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I tend to be always on long layovers, delayed or even cancelled flights from Toronto. So I like to do work on my laptop and most of the times, I am already out of charge from the previous flight. Are there any policies on what plugs I can and cannot use in Toronto Pearson International Airport?

For example, I know that in some coffee shops, students bring power strips, can I use one in an airport? A next example, plug outlets near the entrances of gates.

Jonik
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phwd
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4 Answers4

17

My personal view is that it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission. Most people working there won't give a rat's * about you using a powerpoint, save perhaps for security, but at most they'll just tell you to move along.

I do a lot of travel, airports, bus stations, train stations, and my eye is always looking subconciously for power sockets now ;) I've happily recharged in anywhere there happens to be a power socket (save on a kazakhstan train where the power socket wasn't working), and the most comment I've had is "do you know if there are any others?" or "can I share the socket?" from other travelers :)

Mark Mayo
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14

I've used the power in a lot of airports, including YYZ, and never been told not to or even glared at. A few tips:

  • They have to vaccuum the place. Look for power and you'll see it
  • In the gate area the plugs are often in the floor. You might have to pry up a cover. Again, no-one seems to mind. When they're not in the floor, they're in the concrete columns
  • In Terminal 3 (not the Air Canada-dominated Terminal 1) there are plugs in the benches - look just underneath them
  • Air Canada has power on most of its planes in economy now. If you're flying out of YYZ anyway, keep that in mind when choosing your carrier
  • Plenty of plugs in the lounges, too
  • Bring a little plug-cube (like your grandmother might use) - I got one at Canadian Tire for a dollar. Perfect for sharing that plug with others. I approach strangers who are using the only plug and ask if I can unplug them, plug in the cube, and then share. I always get a yes.
Kate Gregory
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I would say you should be fine as long as you're not in the way. Plug in at the boarding area rather than a walkway, and I don't think anyone will bug you. I haven't used the outlets at YYZ, but I've been there a few times and generally security doesn't bother anyone who's not harming anything.

Matthew Read
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One concern they may have is the potential for people to trip over. I assume the best way to avoid that being a problem is to have your laptop near the outlet.

Golden Cuy
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