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Luggage carts are available at most airports, but whether they are free to use or not depends on the country and the specific airport. For example, in the US, luggage carts are often provided by a company called Smarte Carte and are available for rent for around $5 to $8 per cart. In contrast, in many other countries, such as those in Europe, South America, and Asia, luggage carts are typically provided free of charge as a basic amenity. Some airports may also offer a deposit system, where you pay a small fee to use the cart and get your money back when you return it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Luggage carts availability | Available at most airports |
| Luggage carts cost | Usually paid in the US and Canada, free outside of North America |
| Luggage carts cost in the US | Around $5 |
| Luggage carts cost in San José Mineta International Airport | $6 |
| Luggage carts cost in San Francisco International Airport | $8 |
| Luggage carts cost in Reagan National Airport | $5 |
| Luggage carts cost payment methods | Credit card or cash |
What You'll Learn
- Luggage carts are free in some airports outside the US
- In the US, luggage carts are provided by Smarte Carte
- Carts can be rented with a credit card or cash
- In some airports, carts are available curbside for departures and in the Baggage Claim area
- Some travellers suggest grabbing abandoned carts outside the arrivals area
Luggage carts are free in some airports outside the US
Luggage carts are often not free in US airports. In Reagan National Airport, for example, Smarte Carte baggage carts are available for rent at $5 per cart. Similarly, San José Mineta International Airport offers Smarte Carte luggage carts for $6 per cart. At San Francisco International Airport, baggage carts are available for $8 per cart, except in the International Terminal, where they are free for arriving passengers.
Outside of the US, luggage carts are often provided free of charge. One source notes that in airports outside of the US, "luggage carts are provided free of charge, in all airport zones". Another source states that "every single airport I've been to outside of the USA, the carts are free". This includes airports in Europe, South America, Asia, and Canada.
The discrepancy in pricing between US and non-US airports may be due to differences in the economics of airports. In the US, passenger facility charges are capped at $4.50 per passenger, which may result in airports providing fewer amenities. In contrast, other countries allow for much higher landing fees, which can help cover the cost of providing "free" luggage carts. For example, Tokyo Narita Airport in Japan charges a passenger fee of ¥2630 per person, which is about $25, and provides free baggage carts.
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In the US, luggage carts are provided by Smarte Carte
Smarte Carte provides luggage carts at several airports across the US, including Reagan National Airport, San José Mineta International Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The carts can be rented for around $5 to $6 per cart, and payment methods include cash, credit card, and debit card.
The carts can be found in various locations within the airport terminals, such as parking garages, the departures level (curbside), and the arrivals level next to the baggage claim carousels. Smarte Carte offers flexible configurations to meet the unique needs of each airport, with carts that are easy to manoeuvre and made of high-quality, durable materials.
While the exact contract details between airports and Smarte Carte are confidential, it is understood that the airports allow Smarte Carte to operate in their premises in exchange for a portion of the rental fees collected from passengers.
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Carts can be rented with a credit card or cash
Some airports vary the cost of carts depending on whether you are an arriving or departing passenger. For example, at San Francisco International Airport, arriving passengers in the International Terminal can use carts for free, while all other passengers must pay $8.00 per cart. The machines at this airport accept credit cards and cash, up to $20 bills. Change is given in the form of $1.00 coins.
If you don't want to pay for a cart, some people suggest waiting by the arrivals area to grab an abandoned cart that hasn't been returned.
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In some airports, carts are available curbside for departures and in the Baggage Claim area
In some airports, luggage carts are provided free of charge, particularly in international arrivals. This is often the case in airports outside of the US. For example, in San Francisco International Airport, baggage carts are available free of charge for arriving passengers in the International Terminal. However, for all other passengers, baggage carts are available at a cost of $8.00 per cart.
In some airports, luggage carts are available for a small fee, which can be paid with a credit card or cash currency. In other airports, luggage carts are provided free of charge in all airport zones. This is often the case in airports outside of the US, where luggage carts are seen as a basic amenity.
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Some travellers suggest grabbing abandoned carts outside the arrivals area
One traveller on Reddit recommends heading to the area where arrivals are picked up and grabbing an abandoned cart that people have left rather than returning it. Another traveller on the same thread suggests hanging around the taxi stand in the arrivals area, as departing customers will often give you their cart.
However, one person commented that at San Francisco Airport, there is now a person who monitors carts that have been left and will challenge you if you try to take one.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, luggage carts are available at airports.
It depends on the airport. Some airports, especially those outside the US, provide luggage carts for free. However, some airports in the US charge a fee for using luggage carts. The fee can range from $5 to $8 per cart.
Luggage carts are usually available curbside for departures and in the baggage claim area. They can also be found in pre-security areas, international arrivals halls, and parking garages.
