Frequent travelers can create electrical opportunities by unplugging vending machines in the absence of easily accessible outlets. Most airports restrict the number of outlets they make available to travelers.
Although many vending machine outlets are locked or bolted into the wall, look around other smaller devices such as lighted advertisements and video games.
This advice is best during non-peak airport traffic hours like when you’re spending the night. You can also check for specific outlet locations at the airport of your choice on the Airport Wiki (the site wasn’t working when I last checked though).
The AirPower Wiki chronicles the location of power-outlets in the world’s airports. Those of us who’ve had three hours to catch up on email and recharge before making another eight-hour flight know what it is to be a voltotropic voyager.
In general the airports outside of the US, especially Asia, are better about providing electricity, but things are getting better – especially in places like Texas.
Travelers passing through Austin-Bergstrom International Airport have access to 900 electric outlets along the 24 gate concourse. In Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport there are currently 2,100 free power outlets, including those inside eight airline-club-inspired Samsung travel centers. More power is on its way.
Power hungry laptops, iPods, and cell phones in combination with more frequent delays and flight cancellations means you’ll have to get creative to charge up. Once you get on board you can keep you gadgets juiced from the headphone jack.
[photo by: jpellgen]
