The airport charging warning refers to notifications travelers may receive when trying to charge electronic devices like phones, tablets, or laptops at airports. Airports have started implementing systems to detect “inappropriate usage” when travelers plug in to power stations, and can remotely disable charging capabilities if improper power draw is detected.
What triggers the airport charging warning?
There are a few potential triggers for the airport charging warning:
- Overloading the power supply – Trying to charge multiple high-drain devices from one station could overload and trip the station’s circuit breaker. The airport will detect the power spike and disable charging.
- High-wattage chargers – Using chargers that draw over 150 watts could also trip the safety mechanisms and lead to a charging warning. High-wattage chargers are common with larger laptops.
- Damaged cables or devices – Any cables or devices that are damaged or malfunctioning can also cause abnormal power draws that airports will flag as suspicious. This includes things like frayed wires or short-circuited devices.
- Unauthorized devices – Airports prohibit the use of certain devices like hair dryers, curling irons, or other personal care products. Plugging in any unauthorized devices could trigger a charging warning.
Essentially, airports are monitoring for sudden spikes in power draw that exceed the normal profile for charging phones or laptops. Anything outside the expected levels prompts the stations to shut off charging capabilities.
What does the airport charging warning say?
The exact warning message varies between airports, but generally states that charging capabilities have been disabled due to detection of inappropriate or unauthorized usage. For example:
- “Charging disabled – improper device detected. Please unplug device to reset station.”
- “Warning: Charging paused due to overcurrent protection. Please unplug devices to restart station.”
- “Attention: Charging stopped. Unauthorized device usage detected.”
The messages are intended to promptly alert travelers that they need to unplug their devices to reset the station before being able to charge again. The warnings make clear that charging has been intentionally disabled by the airport due to improper usage.
Why do airports have charging warnings?
Airports implement these charging warnings and usage restrictions for a few key reasons:
- Safety – Preventing overloads or high-draw devices protects the electrical systems from damage and reduces fire risks. Enforcing usage policies helps maintain safety.
- Prevent Abuse – Travelers plugging in unauthorized high-drain appliances could monopolize or damage stations meant for charging small electronics. Monitoring usage prevents abuse.
- Energy Conservation – Shutting down overloaded or unattended stations conserves airport energy and reduces electricity costs.
Charging stations are intended for the convenience of travelers to recharge phones, tablets, laptops, and other essential electronics. The warnings deter travelers from misusing stations so they remain available for their intended purpose.
What should you do when you get an airport charging warning?
If you receive an airport charging warning, follow these steps:
- Unplug all devices immediately.
- Inspect devices and cables for any damage that could be causing an overload.
- If using a high-wattage laptop charger, switch to a lower-wattage option if possible.
- Only plug in one device at a time after receiving the warning.
- If the warning persists, move to a different charging station.
- Notify airport staff if you believe the station is damaged or malfunctioning.
- Never try to override or disable the warning. This could damage the station or your own devices.
Essentially, heed the airport’s warning and unlink or adjust your usage to reset the station. Trying to ignore or override the warning will likely just lead to the station fully shutting down.
Can you get in trouble for ignoring an airport charging warning?
Travelers who disregard airport charging warnings and continue improper usage of power stations could face a few potential consequences:
- The station may completely shut off power if overload continues, preventing use by any subsequent travelers.
- Airport staff may intervene and prohibit use of the station for a period of time.
- For severe or repeated noncompliance, airports can revoke future charging privileges and ban violators from using stations.
- Law enforcement may get involved for travelers who try to tamper with or override shutdown mechanisms.
Fines are unlikely, but having charging privileges revoked could cause major inconveniences for future trips. Airports want to maintain safe, fair usage of limited charging station resources.
How can you avoid tripping the airport charging warning?
To avoid inadvertently triggering those dreaded charging warnings, follow these tips:
- Only use standard laptop and phone chargers, not high-wattage power adapters.
- Plug in one device at a time, and wait until fully charged before swapping devices.
- Inspect cables and chargers for damage before using.
- Do not leave devices unattended for extended periods while charging.
- Be attentive to posted usage policies and only use stations for approved devices.
- Avoid daisy-chaining surge protectors or extension cords.
- Spread out across multiple stations instead of clustering many devices at one.
The key is charging in a safe, responsible manner that does not monopolize station resources or create potentially hazardous overloads. Be mindful of how many and what types of electronics you plug in.
Are airport charging stations regulated?
Most airport charging stations in the United States are not directly federally regulated, but must comply with:
- Local and state electrical codes for safety
- ADA accessibility standards
- Airport policies and procedures
However, the FAA does provide the following recommendations in their advisory circular for airport charging stations:
- Overcurrent protection at 150% of nominal capacity
- Ground fault circuit interrupter protection
- Backup power capabilities
- Wayfinding signage to stations
- Ongoing maintenance, inspection and recordkeeping
So while not formal regulations, airports must follow FAA guidelines to remain in compliance with grant assurances and funding eligibility. Most airports adhere closely to their recommended standards for charging infrastructure.
What types of charging stations might trigger warnings?
The following types of airport charging stations are most likely to initiate charging warnings due to higher usage and electrical demands:
- Shared charging tables – Long counters with multiple AC and/or USB ports in a communal space are prone to overloads from many devices plugged in simultaneously.
- Shared charging kiosks – Centralized kiosks with 6-10 AC outlets and USB connections can also easily get overloaded.
- Older charging points – Outdated stations with lower capacity are more likely to trip warnings at lower usage thresholds.
- Premier business/first-class lounges – Lavish charging facilities in exclusive lounges often have many high-demand devices charging at once.
Newer charging lockers and individual AC charging stations located throughout terminals see fewer simultaneous users, reducing overload risks.
What airports are most likely to issue charging warnings?
Based on passenger volumes and charging station complaints, these airports in the United States are most likely to initiate charging warnings:
| Airport | Annual Passengers |
|---|---|
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) | Over 110 million |
| Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | Over 88 million |
| Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) | Over 83 million |
| Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) | Over 62 million |
| Denver International Airport (DEN) | Over 58 million |
With the sheer volume of passengers charging phones, laptops, tablets and other devices every day, these busy airports are most likely to initiate charging warnings to manage station overloads.
What other public places issue similar charging warnings?
Charging warnings are not limited just to airports. You may encounter similar restrictions at other public venues such as:
- Public libraries
- Convention centers
- Train stations
- Bus stations
- Ferries and cruise port terminals
- Arenas, stadiums, and concert venues
- Hotels and resorts
- Coffee shops and restaurants
- Malls and retail stores
Any public space offering open charging facilities could institute usage monitoring to prevent station abuse or overloads. Pay attention for posted warnings and usage policies in these locations.
Should you be concerned about hacking risks from airport charging stations?
There are some cybersecurity risks to be aware of when charging devices using free public USB ports, including:
- Juice jacking – Malware or viruses could infect your device when plugged in
- Data theft – Information stored on your phone could be copied via USB
- Location tracking – Many ports have built-in location logging capabilities
However, most modern airports have taken precautions to minimize hacking risks, including:
- Disabling data transfer capabilities on USB charging ports
- Using surge protectors between USB and AC power
- Regular security testing and monitoring of stations
- Encrypted connections on charging lockers
While still not completely foolproof, the charging warning is a much bigger nuisance than any realistic hacking concerns for airport power stations.
Conclusion
Getting an ominous airport charging warning can put a damper on your travels. But these warnings exist purely to protect station infrastructure and fairness of use, not to hassle travelers. By understanding what causes them, heeding warnings appropriately, and charging devices responsibly, you can easily avoid tripping those disruptive alerts.