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

[sistawendy.livejournal.com]

I can think of three possible answers:
1) They're cheap bastards.
2) They're stupid bastards.
3) It's a Soviet-style plot to restict the free flow of information and ZOG ZOG ZOG.

[rollick.livejournal.com]

I'm assuming the outlets aren't meant for public use, and are probably for janitors plugging in vacuums and/or floor polishers and the like. The ones I've found in airports certainly aren't placed anywhere near chairs, or other places where they'd be comfortable to use with laptops. As to why they don't offer more of them, it's probably because they don't want to rewire entire buildings in order to provide free electricity to people hanging out in airports. It isn't just the cost of the electricity, it's the cost of all the work that would have to be done to make it possible.

[gorgeousgary]

They've noticed it about as much as they've noticed that all of the folks who buy food and a drink to imbibe and guzzle before getting on a plane would really like CUPHOLDERS for their drinks.

Or do they think that's what the little pop-out trays on the laptops are for? 8-P

[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.

In case I didn't actually get this from you:

[ashley-y.livejournal.com]

http://airpower.pbwiki.com/

[firesign3000.livejournal.com]

only the dell laptops are exploding.

[encapsulate.livejournal.com]

Last time through Dallas (DFW) I found that all the outlets in the terminal I was in were turned off.

I'd imagine that building code will sometimes dictate that they have them, but I can't imagine the airport is too pleased about having them out there.