A few years back I learned a little trick that is great when traveling or going to conferences where you often find yourself in a situation with few places to plug in. If you’re like me, not having a place to power up is almost worse than not having a place to go to the bathroom. Yes, it really is that serious. This is even more true if you’re stuck in a Winter Travel Delay situation like Cassie described.
The situation is really simple. You search the entire airport or conference for a plug and all of them are in use (I will say that some airports have gotten better with the number of plugs they have available). The solution is even simpler. I carry around a mini power strip or similar device in my bag.
Now, when you need to find a place to plugin, it’s never an issue. You just find someone already using a plug and politely ask them if you can share. Their initial reaction will always be “What is this guy thinking? I’m not giving up my outlet.” However, when they see the power strip, their look will turn from disgust to genius envy very quickly.
Use this simple technique and you’ll almost never be without a place to plug in. Plus, if you get the 3 plug strip, you can share with another traveler who might not be so prepared.
Great idea John! Will start carrying one.