Ruth Haines
Charging your phone at the airport can be a risky business. While it's convenient to top up your smartphone battery at the gate before boarding, the FBI has warned against using free USB charging stations in airports, hotels, or shopping centers. This is due to the risk of juice jacking, where hackers manipulate the USB ports to install malware and steal personal data such as credit card information, passwords, and photos. To stay safe, the FBI recommends using your own charger and cord with a power outlet instead of a USB charging station. Some airports, like the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, encourage travelers to use their own cords and plugs for electrical outlets and to be vigilant for any signs of tampering with charging stations. Additionally, you can use a USB data blocker or a power-only USB cable to prevent data transfer while charging.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Charging options | USB charging stations, power outlets, power poles, charging kiosks, power-only USB cables, USB data blockers |
| Safety concerns | Juice jacking, malware, data theft, cyber-theft |
| Safety recommendations | Use power outlets instead of USB charging stations, use your own charging cord, use a USB data blocker or power-only USB cable, avoid public WiFi |
| Airport examples | Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Logan International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Denver International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Safety tips for charging at an airport
Charging your phone at an airport can be risky, as public charging stations are often targeted by hackers and cybercriminals. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when charging your phone at an airport:
Use a Power-Only USB Cable or a USB Data Blocker:
Use a power-only USB cable that only allows the transfer of power and blocks any data connection. This prevents any potential malware or data theft attempts as your device won't be connected to the charging station for data transfer. Power-only USB cables look identical to regular USB cables and are easily available online. Alternatively, you can use a USB data blocker, such as the Juice-Jack Defender or the PortaPow USB Data Blocker, which ensures that the USB cable only charges your device and blocks access to your data.
Be Cautious of "Juice Jacking":
"Juice jacking" is a cyber-theft tactic where hackers load malware onto public USB charging stations to access and steal data from connected devices. This can result in your device being locked or your personal data and passwords being exported directly to the perpetrator. Always be cautious when using public USB charging stations, and consider using a power-only USB cable or a USB data blocker to protect yourself from juice jacking.
Select "Charge Only" When Prompted:
If you plug your device into a USB charging station and a prompt appears asking you to select "share data," "trust this computer," or "charge only," always choose "charge only." This ensures that your device is not sharing any data with the charging station and reduces the risk of data theft.
Avoid Leaving Your Device Unattended:
Do not leave your phone unattended while it's charging at an airport charging station. Keep an eye on your device at all times to prevent potential theft or unauthorized access. If you must walk away, return periodically to check on the charging progress and remove your device once it's fully charged.
Use Wireless Chargers or Your Own Charging Cable:
Consider using wireless chargers available at some airports or coffee shops if your phone supports wireless charging. Alternatively, carry your own charging cable and avoid using unknown or borrowed cables offered by strangers. This reduces the risk of connecting to a potentially compromised cable or charging station.
By following these safety tips, you can help protect your device and personal information when charging your phone at an airport. While these precautions may require some additional preparation, they can significantly reduce the chances of data theft or malware infection.
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Charging station locations at airports
Charging your phone at the airport is a convenient option, but it comes with risks. Public charging stations, including those at airports, can be targeted by cybercriminals who install malware on the USB charging ports to access your data. This practice, known as "juice jacking," involves exploiting the data transfer function of USB cables to extract information from your device. While charging your phone at an airport charging station, your device may be vulnerable to malware installation, data theft, and other cyber-attacks.
To protect yourself from "juice jacking" and data theft, you can take several precautions when using airport charging stations:
- Use a power-only USB cable: These cables are designed to only transfer power and do not have a data connection, preventing any potential malware from accessing your device. Power-only USB cables are identical in appearance to regular USB cables but provide a safer charging option.
- Utilize a USB data blocker: A USB data blocker, such as the Juice-Jack Defender or the PortaPow USB Data Blocker, acts as a barrier between your device and the charging station. It ensures that only power is transferred to your device, blocking any potential data connection and mitigating the risk of malware installation.
- Be cautious with USB port prompts: When connecting your device to a USB charging port, you may encounter prompts asking to "share data" or "trust this computer." Always select the "charge only" option to prevent unintended data transfer and reduce the risk of malware infection.
- Choose charging stations carefully: Some airports provide charging stations with built-in safety measures to protect user data. Look for stations that offer power-only connections or have implemented security protocols to minimize the risk of malware installation.
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport: This airport offers a network of free, interactive charging stations installed by Monster Media. These stations are located throughout the airport, allowing passengers to charge their devices conveniently.
- Logan International Airport (Boston): Logan International Airport features numerous charging stations integrated into the seating areas. The airport also provides free Wi-Fi for passengers.
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport: This airport has 26 charging stations with outlets, and most of them include USB ports. You can find five charging stations in Concourse A, seven in Concourses B and C, six in Concourse D, and one in Concourse E.
- Denver International Airport: Passengers at this airport will find hundreds of electrical outlets conveniently located throughout the facility. There are also dedicated charging stations available.
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport: This airport offers three types of charging locations: DFW Airport Travel Lounges, Guest Services Center, and Power Stations. The lounges provide complimentary seating with power outlets, while the Power Stations offer workstations with outlets and USB charge ports at specific gates.
- Newark Liberty International Airport: The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey has installed free power poles and dozens of charging stations as part of their Customer Care Program.
