Charging Your Phone At The Airport: A Quick Guide

Charging your phone at the airport can be a convenient way to stay connected while travelling. However, it's important to be aware of the potential risks involved. Airports have increasingly installed charging stations in terminals and airplane seats to meet the needs of travellers. While these stations can be a lifesaver when your phone is running low on battery, it's now advised that you should avoid using public charging stations due to the risk of juice jacking. This is a type of cyberattack where hackers can load malware onto charging stations or cables to infect phones and steal data. To protect yourself, it's recommended to carry a portable charger or power bank, use a USB data blocker, or opt for wireless charging if available.

Portable chargers

When choosing a portable charger, look for one that is compact, lightweight, and has a battery life that can last more than one charge. This is especially helpful if you are travelling with others and they need to use the charger too.

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a portable charger:

• MAh (milliampere hours) – the higher the number, the more battery power you have. Chargers can range from as low as 1,000 mAh to as high as 50,000. For everyday use, something in the 3,000 to 4,000 range is fine, but if you want to charge more than one device at a time, or if you’re looking to use it on a device of five volts or higher, opt for a higher mAh.
• Size – even the largest power banks will fit into a carry-on suitcase or tote, but if you want something that can easily fit into a purse or pocket, look for smaller options.
• Compatibility – some portable chargers have multiple cables that can be plugged directly into your device, while others come with built-in ports for USB or USB-C cords.
• Charging speed – some chargers will charge your device faster than others.
• Veger portable charger – simple, discreet design with a bevel-edged power bank about the size of a palm and a one-button switch. It plugs into a regular USB-C cable and fits snugly at the bottom of an iPhone, allowing for charging on the go. However, it only works for iPhones prior to the iPhone 15.
• Anker 321 MagGo magnetic portable charger – compact and magnetic, so there's no need to carry around a charging cable. It can charge AirPods in addition to iPhones.
• BioLite Charge 40 PD power bank – reliable option for trips when you know access to outlets may be infrequent. It has two USB slots and one USB-C slot, so it can be used to power up other devices like Kindles, FitBits, and AirPods.
• Vrurc 10,000 mAh power bank – features three built-in fast-charging cables that are compatible with Android and Apple devices, and three different cable ports along the bottom. It's on the larger side, about the size of a long bifold wallet, but it can charge a laptop, phone, and camera.
• IWalk small portable charger – about the size of a pair of AirPods or a lipstick, this tiny portable charger can be packed in nearly any bag. It gives a full charge to iPhones.
• Miady 20,000 mAh portable charger – with two ports, this charger can power multiple devices at once and is small enough to fit in a purse or fanny pack. It takes a while to charge, but the battery will last for at least three or four full phone charges.
• Ugreen Nexode Power Bank portable charger – this ultra-fast charger can charge a laptop and a phone within an hour. It has a large number that indicates how much power is left before the battery needs to recharge.
• Nimble Champ 10K portable charger – this charger comes in bright colours and features a lanyard wristband. It's made from 90% recycled plastic and is packaged in post-consumer scrap paper, saving an average of 7.4 lb. of CO2 compared to other portable chargers. It has two USB-C fast-charging ports, so you can charge two devices at once, and the juice lasts up to three days. It's smaller than a deck of cards, so it’s easy to slip into a pocket or purse.
• Anker Power Bank portable charger – compact and durable, this charger can easily slide into a purse, sling bag, or jacket pocket. It has a USB-C and micro USB charging port.
• Iniu portable charger – with two USB out ports, this charger can charge up to three devices at once. It charges devices quickly and has a slim design.
• Miisso 4,500 mAh built-in cable external battery pack – this ultra-slim power bank is about the size of a credit card and lightweight, easily fitting in a jacket pocket or purse. It features two built-in cables and a USB to charge an iPhone or other devices directly, which can be neatly tucked into the device when not in use. It gives a full charge to iPhones and can even charge multiple devices at one time.
• Calpak portable charger luggage tag – this portable charger is smaller than an iPhone but just as thin, so it can fit into a jacket pocket or crossbody bag. It can only charge one device at a time and is not meant for more than a few hours of charging.

