Courtesy telephone

Airline terminals, large train stations, hotel lobbies, and other locations where many travellers are expected, often have courtesy telephones scattered about the premises, usually with a white case or other distinctive color. Most have no dial but rather are simple ringdown stations to reach an operator. Some double as emergency telephones, having buttons by which a user can distinguish between emergency use and inquiry. Customers use them to seek information, such as where to find further transport or a person trying to meet them, or to receive a page. Thus when someone wishes to meet or speak to a traveller, there may be public announcements to the effect, "John Doe, please use the nearest white courtesy telephone."