Owais Crawford
Airport outlets are often unreliable due to a combination of factors, including high passenger demand, outdated airport infrastructure, and maintenance challenges. With the widespread use of personal electronic devices, travellers increasingly seek power outlets to charge their gadgets, but many airports were built before this became a necessity. The process of installing new outlets is complex and costly, involving wiring, potential upgrades to circuit breakers, and increased electricity costs for the airport. Additionally, maintenance of existing outlets may be delayed due to low priority or a lack of dedicated resources for testing and repair. As a result, passengers often encounter non-functional or difficult-to-access power outlets during their travels, leading to widespread frustration.
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What You'll Learn
Airport outlets are not maintained or replaced regularly
Additionally, budgetary constraints play a significant role. Installing and maintaining commercial outlets can be costly, with each outlet adding hundreds of dollars to construction and maintenance costs over its lifetime. Therefore, from a business perspective, minimizing the number of electrical outlets can help reduce expenses.
Moreover, the issue of outlet maintenance is often a low priority for airport management. Unless it affects their operations, such as impacting the ability of cleaners or maintenance staff to use their equipment, broken outlets may not be promptly repaired or replaced. This further contributes to the lack of regular maintenance and replacement of airport outlets.
To address these challenges, airports are making efforts to incorporate more outlets into their designs and upgrades. Some airports are even mandating that every seat has access to power, demonstrating a recognition of the growing need for power outlets in airports.
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Airports are old, and gadgets are new
The average airport is more than 40 years old, and most were built before personal electronic devices became a necessity for travellers. As such, the infrastructure in airports has struggled to keep up with the demands of modern technology.
Airports were not designed with the idea that every traveller would need access to power. In the past, travellers did not carry multiple devices requiring electricity, so there was no need for sockets. Now, however, it is common for people to carry laptops, phones, tablets, and other gadgets that require charging.
The increase in demand for power outlets has resulted in airports having to play catch-up. They now need to implement fundamental foundational upgrades to cater to the evolving needs of travellers. This includes ensuring that every seat has access to power.
Additionally, the maintenance of power outlets in airports can be challenging. Some outlets may be loose or faulty, requiring a licensed electrician to repair them. With airports having other priorities and limited budgets, outlet maintenance may be considered a low priority and could be neglected or delayed.
Furthermore, some outlets in airports are not intended for use by travellers. These outlets are designated for cleaning and maintenance equipment, temporary kiosks, and other airport operations. These outlets may be disabled until they are needed for their intended purposes.
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Wear and tear on an industrial scale
The average airport is more than 40 years old and was not built with 21st-century personal technology in mind. Airports have been trying to catch up for years, but it's a never-ending battle.
The wear and tear of electrical outlets in airports is a significant issue. The high volume of passenger traffic and the constant use of outlets to charge various devices take a toll on the infrastructure. Over time, outlets can become loose or damaged, leading to functionality issues.
Additionally, the maintenance and replacement of outlets can be challenging and costly. Airports may struggle to find licensed electricians who are both qualified and willing to work for the rates offered. As a result, outlet repairs may be deprioritized or delayed, especially if they are not easily accessible or frequently used.
Moreover, the sheer number of outlets in a large airport can make maintenance a daunting task. With thousands of outlets spread across different terminals and gates, it can be challenging to keep track of which ones are functional and which ones need attention.
The age of the airport and its infrastructure also play a role. Older airports may have outdated electrical systems that are not equipped to handle the increased demand for power. As technology advances and travel habits change, airports must continuously adapt and upgrade their facilities to accommodate modern devices and traveller needs.
To address these challenges, airports are investing in fundamental foundational upgrades to prepare for future growth and evolving demands. This includes not only increasing the number of outlets but also improving their accessibility and functionality to enhance the overall traveller experience.
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Lack of competition between airports
The lack of competition between airports is a significant factor contributing to the issue of non-functional power outlets. Airports are often the only option for travellers in a particular region, as observed in the UK, where travellers from London to Rhodes have no choice but to fly out of Gatwick Airport. This lack of competition means that airports have less incentive to invest in upgrades and improvements that would enhance the customer experience, such as ensuring all power outlets are functional.
Additionally, airports constructed decades ago did not anticipate the widespread use of personal electronic devices and, therefore, did not prioritise the availability of power outlets. As a result, the infrastructure in older airports may not be equipped to handle the increased demand for power, leading to outlets that don't work or are difficult to find.
Furthermore, the cost of installing and maintaining additional power outlets can be substantial, impacting construction and maintenance budgets. Airports may view minimising the number of outlets as a cost-saving measure, especially when considering the long-term electricity costs associated with increased outlet availability.
However, it is worth noting that some airports are taking steps to address this issue. For example, projects like the one at Newark Liberty International Airport aim to provide access to power at every seat. Additionally, some travellers have noted improvements in certain airports, with outlets becoming more readily available in food courts and other areas.
While the lack of competition between airports may have contributed to the issue of non-functional outlets, it is encouraging to see that some airports are recognising the importance of providing power access to travellers and are working to address this issue through upgrades and renovations.
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High costs of electricity and installation
While adding outlets to a building is a relatively simple task, increasing the power capacity and other "invisible" things that are needed to increase variable power delivery can be challenging. Airports, particularly older ones, were not designed with an abundance of electrical sockets in mind. To increase power capacity, airports would need to invest huge amounts of capital for building upgrades. Many older airports in the US, for example, do not have the money or building space to provide what is essentially a service that will not yield any profits.
In addition to the high costs of electricity, the installation of power outlets can be costly and time-consuming. Airports would need to factor in the cost of materials, labour, and any necessary building permits. They may also need to consider the impact on the airport's infrastructure, such as the need for additional wiring or power sources.
The high costs of electricity and installation can be a significant barrier for airports, especially those with older infrastructure or limited financial resources. As a result, some airports may opt for alternative solutions, such as standalone power stations or power poles, which can be relatively compact and do not require a remodel.
Furthermore, the demand for power outlets in airports has increased due to the proliferation of power-hungry gadgets and the availability of wireless internet access in terminals. This has put a strain on the existing power infrastructure in airports, and they are rushing to add new outlets to accommodate the increasing demand.
To address the high costs of electricity and installation, airports may consider various strategies. For instance, they could partner with sponsors or advertisers to offset the costs of installing and maintaining power outlets. Additionally, they could introduce paid charging stations or premium access to power outlets for frequent travellers or members. By implementing these strategies, airports can generate revenue to cover the costs of providing this essential service to travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
Most airport terminals were built before the widespread use of personal electronic devices, so there aren't enough outlets to meet the current demand.
Installing outlets can be costly and may not provide a financial benefit to airports. It requires running wiring behind walls and potentially upgrading circuit breakers to handle the extra load.
Yes, some airports have started to install power poles and charging stations with USB ports. Additionally, you can bring a portable charger or a travel surge protector with multiple outlets.
Airports can prioritize maintenance and regularly check and replace non-functional outlets. They can also consider upgrading their terminals to include more outlets, as some airports have done in response to passenger feedback.
No, some airports have taken steps to improve outlet availability. For example, the Las Vegas airport has power outlets and USB ports in every seat, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has Samsung Power Pole charging stations in Terminals 1 and 2.
