Paying for Power at Airports - Technology Evangelist

I've been disgusted with just how bad airports, in 2008, are at accommodating the needs of business travelers.

As I understand the world of travel, business travelers are the ones who pay a lot for their tickets. I also get the impression that most major airport budgets come from landing fees, which are largely derived from planes carrying business travelers.

With that in mind, doesn't it seem strange that airports force business travelers to sit on the floor because they don't put outlets near chairs?

Weary Business Traveler Charging His Blackberry

Is this how you treat guests in your home? You can plug your computer in over there and sit on the floor?

Some airports are providing Internet kiosks like this one for travelers:

In this case, it includes the option to pay for power.

A better option is to unplug the Internet kiosk that nobody uses and plug in your computer to the wall.

One other option I've found for the truly power-hungry. Tell the gate attendants that you have a special condition. After entering the ramp, set up camp at the outlet within boarding ramp.

Give it a try and let us know how what kind of reactions you get.

Couple of tricks:
-Vending machines: They tend to have multiple outlets located behind them
-Floor: Sometimes they're hiding under panels for custodians who need to vacuum
-Bars: Buy a drink and ask to plug in. Be subtle and outwardly grateful as to not incite a riot amongst other power seekers

Aaron, I'm sure airports get a lot of pitches from 3rd parties wishing to provide services to travelers on a revenue share basis, which must seem appealing to airport commissions. Little downside investment risk with revenue potential. With the one side effect of nickel and diming everyone who passes through their airport.

Seems to me that having outlets for folks to charge their electronics is just part of the cost of doing business for airports. I would certainly hope that airports that do provide free wi-fi are not stingy with the outlets.

Although, how old are most airports? If they weren't initially wired to provide outlets for anything other than vacuum cleaners and vending machines, it's not exactly a piece of cake to drop more in.

On my way back from Austria in Boston I, and others in my group, had to charge our phones/ipods/DSs/Blackberrys/whathaveyous and the only spots we could find were right across from the TSA checkpoint in front of keypad secured doors hidden behind a trash can. It felt like the kind of area you're not suppose to just dilly-dally but because we were coming off our second delayed flight we set up camp and counted on being innocuous enough that no one would ask us to move.

I think there's just a general idea that an airline is going to treat you like dirt why should the airport be any better?

Comments

1. Posted by: Aaron on May 13, 2008 9:17 AM:

That's why private airport lounges stay in business! I wouldn't be surprised if they fight to prevent things like free WiFi and public power outlets in the rest of the airport. I have nothing to back that up with though.

I love that shot of the guy charging his blackberry. How painful.

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