Owais Crawford
With the rise of personal electronic devices, airports have had to adapt to meet the growing demand for power outlets. Airports are now trying to make it easier for travellers to charge their devices, with some installing more outlets in their concourses and terminals. However, finding a working power outlet at an airport can still be challenging. This is partly due to the high volume of people using them, which can cause wear and tear, and the fact that there is often no dedicated staff to maintain them. Additionally, travellers need to be cautious when using public USB charging stations as they may put personal data at risk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty in finding power outlets | Airports were not built with modern technology in mind, and outlets are often hard to find. |
| Wear and tear | High passenger traffic leads to frequent use and faster deterioration of outlets. |
| Maintenance | Airports have no incentive to regularly maintain or replace non-functional outlets. |
| Security risks | Public USB charging stations may pose a risk to personal data and device security. |
| Power availability | Some airports offer ample power outlets and charging stations, while others provide limited access. |
| Passenger experience | Non-functional outlets can be frustrating for travellers, impacting their experience and productivity. |
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What You'll Learn
Where to find power outlets in airports
Airports are increasingly trying to meet the needs of 21st-century personal technology. However, older airports were not built with these needs in mind, and travellers often struggle to find power outlets.
To find power outlets in airports, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, power outlets are often located in places where cleaners would logically need to plug in their vacuum cleaners, such as underneath chairs and on pillars. Outlets are also often located near the floor and out of obvious view. Additionally, some airports have installed seats with individual power outlets, so look out for these when choosing a seat. If you are struggling to find an outlet, it may be helpful to ask airport staff for assistance, as they may know of specific locations.
Some airports, such as Charlotte Douglas International Airport, have numerous charging stations with outlets and USB ports. You can find these in the main post-security hall and in various concourses. Other airports with charging stations include Denver International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.
If you are passing through a large airport, it may be worth checking if it has its own branded charging station. For example, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has Samsung Power Pole charging stations, while McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas has integrated seat outlets and charging ports in Terminal 3.
If you are unable to find a power outlet, there are a few alternatives to consider. Firstly, you could bring a portable charger or a travel surge protector with multiple outlets. Additionally, some airlines offer power outlets and USB ports on their planes, although the availability may vary depending on the airline and the type of plane. It is worth checking with your airline to see if this is an option.
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Issues with airport power outlets
While airports are increasingly recognising the need for power outlets, and many are adding more outlets to their terminals, issues with airport power outlets remain prevalent.
One of the main issues is the lack of working power outlets. Many passengers have expressed frustration over finding an outlet, only to realise that it is not functioning. This could be due to several factors, such as wear and tear from frequent use, or circuit breakers being tripped. Additionally, some airports may not prioritise fixing non-functional outlets, as it is not cost-effective to hire someone specifically for that task.
The design of airport terminals can also contribute to the issue. Older airports were not built with modern personal technology in mind, and may not have enough outlets to meet the demands of today's travellers. In some cases, the placement of outlets may be inconvenient or difficult to access.
Another concern is the potential security risk associated with public USB charging stations. Authorities in Los Angeles have warned about a scam called "juice jacking," where scammers set up fake power sources to steal information from unsuspecting travellers.
To navigate these issues, travellers have shared various tips and hacks, such as settling into a lounge, bringing a portable charger, or carrying a travel surge protector with multiple outlets. Some airports, like Boston-Logan International Airport, provide helpful services, where travellers can call and ask about power outlet locations.
Despite the challenges, it is worth noting that some airports are making significant efforts to improve the situation. For instance, the world's busiest airport is regularly adding more outlets to its concourses, and other airports are investing in upgrades to install more outlets.
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Safety concerns with airport USB charging stations
As people travel more, they bring with them various electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, that need to be charged. Airports, however, were not built with 21st-century personal technology in mind, and as a result, power outlets are not always readily available.
While USB charging stations at airports are convenient, they may pose a risk to your personal data. Here are some safety concerns to be aware of when using airport USB charging stations:
Data Theft and Malware Attacks: USB cables have two functions: they can transfer data between devices and charge connected devices. Cybercriminals can take advantage of this by installing modified USB sockets in airport charging stations that contain malicious code. This code can be used to install malware on your device or download data without your knowledge. According to the FBI, no public phone charging stations are safe from hackers. To protect yourself, it is recommended to use a power-only USB cable or a USB data blocker, such as the Juice-Jack Defender or the PortaPow USB Data Blocker, which allow your device to be charged while blocking any data transfer.
