Wall Plugs In Airports: What's The Deal?

With the rise of personal electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, it has become increasingly important for people to have access to power outlets when travelling. While some newer airports have been designed with this in mind, many older airports were built before the widespread adoption of these devices and therefore have fewer outlets. As a result, travellers often face the challenge of finding a working power outlet to charge their devices, leading to frustration and complaints. Airports have been working to address this issue by installing more outlets and charging stations, but it remains a challenge due to the high costs and infrastructure upgrades required.

Where to find wall plugs in airports

Airports are busy places, and with more and more people travelling with electronic devices, it's important to know where you can find a wall plug to charge your devices. While older airports may have fewer outlets, newer or renovated airports are recognising the need for more power outlets and are installing them in greater numbers. Here are some tips on where to find wall plugs in airports to charge your devices.

Near Trash Cans

An expert tip for finding wall plugs in airports is to look near trash cans. This may be due to the proximity of electrical wiring to waste disposal facilities. So, if you're searching for a place to charge your devices, start by checking the walls near trash cans.

Specific Airport Locations

Different airports have different setups, and some are more proactive in providing power outlets than others. Here are some examples of airports with ample wall plugs:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: This airport has been adding more outlets to its concourses, with outlets available in gate seating areas and the main food and shopping hall.
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport: As part of a significant upgrade, this airport has installed power outlets at specific gates and in travel lounges, offering comfortable seating and charging facilities.
• Newark-Liberty International Airport: This airport has installed hundreds of power poles and charging stations, some with USB ports, making it convenient for travellers to recharge their devices.
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): As a hub for Silicon Valley, SFO has installed over 1,500 outlets across its four terminals, including traditional outlets, USB ports, workstations, seat chargers, and power bars.
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: This airport has charging stations in gate areas, restaurants, and baggage claim levels. Look for the "power up" signs to easily locate them.
• Denver International Airport: This airport offers plenty of plugs across its four concourses, as well as battery charging stations with high stools, providing ample space and seating for charging devices.
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: Travellers can access power outlets under most seats in the A, B, D, and S gates. Alaska Airlines also provides under-seat power at its N and C gates.

Additional Tips

• Call the Airport: If you're having trouble locating wall plugs, some airports provide assistance over the phone. For example, Boston-Logan International Airport suggests calling 1-800-23-LOGAN (56426) for help finding outlets.
• Look for Signs: Some airports provide signage to help travellers find power outlets. For example, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has "Get Plugged In" signs directing travellers to power stations.
• Use a Power Strip: If you can't find an available wall plug, consider carrying a power strip or travel surge protector with multiple outlets to share with others.
• Lounges and Restaurants: Airports often have lounges and restaurants with power outlets. For example, sit-down restaurants at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport offer power outlets to charge while you eat.

Why there aren't more wall plugs in airports

Airports are generally old, and personal electronic devices are fairly new. The average airport is over 40 years old, and most were built before 9/11 and the advent of cell phones. As such, they weren't built with TSA checkpoints or charging capabilities in mind. Adding outlets is not a simple task, as wiring needs to be run behind walls and circuit breakers might need to be upgraded to handle the extra load. This is a costly and time-consuming process that would need to be done at every gate in the terminal without disrupting normal airport operations.

Newly built or remodelled terminals should be constructed with plenty of outlets, but it is expensive to add them to older terminals. Airports are looking at a variety of solutions to increase power capacity and the best ways to distribute it. For example, for a project at Newark Liberty International Airport, the requirement is that every seat has access to power.

Despite the challenges, airports have been improving by adding more outlets over time. For instance, Pittsburgh International Airport is adding more outlets as part of a new terminal, and Philadelphia International Airport has added outlets in past upgrades and plans to increase access further.

In the meantime, travellers can use hacks such as settling into a lounge, bringing a portable charger, or carrying a travel surge protector with multiple outlets to ensure they can charge their devices while at the airport.

