Technology is used every day by millions of people, but as far as technology has come, most devices still need to be charged. Considering many devices are app-heavy like iPads , iPhones, and other tablets and smartphones, batteries drain pretty quickly.
During desperate times, people will do anything to juice up their device batteries. Nowadays it isn't a rare sight to see someone sit in a public bathroom or hallway while waiting for their device to charge. One place where technology users frequently charge up is at airports while they wait for the next flight during layovers. Being able to charge a device is especially important to business travelers who do work from computers or need to make business calls on the go.
Due to the increasing demand for power, or battery life, airports are working to accommodate those whose batteries die too quickly and those who even start fights over outlets with other techie travelers.
USA Today reported that in a 2010 survey the Airports Council International-North America found that 56 of 89 airports reported having electric charging stations for passengers, yet the number is continuously growing and airports are adding more charging stations.
The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport just added 240 outlets and 204 USB ports. They even created a section of 36 sets of padded chairs with tables that include two outlets and a USB port for charging devices.
Over the past few months, Seattle-Tacoma International airport added 114 charging units which each contain two outlets. By the end of the year, they plan to add 300 more.
As part of the $2.4 billion expansion of Terminal 3, Las Vegas-McCarran International Airport will include several outlets on the floor near seating areas. There are also plans to add more outlets to the C concourse as well.
Airlines, such as US Airways, Delta Airlines, and Virgin America will add more outlets to their individual gate areas at certain airports, although they feel that providing these sources is more of the airport's responsibility. They just want to accommodate passengers so there will be more customer satisfaction and less of an inconvenience to travelers who only have access to limited power sources.
At New York's LaGuardia Airport, US Airways will add work spaces to their gate, which will include charging stations with outlets and USB plugs, as well as provide customers with access to tablets like iPads. This will begin early in 2013, but there are plans to create similar work spaces at other airports
At 19 airports, including Atlanta, New York's JFK, and Memphis, Delta Air Lines installed two power stations at each gate, which consists of six outlets and two USB ports.
Virgin America decked out its base of operations at San Francisco International Airport with laptop work tables, outlets and Wi-Fi. Virgin America also added more outlets at Chicago O'Hare and wireless induction chargers, which allow users to charge their devices without having to plug them in.
This summer, Alaska Airlines will increase outlets at its gates at in Seattle from 30 to 200. They also plan to add more outlets to other airport hubs throughout the summer.