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston, Texas): This airport boasts a multitude of charging options, including Rapid Charge and Samsung Charging Station kiosks located in Terminal A and throughout the airport.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport: Dozens of outlets for charging various electronic devices are available adjacent to most gates. The spacious workstations include stools and tabletops for added convenience.
- O'Hare International Airport: O'Hare offers free, interactive charging stations installed by Monster Media. These stations feature seated workstations with counter space and AC outlets, allowing passengers to work while charging their devices.
- Southwest Airlines Gate Areas: Southwest Airlines provides power seating with stools, countertops, and outlets at their gate areas in Terminal 2 (Humphreys) and the Service Center across from Gate H3.
Remember to follow charging station etiquette by moving away from the station once your device is charged to make space for other travelers. Additionally, if you need to walk away from your device while it's charging, return periodically to check on its progress.
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Charging station etiquette
Charging your phone at the airport can be a risky business. "Juice jacking" is a cyber-theft tactic where malware is loaded onto public USB charging stations to access electronic devices. To avoid this, you can use a USB data blocker, such as the Juice-Jack Defender, or a power-only USB cable, which only transfers power and has no data connection.
Now that we've covered safety, let's get into the etiquette of charging your phone at the airport.
- If you don't need to charge your phone, don't occupy a charging station. Move away from the charging area to allow others to use it.
- If all the charging spots are taken, don't unplug someone else's device, even if it's fully charged. Identify the owner and ask them before unplugging their device.
- If you must walk away from your phone while it's charging, check on it periodically. Don't leave a fully charged device plugged in for long periods as others may need to use the charging station.
- Use the correct type of charger for your phone. Don't use a fast charger if you don't need to, as this could irritate other users who need to charge their phones quickly.
- Be considerate and don't play loud music while charging your phone.
- Keep the charging cable off the floor so that it doesn't get damaged.
- If you're using a charging app, share your experiences by leaving feedback about the station.
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How to avoid 'juice jacking'
Airports now have convenient charging stations where you can use your USB to charge your phone. However, charging your phone at the airport is not without risks. You could become a victim of "juice jacking", a cyber-theft tactic where hackers steal your phone's data while it's being charged.
To avoid becoming a victim of juice jacking, consider the following:
Use AC power outlets
Use AC power outlets instead of USB charging stations. Bring your own AC, car chargers, and USB cables when travelling.
Use a power-only USB cable
Use a power-only USB cable that doesn't allow data transfer. These cables look identical to regular USB cables but only allow the transfer of power from the charging station to your phone. With no data connection, there's no path for malware to reach your device.
Use a USB data blocker
Connect a USB data blocker like the Juice-Jack Defender or the PortaPow USB Data Blocker to ensure that the USB cable only charges your device and doesn't allow access to your data.
Use a two-pronged phone charger
Use the "old-fashioned" two or three-pronged phone charger plugin, which doesn't allow data transfer from your phone.
Lock your phone before charging
Make sure your phone is locked with a PIN, fingerprint, or passcode before charging. USB ports typically can't sync to a locked phone.
Select "charge only"
If you plug your device into a USB port and a prompt asks you to select "share data" or "trust this computer" or "charge only," always select "charge only."
Use public Wi-Fi safely
Public Wi-Fi networks are another way that cybercriminals target travellers. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks and follow cybersecurity best practices.
Carry an external battery
Consider carrying a backup battery or an external battery to avoid having to use public charging stations.
By following these precautions, you can help protect your device and personal information from potential threats while still taking advantage of the convenience of airport charging stations.
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Airlines with charging and power options
While most airlines provide charging and power options, the availability of these options varies significantly by airline and aircraft type.
United Airlines' CRJ550 offers USB power ports at every seat, making it convenient for passengers to charge their devices. Southwest Airlines has also introduced seat-back USB charging ports on their 737 MAX aircraft. Some airlines, like ANA, provide two types of USB ports: 1.5A and 0.5A, catering to different device power requirements. Power outlets and USB ports are often found in various locations within the aircraft. Common places include between the seats, where multiple passengers may share a limited number of ports. Some aircraft have power outlets and USB ports integrated into the seatbacks or armrests, providing easy access for each passenger.
Charging options are more commonly available in first class and business class cabins. If you are seated in economy, you may have to share power outlets with other passengers.
Additionally, some airlines, like American Airlines, offer in-seat power outlets and USB ports on many of their aircraft. Delta Air Lines also allows the use of power banks for charging personal devices, but there may be restrictions during takeoff and landing.
To confirm whether your specific flight offers charging options, you can check Google Flights or the airline's website. Look for icons or details indicating the availability of power outlets and USB ports.
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Frequently asked questions
Many airports have charging stations with USB ports and power outlets. Some airports with charging stations include:
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Logan International Airport
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport
- Denver International Airport
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
- Newark Liberty International Airport
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport
The FBI has warned against using USB charging stations at airports due to the risk of "juice jacking", where hackers manipulate the USB ports to install malware and steal data. However, you can use a power-only USB cable or a USB data blocker to prevent data transfer and keep your device safe.
You can carry your own charger and USB cord to plug into an electrical outlet instead of using a USB charging station.
If you need to walk away from your device while it's charging, try to return periodically to check on the charging progress. If your device is fully charged, unplug it to allow others to use the charging station.