Creative ways people charge devices in airports

While many airports have charging stations, power outlets, and USB ports, these can be unreliable, broken, or blocked off. This has led people to come up with creative ways to charge their devices in airports. Here are some examples:

• Using portable chargers: A portable charger is a great way to ensure you have a power source available whenever and wherever you need it. It is a simple and effective solution to the problem of charging devices in airports.
• Using power-only USB cables: By using a power-only USB cable, you can block any potential data transfer and protect your device from malware. This method allows you to use USB charging stations without worrying about data theft.
• Using USB data blockers: Similar to power-only USB cables, USB data blockers prevent data transfer between your device and the charging station. This adds a layer of security and protects your data from potential hackers.
• Seeking out specific areas in the airport: Some areas within an airport may have a higher likelihood of functioning power outlets. For example, look for outlets near trash cans, in gate seating areas, or in food courts and restaurants. Additionally, newer terminals or recently renovated airports are more likely to have updated charging options.
• Using airport lounges: Lounges may provide access to power outlets and charging stations. While this may require purchasing a pass or having a membership, it can be a more reliable way to charge your devices.
• Using a travel surge protector: Carrying a travel surge protector with multiple outlets allows you to connect to power sources that other travellers might overlook. This can increase your chances of finding a working outlet.
• Asking staff or fellow travellers: If you're struggling to find a power outlet, consider asking airport staff or fellow travellers for assistance. They may be aware of hidden or less-used outlets throughout the airport.

Airlines that provide charging stations

As people travel more, they are bringing more electronic devices with them, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, which need to be charged. Airports are increasingly recognising this need and are installing more charging stations in terminals and on planes.

• Alaska Airlines offers 110-volt power outlets for laptops and USB ports for smartphones and tablets on every seat for long-haul flights.
• American Airlines has power outlets at every First and Business Class seat. Newer planes have power and USB ports at every seat in the main cabin.
• Delta Airlines offers outlets on select aircraft and select seats. Domestic aircraft have power outlets in First Class on select 737 and 757 aircraft and all 767-300 aircraft. International aircraft have AC 110-volt power outlets at all Delta One seats in A330, 747-400, 757, 767-300ER, 767-400ER, and 777 aircraft. They also have power outlets in the first 10 rows of the main cabin on A330, 767-400ER, and 777 aircraft.
• JetBlue Airways offers power outlets based on aircraft type. Their Airbus A321Core has two 110-volt and USB ports per seat bank. Each of the 40 "Even More Space" seats has its own 110-volt and USB power outlet.
• United offers power outlets on some aircraft, like the 777-200 (domestic route) and the 747-400 (international routes). Some aircraft don't have power outlets at all seats, but they are in the process of fitting more aircraft with power outlets.
• Virgin America offers free Wi-Fi on all flights and power and USB outlets at every seat.
• WestJet is in the process of adding 110-volt and USB outlets to its 100 Boeing Next Generation 737s and adding direct DC USB power plugs to its 767s.

Some airlines, like Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, do not offer power outlets on their aircraft.

Airports with the most wall plugs

Airports have been playing catch-up when it comes to providing enough wall plugs for travellers. The average airport is more than 40 years old, and most were built before the widespread use of smartphones, tablets, and laptops. As a result, outlets were never added to account for people needing to charge their devices.

However, many airports are now recognising the need for power and are ramping up efforts to boost the number of available outlets.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The world's busiest airport is adding more outlets in its concourses regularly. The new International Terminal, sponsored by Delta Air Lines, features outlets in gate seating areas and the main food and shopping hall.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

As part of a $2 billion upgrade of its terminals, this airport has been installing power outlets. There are free power stations at various gates and three free DFW Airport Travel Lounges with comfortable seating, televisions, and plenty of outlets.

Newark-Liberty International Airport

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages this airport, has installed hundreds of power poles and charging stations, some with USB ports. United's Terminal C partner OTG Management has also installed power outlets and USB ports in gate seating and restaurants.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

As one of the home airports for Silicon Valley, SFO has installed more than 1,500 outlets across its four terminals, including traditional outlets, USB ports, workstations, seat chargers, and power bars.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

This airport offers a mix of power poles, countertop outlets, and in-seat power. Terminals 1 and 2 feature Samsung Power Poles, while Terminal 2 has power bars with stools for seating.

These airports are just a few examples of how airports are adapting to the needs of modern travellers. While some older terminals may still lack sufficient outlets, many airports are making improvements to ensure travellers can stay connected and charged up during their journeys.

Frequently asked questions