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Q. Your recent link to the free wi-fi map was helpful, but I find it more of a problem to track down power outlets when I travel. I'm sure they're readily available in the business lounges, but I don't fly business, and still would like very much to recharge my laptop and Blackberry without having to sit in a bar or fast food place out of ear shot of my gate. In this day and age, why aren't outlets included alongside giftshops on airport maps? I need power more than I need a snowglobe of Detroit.

A. We actually had the same trouble at Dallas Ft Worth last week. Concession area plugs seemed to all be in use, and - just as we were considering using the outlets all the way upstairs by the AirTrain, we finally found one, far far from our gate, that we shared with a fellow traveler who complained of the very same thing. The good news, which we learned from our friends at the Middle Seat: There is actually an Airpower Wiki page that lists the locations of power outlets in both domestic and international airports. There's even a Flickr page, for those who need visuals.

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I recently bought (at the airport!) a charger for my smart phone that works four ways: AC, plugged into a USB port, car charger, or attach to a 9 volt battery. It worked like a charm visiting our daughter in Italy, we just plugged into the USB port on her computer. But I will absolutely, from now on, be carrying a 9 volt battery in my carry on, for times when I need a charge and don't feel like searching all over for that elusive plug. It also has interchangeable heads, so that it works for a variety of charger inlets on phones. My husband was able to use it on his phone, which is an entirely different make and model.

by mickisue on Thursday, April 16, 2009

At MSP in the Twin Cities we have about 14 power poles (each with 4 plugs, I believe) at various gates underwritten by Samsung, and 2 sets of 4-person carols with plugs for everything underwritten by Radisson--in addition to the free (Business) Service Center carols on all (except Concourse G) concourses and other outlets near the floor and on load bearing cement poles.

by LukeyLou on Thursday, April 16, 2009

Or, just carry a splitter or small power outlet with you. They are $2 at Home depot. That way you can split it up if someone else is using it.

by freddy4play on Thursday, April 16, 2009

by remjones on Thursday, April 16, 2009

I bought a solar charger that will charge everything but my laptop. The solar charger has a lithium battery on the inside and solar panels on the outside. It charges either through an outlet or from light (natural and unnatural). I bought it from devotec in England.

by mrmaster on Thursday, April 16, 2009

How about bringing a small cube tap and sharing with a friendly fellow traveler?

by raindog on Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Keep an eye out for power outlets used for vacuum-cleaners. At Pearson Airport, in Toronto, more than once I've gotten away with sitting quietly along the wall in a main corridor near my gate, recharging whatever device needed it. As long as you don't interfere with the flow of pedestrians, security will walk right by you.

by Great Lakes Lover on Wednesday, November 19, 2008

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