Juice Jacking: This is a scam where criminals set up fake power sources or leave modified charging cables in USB charging stations. When unsuspecting individuals use these charging stations or cables, their personal information can be stolen. To avoid juice jacking, it is recommended to use your own charging cable and power adapter and to be cautious of random tech accessories left behind by other travelers.
Wear and Tear: Airport power outlets and USB charging stations are used frequently by many people throughout the year. This heavy usage can cause wear and tear, resulting in some outlets or stations becoming damaged or non-functional over time. As airports may not have the resources or incentive to regularly maintain and fix these outlets, non-functional outlets can go unrepaired for extended periods.
To ensure a positive charging experience at the airport, it is recommended to bring your own charging cable and power adapter, use power-only USB cables or USB data blockers, and be cautious of potential juice jacking attempts. Additionally, some airports provide maps or signs indicating the locations of power outlets and charging stations, making it easier for travelers to find functioning charging options.
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Airlines with charging stations in their gate areas
As personal technology has become more prevalent, airports have struggled to keep up with the demand for power outlets. Airports are generally old, and they weren't built with modern technology in mind, so outlets are few and far between, and sometimes non-functional. However, some airlines and airports are stepping up to the challenge by installing charging stations in their gate areas.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines offers charging stations in its gate areas. At Philadelphia International Airport, Delta, along with Southwest Airlines and JetBlue, provides outlets in food courts and restaurants. They also have outlets in the new International Terminal.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has power in its seating areas and power bars with stools for seating in Terminal 2. They also have charging stations in gate areas in Terminals D and E at Philadelphia International Airport.
United Airlines
United Airlines offers power stations with seated workstations and plenty of counter space in its four terminals. Each station seats up to eight, with one being wheelchair accessible. Terminal 1 has nine stations, Terminal 2 has two, Terminal 3 has six, and Terminal 5 has one. They have also installed their own branded power outlets throughout the airport.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers 110-volt power outlets for laptops and USB ports for smartphones and tablets on every seat on long-haul flights. They also provide under-seat power outlets at Gates C and N at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
American Airlines
American Airlines has charging stations with outlets and USB ports in Concourses A, B, C, D, and E.
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Airports with the most power outlets
As people travel with more electronic devices, airports have become a key place to charge them. Airports are now recognising the need for power and are trying to increase the number of available outlets.
One of the airports with the most power outlets is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). SFO has installed more than 1,500 outlets across its four terminals, including traditional outlets and USB ports, as well as workstations, seat chargers and power bars. Terminals 1 and 2 feature Samsung Power Poles, and in Terminal 2, Southwest Airlines has power bars with stools for seating.
Newark Airport is another airport with plenty of power outlets. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages the airport, has installed hundreds of power poles and charging stations, some with USB ports. United's Terminal C partner OTG Management has installed power outlets and USB ports in gate seating and all of its restaurants.
Other airports with plenty of power outlets include Boston-Logan International Airport, which has seats with individual power outlets, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which has iconic rocking chairs with outlets next to them. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has 36 sets of tables and chairs with outlets and USB ports in its lobby areas, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has power underneath almost all the seats in the A, B, D and S gates.
Despite these efforts, it can still be difficult to find a working power outlet at an airport. Airports are generally old, and personal electronic devices are fairly new. As a result, adding power capacity can require huge capital investment for building upgrades, which many older airports cannot afford.
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Frequently asked questions
Many airports have signs to help you locate power outlets. For example, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, keep an eye out for "Get Plugged In" signs. You can also try looking near trash cans.
Airport outlets may not work due to wear and tear from frequent use. Unlike at home, where a plug is only used by a few people, airport plugs are used by dozens of people every day, leading to faster deterioration.
While it may be tempting to use a USB charging station, it is not recommended as it could put your personal data at risk. In 2019, authorities in Los Angeles warned of a scam called "juice jacking", where scammers set up fake power sources to steal information.
