The Persistence Of Airport Payphones: Anachronistic Convenience?

Payphones, once a common sight, have become increasingly scarce with the rise of cellphones. Airports, which used to have large banks of payphones, have been phasing them out to make way for newer amenities. While some airports like Seattle-Tacoma International Airport have removed their payphones entirely, others like Dallas/Fort Worth, Minneapolis, and Chicago have reduced the number of payphones available. Despite their decline, payphones can still be found in some airports, serving as a reminder of a pre-cellphone era and providing a valuable service for those without cellphones or in emergency situations.

The decline of payphones

Once a staple of airports, train stations, and other public spaces, payphones have been in decline for several years, gradually disappearing from public view. This decline can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the rise of cell phones, changing consumer habits, and the emergence of new amenities.

In the pre-cellphone era, payphones were a vital means of communication for travellers and people on the go. Airports, in particular, were known for having large banks of payphones, with business travellers rushing off airplanes to find an available phone. However, with the increasing prevalence of mobile phones, the need for payphones has diminished significantly. As a result, airports and other travel hubs have started phasing out payphones to make way for newer amenities that cater to modern travellers' expectations and preferences.

The impact of cell phones on the payphone business cannot be overstated. With the vast majority of people now carrying mobile devices, the demand for payphones has plummeted. As a result, companies are no longer interested in bearing the financial burden of maintaining payphone contracts with very limited users. This has led to a steady removal of payphones from public spaces. According to the Los Angeles Times, the number of payphones in California has declined by more than 70% since 2007, reflecting a broader trend across the country.

While payphones may be less common than they once were, they have not completely disappeared. Some airports, such as O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, still retain a significant number of payphones, recognising that they remain a necessary means of communication for some customers. Additionally, certain initiatives, such as the one led by Mike Dank in Philadelphia, aim to bring back free payphones as a public service for those who cannot afford a phone or need one in an emergency.

Despite these efforts, the overall trajectory of the payphone industry is clear. With changing technology and consumer behaviour, the once-ubiquitous payphone is likely to become an increasingly rare sight, a relic of a pre-cellphone era.

Airports phasing out payphones

Airports are phasing out payphones to make way for newer amenities. While payphones were once a staple of airports, the rise of mobile phones has made them less necessary. Airports are now looking to make travel more efficient and enjoyable for travellers and more profitable for themselves. This means that alongside ATMs and free internet access, airports are also adding nursing rooms for mothers, children's play areas, and pet relief facilities.

The number of payphones is being steadily reduced at airports in Dallas/Fort Worth, Minneapolis, and Chicago. For example, O'Hare International Airport in Chicago had 650 payphones five years ago, and now there are 503. Some airports, such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, have removed their payphones entirely.

The decline in payphone usage is attributed to the ubiquity of cell phones. As a result, companies are no longer interested in taking on the financial burden of payphone contracts for a limited number of users. However, some airports are opting to provide courtesy phones for free local calls instead of payphones. For example, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas provides a courtesy phone for free local calls on its baggage claim level.

While payphones are being phased out, some airports are opting to provide other types of phones for their customers. For example, G-Tel Enterprises offers a range of public courtesy phones that can be used in lobbies, airports, elevators, and recreational facilities. These phones are available as direct dial, no-dial, hotline, dial-down, and auto-dial options and are telephone line-powered for easy communication.

As airports move towards modernising their facilities, payphones are being replaced with more profitable ventures and services that cater to the needs of modern travellers.

Free alternatives to payphones

With the advent of cellphones, payphones have become a relic of the past. Airports, which used to be a common place to find payphones, are now removing them to make way for newer amenities. However, airports still want to provide phones for travellers in a bind, such as those with a dead phone battery or no cellphone at all. As a result, some airports have started to replace payphones with free alternatives. For example, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, one of the world's busiest airports, replaced its payphones with phones that allow free 5-minute domestic calls, with advertising providing the revenue. Denver International Airport also installed free, ad-supported phones that offer free domestic and international calls (capped at 10 minutes).

• LinkNYC: New York City has replaced all public payphones with free phone kiosks that also have Wi-Fi and device charging features. There are almost 2000 LinkNYC locations across all 5 boroughs.
• VoIP services: If you have access to the internet, you can use services like Google Voice, WhatsApp, and Skype to make free phone calls over the internet.
• Prepaid cell phones: You can purchase an inexpensive cellphone and prepaid minutes instead of signing up for a plan.
• Calling cards: Prepaid calling cards are a great way to make calls from anyone's phone without incurring extra charges, especially when making international calls.

Payphone maintenance

While payphones are becoming less common in airports, they are still present in some capacity. This means that maintenance is still required, albeit on a smaller scale.

Maintenance staff should also be on hand to promptly address any issues or faults with the payphones, such as coin jams or receiver problems. This is particularly important in airports, where travellers may be in a hurry and need to make quick phone calls.

In addition, payphone maintenance should involve checking that the phones are up-to-date with the latest technology and safety standards. This could include installing new features, such as card payment options, or ensuring that the phones are compliant with emergency calling regulations.

Finally, as payphones are often located in busy areas of the airport, such as near gates or baggage claim, maintenance staff should ensure that the phones are not obstructing walkways or causing congestion. This may involve regularly assessing the placement of the phones and making adjustments as needed.

Payphone alternatives

VoIP services

If you have access to the internet, you can use Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) services like Google Voice, WhatsApp, and Skype to make free phone calls.

Prepaid cell phones

You can get an incredibly cheap cell phone and purchase prepaid minutes instead of signing up for a plan.

Calling cards

Prepaid calling cards are useful if you want to make a call from someone else's phone without them incurring extra charges, especially for international calls.

LinkNYC

In New York, all public payphones have been replaced with LinkNYC kiosks, which offer free phone calls and Wi-Fi.

Frequently asked questions