Where are thou, power plug? I'm sure battery power by any other name wouldn't smell as sweet.
Look, I know having your iPod or laptop go kaput mid-flight is no one's idea of a fun time. That's why it's time to stop wandering around the airport like one of the lost tribesmen and sit down. Lookfully, a couple of people have already done the hard work for you.
Jeff Sandquist, who just so happens to be a director of developer relations at Microsoft, created AirPower Wiki a few years ago. The wiki, which is editable by anyone, is part of the growing fight to locate power plugs in airports around the world for those who have trouble disconnecting. Somehow I've got a feeling that Sandquist knows something about having to be plugged in all the time.
Anywho, since its inception, the wiki page has slowly grown to acquire data for national and international airports alike. (Be armed with a universal travel adapter if you're out of the country.) In some cases, the wiki also has information on free Wi-Fi access and its availability. It seems like most major airports are covered, but if you've got any gaps to fill in, feel free to contribute to Jeff's site.
Here's a brief sampling from the Ms:
Melbourne Airport, Melbourne, Australia (MEL)
- Virgin Blue Terminal (T3) uses a fairly consistent gate layout with a pair of power outlets to the lower right side of the beside the TV sets situated on back wall of each gate. There is also usually a single spare socket beside the vending machines at most of the odd numbered gates (Confirmed at Gates 7 and 9).
- No power sockets at Gate 10
- Power socket underneath the billboard between Gate 6 and Gate 8
- Hudson's Coffee shop at Gate 4 has a single spare point on the 3rd table (the one next to the gray pillar. Socket is on the pillar)
Memphis, TN, USA (MEM)
- Power outlets just past the Northwest Airlines wing (Terminal B). A couple of power outlets on brick wall and near some of the chairs.
- 6 Outlets opposite P.J.O Brien's
- A few outlets beside the Travelex machine beside Sushi Sushi if you're really desperate
- Men's loo in between McDonalds and the coffee shops - Singular power outlet.
- No free Wi-Fi.
Milan, Malpensa, Italy
- Power outlet, terminal 1, check in area 1, there are some seats along the corridor behind check in area one. There is a green power plug on the wall to the left of these.
