Owais Crawford
Travelling with family can be overwhelming due to the amount of luggage involved. Airport luggage storage services can be a convenient solution for families, allowing them to explore the city or spend time at the airport without the burden of extra bags. While some airports offer on-site storage services or lockers, these options may be limited or unavailable, especially in the US, due to security concerns. As a result, travellers often explore alternatives such as airport hotel baggage storage, third-party storage companies, or services like Stasher, which partners with hotels, cafes, and shops near airports to offer luggage storage solutions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability | Only a few US airports offer storage options, and many are limited to 24 or 48 hours. |
| Cost | Paid by the hour or day. For example, BagstoGo.net at Ft. Lauderdale airport charges $8 per day per bag, for up to 30 days. Heathrow Airport charges £7.50 for 0-3 hours and £7.50 extra for every 24 hours after 72 hours. |
| Security | Bags may be subject to additional screening and hand searches. |
| Restrictions | Do not store food, perishables, trash, or anything that might develop an odour or attract pests. Some airports do not accept pets or alimentary products. |
| Convenience | Allows travellers to explore the city or relax without the burden of luggage. |
| Alternatives | Airport hotels, third-party storage companies, and airport lounges may also offer luggage storage. |
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What You'll Learn
Airport luggage storage options
Travelling with a lot of luggage can be stressful, especially when you have a long layover or an early hotel check-in. Airport luggage storage services can be a convenient solution in such situations, allowing you to explore the city or spend time sightseeing without the burden of your bags.
While airport storage lockers and services are now rare in the US due to security concerns, some airports do offer short-term storage options. These include traditional on-site airport luggage services, which are typically counters operated by the airport where you can drop off your bags for a set fee. These are often the most secure option as they are supervised by airport staff, but they may have limited operating hours and can be expensive.
Another option is automated luggage storage lockers, which are becoming increasingly popular at airports worldwide. These self-service lockers are available 24/7 and are typically more affordable, but they may not be as secure as staffed options, and locker sizes can be limiting.
Third-party storage companies like Bounce, LuggageHero, or Stasher also offer services at or near airports, often partnering with hotels, cafes, and local shops to provide convenient storage locations. These companies usually offer flexible storage durations, from a few hours to several months, and may have more competitive pricing and size flexibility compared to on-site airport storage.
Additionally, airport hotels often provide baggage storage services for both guests and non-guests, which can be a great option if you want a quieter place to retrieve your bags later. Some hotels near airports offer packages that include pre-flight stays, parking, and storage, which can be convenient for families planning to park at the airport.
When considering airport luggage storage, it is important to plan in advance, be aware of the operating hours, and contact the airport or storage provider to understand their policies, rates, and any restrictions they may have.
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Preparing your luggage for storage
Know Your Options
Firstly, understand the storage options available at your airport. On-site airport luggage services, operated by the airport staff, are a traditional choice. These are often secure but may have limited operating hours and higher fees. Automated luggage storage lockers are also available at some airports, offering 24/7 access at a typically lower cost. However, these lockers may have size limitations and might not be as secure. Additionally, consider third-party storage companies that operate near airports or airport hotels that often provide baggage storage services.
Plan Ahead
Check the operating hours of the storage service to ensure they align with your travel plans. Contact the airport or storage provider to clarify any doubts about their policies and procedures. If you have oversized luggage or special items, inquire about any additional fees or restrictions.
Prepare Your Luggage
Ensure your bags are properly closed, zipped, and locked, if allowed by the airport. Do not pack any perishables, food, trash, or items that might develop an odour or attract pests. Attach your name, address, phone number, and any other relevant contact information to your luggage.
Be Mindful of Security
Be prepared for your luggage to undergo additional security screenings and potential hand searches. Have your photo ID ready when dropping off and collecting your luggage to facilitate the process and ensure your bags' safety.
Consider the Costs
Compare the prices of different storage options, as fees can vary by location and duration. Some services charge by the hour or day, while others offer flat rates or discounts for extended storage. Understand the cost structure to make an informed decision, especially if you plan to store your luggage for a more extended period.
By following these instructions, you can confidently prepare your luggage for storage and enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that comes with it.
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Hotels and third-party storage
Hotels near airports often provide baggage storage services for guests and non-guests alike. Some hotels even offer packages that include a pre-flight overnight stay, parking, and storage. This can be a particularly attractive option for families who plan to leave their cars at the airport during their trip.
