Japan Airlines Installs the One Thing at Airport Gates That Every Flyer Needs

Japan Airlines would like to give flyers their dignity back.

Instead of squeezing around a support column or climbing under dirty seats, passengers in Osaka can now stand near gates and give their devices extra battery life with multiple power outlets, both AC sockets, and USB power ports.

Passengers can choose to stand by as their battery charges, or to sit at one of the bar chairs and catch up with work until it’s time to board their flight. To ensure as many passengers as need the service have access to power, JAL has kept the bar chairs functional, but not overly comfortable.

Trials of the power station bar service at Osaka are part of the airline’s overall strategy to appeal to passengers through technology, which includes its mobile app, automated bag tag services at airport kiosks, electronic boarding pass, and its onboard JAL Sky Wi-Fi service.

Travelers to Osaka will find power station bars at the airline’s gates 15, 17, 18, 21, and 23.

Based on success of these trials, the airline will consider adding power bars to more of its gates at other domestic airports in Japan.