Power banks

There are, however, some important rules to follow when bringing a power bank on your travels. Firstly, power banks must be packed in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked baggage. This is due to safety concerns, as power banks pose a fire risk, particularly in the cargo hold.

Most power banks fall within the capacity limits for carry-on luggage, which is typically 100Wh (or 27,000mAh) without requiring special approval. If your power bank's capacity is between 100Wh and 160Wh, you will usually need airline approval to bring it on board. Power banks exceeding 160Wh are generally prohibited.

It is also important to note that there may be quantity restrictions, with most airlines limiting passengers to carrying a maximum of two larger power banks.

Before travelling, it is a good idea to check the specific regulations of the airline you are flying with, as well as the destination country's rules. This will ensure that you comply with any specific policies they may have regarding power banks.

When charging your power bank on the plane, there are a few safety protocols to follow. Power banks must be turned off during takeoff and landing, and charging must stop if the device shows any signs of overheating. It is also important to use appropriate cables and adapters, and to be considerate of other passengers and crew instructions.

Charging station etiquette

Be considerate

If you don't have a device to charge or it's already charged, move away from the charging station to allow others to use it. If there are no empty spaces to plug in your device, don't unplug someone else's device, even if it's fully charged. Identify whose device it is by asking passengers near the charging station. Keep an eye on your device and return periodically to check on its charging progress. Don't keep your device plugged in once it's fully charged as others may need to use the station.

Be vigilant

Avoid using public USB charging stations as they may contain malware. Instead, bring your own portable charger or power bank. If you do use a public charging station, only plug your device into a power outlet rather than a USB port.

Be efficient

If you're using a fast charger, switch to a regular charger once your device reaches 80% charge. This is because charging speed slows down significantly after 80%, and you don't want to hog a fast charger when others may need it.

Be mindful

Make sure you know where your charging port is, and park at the correct plug. Be mindful of other users by keeping noise to a minimum and leaving the area tidy.

Wireless chargers

Wireless charging is becoming an increasingly popular option for travellers looking to charge their phones at the airport. This is largely due to the security concerns associated with USB charging stations, where hackers can steal data from phones connected to a charging port. This phenomenon is known as 'juice jacking'.

Wireless charging offers a convenient and secure alternative to USB charging, as it does not require any cables or adaptors. Wireless charging pads can be easily installed in various locations throughout the airport, including food courts, passenger terminals, bars, restaurants, and gates, providing an invaluable service to passengers.

One leader in wireless charging solutions for airports is Aircharge, whose wireless charging pads are water and dust-proof and include additional features such as thermal heating sensors, foreign object detection, and internet security. Aircharge wireless charging stations are available at major airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, JFK, Miami International, Boston Logan International, Dubai International, and Sydney Airport.

To use wireless charging, you simply need to place your phone on the charging pad with the display facing up. It is important to ensure that there is nothing between your phone and the charger, as this may reduce performance or damage magnetic strips or RFID chips in items such as credit cards, security badges, passports, and key fobs.

Wireless charging is now a universal standard and is available in over 140 devices from major manufacturers, including Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Huawei, LG, Google Pixel, Nokia, and Motorola. Additionally, smartphone brands have started integrating wireless charging technology into accessories, such as the latest Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Buds from Samsung, and the 2nd generation AirPods from Apple.

USB data blockers

USB cables have a dual function: they can transfer data and charge devices. However, this makes them vulnerable to data theft when used in public charging stations. This is called "juice jacking", where attackers can install modified USB sockets or use special cables to access your data without your consent.

To prevent this, you can use a USB data blocker, such as the PortaPow, Plugable, or OffGrid USB Data Blocker. These devices physically block data transfer and only allow charging. They are compact and easy to carry, making them ideal for travel.

• Use power outlets instead of USB ports when possible.
• Carry a power-only USB cable that only allows charging and blocks data transfer.
• Avoid using public charging stations if your device has enough power to last you until your next charge.
• Opt for wireless charging if possible, as it does not exchange data with your device.
• Carry your own wall charger and cable instead of relying on public charging options.
• Be cautious of unknown people offering charging cables.
• Always select the "charge only" option if given a choice when connecting to a charging station.

By following these tips and using a USB data blocker, you can safely charge your phone at the airport while keeping your data secure.

Frequently asked questions