The other week it hit me; the solution to my airport problems. First, the background story:
I was traveling home to WI from DCA (flying NWA and had the privilege (note sarcasm) of flying out of Gate 2. Now, looking at the map you can tell this is a small little area — and boy is it. In the entire 9 gate area there are about 5 power oulets, allowing for about 10 people (if people are nice) to hook up their laptops.
I carried my luggage around to each place where outlets existed and finally found one. All was good, but several people were without power. Herein lies the new idea.
From now on when I travel through this small little gate area, I will sport a small surge protector to allow for multiple computers to enjoy the power of electricty. I would envision the scenario going down like this:
Me: Hi. I see you’re using the only power outlet in the airport, mind if I plug in?
Fellow Traveler: Seems I can’t allow you to do that — I have to charge my laptop for the long flight to Hong Kong.
Me: I have the perfect solution; let’s plug in my surge protector and we both can plug in!
Fellow Traveler: My goodness! That’s a brilliant idea. I’d be happy to.
Me: Why thank you fellow traveler. I won’t bother you again as this conversation has been socially awkward enough, talking to strangers in the airport and all.
Fellow Traveler: Try to see that you don’t. Awkward doesn’t begin to describe it enough.
And that’s how to travel with power.