I have been on a road warrior assignment in Kansas City assisting with the opening of their newly remodeled baseball stadium the past few days (which is also why I haven’t been able to post until now).  Just a short time ago, while waiting for my plane in Kansas City, I came across something I’d never seen before at Terminal B at MCI (Kansas City Airport).  It seems that you now have to pay $2 for access to power outlets by your seats in the terminal.

At 1st glance it looks like many of the internet access kiosks that you see at many airports and hotels.  After a closer look you can tell that this kiosk has a different purpose.

They advertise it as “More power to you”.  I know that most airports have a fee for internet service at the airport but for power…that’s a new one (At least for me).

I had never seen this at any other airport.  This especially surprised me at MCI because they advertise free Wi-Fi service at MCI (http://www.flykci.com/AirportService/WiFi/Index.htm (http://www NULL.flykci NULL.com/AirportService/WiFi/Index NULL.htm)).  So one can only assume the idea is “surf for free but pay for the juice”.

This is what you will see under your chair in the gate area once you pay the power kiosk. It’s $2 dollars. I guess I shouldn’t complain they take both cash or credit.

Since I had plenty of time on my hands….I walked around the Gate area (Terminal B has gates 56-60 next to each other.  In a corner across from Gate 56 if you look carefully you will see the following -

That is a pay phone (The thing that everyone used to use before cell phones became popular).  Just below the phone was a magical free electrical outlet. Only one in the gate area that didn’t cost $2 dollars.

I know airports need to get revenue, but do they really have to nickel and dime the customers.

NOTE: All opinions here are my own.