Airport operations have gotten complicated with all the changes and updates flying around. As someone with extensive travel experience, I learned everything there is to know about this topic. Today, I will share it all with you.
You know that moment when your phone hits 8% and you’ve still got a two-hour layover? Yeah, I’ve been there way too many times. The scramble for an outlet used to be one of my least favorite airport activities. But here’s the thing – once you know where to look, finding a charge becomes way less stressful. I’ve spent years figuring this out so you don’t have to.
Airports That Actually Get It Right
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL): Being the world’s busiest airport apparently means they’ve heard enough complaints to do something about it. Charging stations are everywhere now, and honestly, most gate seating has power outlets built right in. The international terminal? USB ports at literally every seat. I was impressed.
Denver (DEN): After the renovations, this place is basically outlet heaven. Almost every seat at the newer gates has power access. They’ve even got these charging tables near the food courts where you can eat and charge at the same time. Smart move.
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW): The Skylink stations have charging counters, which is genius because that’s where you’re stuck waiting anyway. Gate areas are solid too. Haven’t had to fight for an outlet here in years.
Airports Where You’ll Need a Game Plan
New York LaGuardia (LGA): This one’s tricky. The new Terminal B is beautiful and has great charging options. The older sections? Not so much. Before you assume you’ll find power, check which terminal you’re actually flying out of.
Chicago Midway (MDW): Smaller airport, fewer amenities across the board. Charging infrastructure is definitely one of those amenities that’s lacking. Get there with a full battery or prepare to stake out one of the limited outlets early.
Boston Logan (BOS): Totally depends on your terminal. Terminal E handles it pretty well. The older domestic terminals can be a nightmare though – I’ve watched people hover over outlets like hawks waiting for someone to leave.
Spots Most People Walk Right Past
Here’s what I’ve learned after countless trips: the best outlets are usually near the restrooms. A lot of airports put charging stations in these less-trafficked areas, and nobody thinks to check there. While everyone’s fighting for gate-side power, you can often find an empty outlet just around the corner.
Customer service desks are another goldmine. There’s almost always an accessible outlet nearby, and a friendly “mind if I charge here for a bit?” usually gets a yes.
Food courts too. People focus on eating, not charging. Grab a coffee, scout for outlets at the seating areas, and you might score an uncontested spot with your drink.
Stuff Worth Throwing in Your Bag
Honestly? A decent portable battery has saved me more times than I can count. Something with 20,000+ mAh can fully charge your phone multiple times and even give your laptop some emergency juice. Worth the extra weight.
I also carry a little power strip now. Sounds dorky, but when I find an outlet, I can charge everything at once. Bonus: you make instant friends with other travelers who need a plug. Win-win.
A two-foot extension cord is another game-changer. You’d be amazed how many outlets are positioned behind chairs or tucked in awkward corners. A little extra reach opens up options that were totally unusable before.
Don’t Be That Person
Quick etiquette check: once you’ve got enough charge to get you through, move on. Camping on an outlet for five hours when you’re at 100% isn’t cool. And please, ask before unplugging someone else’s stuff – even if their phone looks fully charged. A quick “hey, mind if I grab that outlet?” takes two seconds and avoids any weirdness.
