airports

[gfish]

Okay, people having electronics they would like to plug into 120V isn't exactly a new thing. Seven years ago, yes, I would get some odd looks. But it's bog-standard now. So why do even newly remodeled airports only provide random, half-hidden wall outlets in the waiting areas? Or, if they don't think that is a service they are obliged to offer (which is certainly their call), why are there any at all? Haven't they noticed the laptop/wifi explosion going on?

Comments

[crimmycat.livejournal.com]

Reason for outlets: to provide electricity for the janitorial equipment. Though, god knows, there aren't quite enough circuits, and I've gotten more than a few calls to get maitenance to reset the breakers so they can finish vacuuming, spot extraction, and buffing.

"Seven years ago, yes" - what do you estimate is the average age of the airport terminals you're in?

As for the wifi explosion - three years ago it was still being debated nationwide whether the service should be offered at all, or should be offered on a pay basis. The idea of free wifi became a fad among the political appointees - because "everybody's doing it!" - and has gotten thrown in as an overlay on places never intended to have it, without much prior planning.

Because when your political appointee says "We need to do this now!" You do it. You don't plan what will be needed and create a support structure that would require rewiring the terminal and major passenger interruption when your appointee is sure it'll just be a little thing to throw the system up.