Third-party storage companies, such as Bounce, LuggageHero, and Stasher, also provide services at or near airports. These companies typically partner with local businesses, such as hotels, cafes, and shops, to offer luggage storage for travellers. Stasher, for example, allows users to store their bags at designated "Stashpoints" near the airport. These third-party options often provide more flexibility than airport storage, accommodating various luggage sizes and offering flat fees that include oversized or overweight items. They may also offer insurance for stored luggage, which airports typically do not provide.
When considering hotel or third-party storage, it is important to research their reliability and reviews beforehand. Additionally, be mindful of the storage location's operating hours to ensure you can retrieve your luggage without issues.
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$16.05 $18.99
Cost and insurance
Storing bags at the airport can be a convenient option for families, especially during long layovers or when dealing with early hotel check-ins. While airport storage services are now a rarity in the US, some airports still offer them. The cost of storing your bags at the airport can vary depending on the airport and the type of storage option chosen.
On-site Airport Luggage Services
These are typically counters operated by the airport where you can drop off your bags for a set fee. They are often considered the most secure option as airport staff oversees the storage. However, they may have limited operating hours and tend to be more expensive than other alternatives. The fee for this type of storage can vary depending on the airport and the duration of storage. For example, BagstoGo.net at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport charges $8 per day per bag, for up to 30 days.
Automated Luggage Storage Lockers
Automated luggage storage lockers are becoming increasingly popular at airports worldwide. These self-service lockers are available 24/7 and are typically more affordable than on-site airport luggage services. However, they may not be as secure, and the size of the lockers can be a limitation depending on your bag's dimensions. The cost of using these lockers varies, with some airports charging by the hour or by the day. For instance, at San Francisco International Airport, the fee ranges from $7 to $10 per hour, while at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, prices range from $8 to $22 per bag per day, depending on size.
Third-Party Storage Companies
Third-party storage companies like Bounce or LuggageHero offer services at or near airports, providing flexibility and convenience. The pricing for these services can vary, and it's important to check their reliability and reviews before choosing this option.
Airport Hotel Baggage Storage
Airport hotels often provide baggage storage services for both guests and non-guests, especially if you plan to stay at the hotel before your flight. The pricing for this option can vary, and it's worth considering the cost compared to other storage alternatives. Some hotels also offer packages that include a preflight stay, parking, and storage, which can be convenient for families.
Insurance
When storing your bags at the airport, it's important to consider insurance to protect against potential delays or damage. Many storage services offer optional insurance for an additional fee, providing peace of mind. Alternatively, you can choose to carry valuables with you or leave them at home. It's also recommended to plan for delays or changes in your travel itinerary, allowing enough time to collect your bags and go through security or customs before your flight.
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Security and peace of mind
Travelling with family can be stressful, especially when you have multiple bags to keep track of. Airport luggage storage services can provide peace of mind and security, allowing you to explore the city or relax during layovers without the burden of luggage.
While airport storage lockers were once common, many airports removed them after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and never replaced them. Today, only a few US airports offer storage options, and these are typically limited to 24 or 48 hours. However, some airports still provide luggage storage services, which can be a lifesaver for families on the go. These services are often secure, as airport staff oversees the storage, but they may have limited operating hours and can be expensive.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, automated luggage storage lockers are becoming increasingly popular at airports worldwide. These self-service lockers are available 24/7 and offer a simple, quick, and affordable solution. However, they may not be as secure as staffed options, and locker sizes can be limiting.
For added peace of mind, consider using third-party storage companies like Bounce, LuggageHero, or Stasher, which offer services at or near airports. These companies often partner with hotels, cafes, and local shops to provide convenient and secure storage options. They may also offer benefits such as flexible storage durations, insurance coverage, and flat fees regardless of bag size or weight.
Additionally, some airport hotels provide baggage storage services for guests and non-guests, which can be convenient if you're looking for a quieter place to retrieve your bags. When choosing a storage option, it's important to consider factors such as reliability, reviews, pricing, and insurance coverage to ensure the security and peace of mind you desire.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can store your family bags at the airport. However, only a few US airports offer storage options, and many are limited to 24 or 48 hours.
The cost of storing bags at the airport varies depending on the airport and the duration of storage. For example, at Heathrow Airport, the cost is £7.50 for up to 3 hours and an additional £7.50 for every 24 hours after that.
Yes, there are several alternatives to storing your bags at the airport. You can store your bags at a nearby hotel, which often provide baggage storage services for guests and non-guests. Alternatively, you can use a third-party storage company like Bounce or LuggageHero, which offer services at or near airports.
Storing your bags at the airport can be convenient if you have a long layover and want to explore the city without carrying your luggage around. It can also be useful if you have checked out of your hotel but still have time before your flight, allowing you to spend time sightseeing or running errands.
