. The artist chose to remain anonymous, going by the alias Luna Rail to protect his career as a social worker.

The payphone itself was long gone, but the metal boxes that once housed it remained, providing the perfect space for the art piece. Luna Rail's installation draws on his early artistic passions, including painting backdrops for high school stage productions. The piece is named for its coordinates: 42.004587, -87.690123, and includes an inscription with a cryptic quote attributed to St. Luna, another alias of the artist.

The display was installed in June and was well-received by the local community, with employees of a nearby Jiffy Lube even offering to help maintain it. However, it was not designed to last the winter, and Luna Rail planned to take it down and give it to an appreciative Jiffy Lube manager, Ivan, in the fall.

TAC-2112

An anonymous artist in Chicago transformed a payphone into an interactive street art installation that uses AI to create an immersive experience. The installation, called TAC-2112, invites callers to step into an alternate reality in the year 2112, where a cataclysmic event has broken all digital products. The only way for people in the future to communicate is through an analog payphone. The artist got the payphone working and placed it back into an empty payphone stall on the street corner of Fullerton and California. A detailed article about the installation was published on Medium.

Public vs private payphones

Public payphones are typically coin-operated and are often located in telephone booths or high-traffic public areas. They are usually installed by public utility phone providers. In the past, public payphones were ubiquitous worldwide, but their usage and numbers have decreased with the explosive growth of mobile telephony.

Private payphones, on the other hand, are still commonly found in places like airports, gas stations, and grocery stores. They are built with the primary purpose of providing a way to call emergency services but can also be used as functional payphones.

In terms of accessibility, public payphones are often found in common public areas, while private payphones might be located in specific spots within private establishments.

Regarding functionality, public payphones usually accept coins, telephone tokens, credit or debit cards, or telephone cards for prepayment. On the other hand, private payphones might offer more modern payment options, such as contactless payments or mobile wallets, in addition to traditional payment methods.

From a regulatory perspective, public payphones are typically governed by state or local regulations, with some countries imposing specific requirements, such as mandatory provision of public telephone services in hospitals, prisons, barracks, and mountain refuges. Private payphones, being located on private property, might have fewer regulatory constraints, but they are still required to allow free emergency calls to services like 911.

In summary, while public payphones are installed by public utility providers and are often found in common public areas, private payphones are owned by private establishments and might offer more modern payment options. Both types of payphones play a crucial role in providing access to basic communication services, especially in cases of emergency.

Payphone nostalgia

Payphones are a relic of the past, but they can evoke a sense of nostalgia for many. While they may no longer be a common sight, a recent online discussion among Houston residents revealed that payphones can still be found in the city, including at Houston Airport.

One person commented that they had seen payphones at the airport, specifically mentioning Terminal C baggage claim. Another individual confirmed the presence of payphones at the airport, providing a detailed location: Terminal A, first floor, near the parking shuttle bus pickup area.

In addition to the airport, Houston residents reported sightings of payphones at various locations around the city. A few payphones were spotted at the Greyhound bus station in downtown Houston. Interestingly, one person shared a website called "The Payphone Project," which tracks the "de-evolution" of payphones and phone booths. This website provided a list of payphone locations in Houston, including addresses on Gessner Suite, Richmond Avenue, and Wood Bayou Drive, to name a few.

Some residents expressed surprise at finding payphones in unexpected places, such as HEB gas stations. It was explained that these payphones serve a dual purpose: they can be used to make emergency calls to 911 and also function as regular payphones.

The discussion also touched on the nostalgic feelings associated with payphones. One person shared that seeing payphones gave them an "odd nostalgic feeling," while another reminisced about the days when payphones were more common and people didn't have the world "glued to their hands 24 hours a day."

In a creative twist, an art project on Houston's east end, called "The TréPhonos," brought back payphones as an educational and artistic initiative. Three payphones were installed along Emancipation Avenue, each with a unique feature. One played music by local musicians, another featured ambient noises and allowed people to leave messages, and the third shared stories about the history of the neighborhood.

While payphones may be a thing of the past for many, they continue to spark nostalgia and inspire creative projects, reminding us of a time when communication was a little more analogue.

Payphone safety

Payphones are a convenient way to make calls when you don't have access to a personal phone, but there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind when using them. Here are some tips to ensure your safety when using payphones:

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

When using a payphone, especially in an isolated area, be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Payphones are often located in public places, but it's important to stay alert and cautious, as you may become a target for thieves or harassers.

Avoid Sharing Personal Information

Refrain from sharing sensitive or personal information, such as bank account details or passwords, while on a call at a payphone. You never know who might be listening or trying to obtain your private information.

Use Secure Payment Methods

If you need to make a call that requires payment, try to use a credit or debit card instead of carrying a large amount of cash. This reduces the risk of losing money or being targeted for theft.

Keep an Eye on Your Belongings

When using a payphone, make sure your personal belongings, such as your wallet, phone, or luggage, are secure and within your sight at all times. This will help prevent theft or loss.

Choose Well-Lit and Busy Locations

Opt for using payphones in busy areas with plenty of foot traffic and adequate lighting. These locations often provide an extra layer of security as there are more people around, potentially deterring criminals.

Be Wary of Tampering

Before using a payphone, inspect it for any signs of tampering or suspicious modifications. If something seems amiss, it's best to avoid using that particular phone and find an alternative.

While payphones can be convenient in certain situations, it's always important to prioritize your safety. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safer experience when using payphones.

Frequently asked questions