Gate 1 in Terminal 1 is where you’ll see the FuelRod SwapBox Kiosk
This self-service kiosk sits near Gate 1 in Terminal 1, past security, and sells small rechargeable FuelRod power banks that you can later swap. You buy a starter kit here, use the battery on your flight, then exchange it at any other FuelRod station in the network for a fresh one at no extra charge. It’s aimed at quick top-ups for phones, not full laptop charging.
Expect pricing in the roughly $20–$25 range for a starter kit, similar to other airports that carry FuelRod, with a single cylindrical power bank and short charging cables in the pack. Capacity is modest compared to a 10,000 mAh brick from home, but the trade-off is unlimited swaps at compatible kiosks, including other US airports with FuelRod units. If your phone sits under 20% before boarding, this kiosk is a simple insurance policy.
The SwapBox format means the machine handles both new purchases and swaps in the same unit at Terminal 1, Gate 1, so you don’t have to hunt down a separate return point. Just scan, drop your used FuelRod, and the kiosk spits out another in under 30 seconds. No attendant, no receipts needed beyond your initial setup.
Tip: if you already own a FuelRod from another airport, bring it in your carry-on and use this Gate 1 kiosk as your free swap stop before a long flight out of Hobby.