Airport Lockers: Are They Available For Travelers?

Lockers in airports are a convenient option for travellers who want to explore the city during a long layover without having to lug around their luggage. While most airports offer luggage storage services, they tend to be inflexible and expensive. Airports usually charge based on storage time and item size, and some may not even offer a refund or insurance policy. As a result, many travellers opt for third-party luggage storage services located near the airport, which often provide more affordable and flexible alternatives. However, it's always a good idea to do your research beforehand and know the opening and closing hours of the airport to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Do airports have lockers?

Most airports offer luggage storage facilities, although these are often expensive and inflexible. Many airports charge based on the storage time and the size of the item, and additional fees may apply for special items such as surfboards or bicycles. Furthermore, luggage storage facilities in airports may not offer a refund or insurance policy.

An alternative to airport luggage storage is to use third-party luggage storage services, such as Stasher, which offers storage in hotels, cafes, and shops near the airport. These services can often be cheaper and more flexible than airport storage, with fixed prices per bag per day and no size or weight restrictions.

Some airports provide luggage lockers, which can be a convenient and affordable option for storing luggage during a layover. These lockers are typically located in a designated area of the airport and can be accessed by purchasing a token or key from a machine or a nearby counter. The cost of renting a locker varies depending on the size of the locker and the duration of storage.

When using airport lockers or storage facilities, it is important to have a valid photo ID and to be aware of the airport's opening and closing times to avoid any issues when retrieving your luggage. It is also recommended to label your luggage with your name, address, and contact information, and to ensure that your bags are properly closed and secured.

How much do airport lockers cost?

Airport lockers are a great way to store your luggage and explore a new city without the hassle of carrying heavy bags. The cost of airport lockers varies depending on the airport and the size of the locker.

For example, at Heathrow Airport, storing luggage for up to 3 hours costs £7.50, while storing for more than 72 hours incurs an additional £7.50 for every 24 hours. On the other hand, Stasher offers luggage storage near Heathrow Airport for £4.75 per day, with no size or weight restrictions.

At London Stansted Airport, there are no left-luggage storage facilities, but Excess Baggage offers storage in their offices in the main International Arrivals area for £3 per item per 24 hours for a small bag and £10 for a suitcase.

At Gatwick Airport, storing luggage inside the airport starts at £7.50, while Stasher offers storage for £4.75 per day.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport's left-luggage lockers, provided by Bagages du Monde, start at €3 per three hours for an accessory. Stasher provides an alternative at €4.75 per bag for the entire day.

JFK International Airport's luggage storage options are limited due to security reasons and can be expensive, with prices reaching $18 per day. Stasher offers a more affordable option at $4.99 per bag.

Denver Airport offers luggage storage from $4.10 per day through Bounce, a luggage storage network with locations worldwide.

Overall, airport lockers typically range in price from $2 to $10 per day, and some airports may offer free luggage storage. It's always a good idea to research your specific airport's luggage storage options and rates before your trip.

What are the alternatives to airport lockers?

Airport lockers are a convenient, affordable solution for travellers who want to explore a city during a long layover without having to carry their luggage with them. However, airport lockers are not always available, and they can be inflexible and expensive compared to other options. Here are some alternatives to airport lockers:

Luggage Storage Facilities Inside Airports

Most airports offer luggage storage services, but they can be inflexible and expensive. For example, Heathrow Airport charges £7.50 per item for up to 3 hours of storage. Storing luggage for more than 72 hours will cost an additional £7.50 for every 24 hours. These services also usually don't offer refund or insurance policies.

Luggage Storage Locations Near Airports

There are companies like Stasher, Vertoe, LugLockers, Stashbee, LuggageHero, Radical Storage, NannyBag, and Airkeep that offer luggage storage in hotels, cafes, and local shops near airports. These options are often more flexible and affordable than airport storage facilities. For example, Stasher offers luggage storage near Heathrow Airport from £4.75 per day, with no size or weight restrictions and a 100% money-back guarantee.

Baggage Check Services

Some airports offer baggage check services, where travellers can hand over their luggage to a staff member at a counter for a fee. This option may be more expensive or less convenient than airport lockers, but it can be a good alternative for those who prefer human interaction.

Airport and Station Lockers

Airport and station lockers are secure facilities that offer travellers a temporary space to store their luggage. While there may be associated costs and limitations, these lockers are often convenient for those with layovers or plans to explore the area around the airport or station.

What are the downsides of airport lockers?

Airport lockers can be a great solution for travellers who want to explore a city during a long layover without having to carry their luggage around. However, there are some downsides to using airport lockers that travellers should be aware of.

Firstly, airport lockers have limited space. If you have multiple bags or large luggage, you may not be able to fit everything into a single locker, and will need to pay for additional lockers. This can increase your costs, especially if you are only storing your luggage for a short period of time.

Secondly, airport lockers typically have a minimum rental period, often 2 hours. This means that if you only need to store your luggage for a short time, you may end up paying for more time than you need. This can make the service more expensive than other options, such as luggage storage facilities or baggage check services.

Another potential issue with airport lockers is that once you have locked your luggage inside, you cannot access it again without paying an additional fee. This means that if you realise you have forgotten something important in your luggage, you will need to pay to reopen the locker. Therefore, it is important to ensure you have all the essentials with you before locking your luggage away.

Additionally, while airport lockers are generally considered safe, they may not offer the same level of security as other luggage storage options. Some travellers may prefer to store their luggage with a human attendant, who can keep an eye on their bags and provide assistance if needed.

Finally, not all airports offer lockers, and those that do may not have them in a convenient location. It is important to research the availability and location of lockers before assuming this option will be available to you.

What should you do before leaving luggage in an airport locker?

Most airports have lockers, and they can be a lifesaver when you're travelling. If you're planning to leave your luggage in an airport locker, there are a few things you should do to ensure a smooth process:

Firstly, it's important to check with the airport beforehand to confirm the availability of a left luggage facility, as this may vary across airports. It's also advisable to inquire about the opening and closing hours to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Once you've confirmed the availability of lockers, make your way to the designated area and ensure that your luggage can be safely stored there.

Before leaving your luggage, it's essential to have a valid picture ID with you. This will be required when you return to collect your luggage, as the agent will need to verify your identity before releasing your belongings. Additionally, keep in mind that the process of storing your luggage may not always be done online, so be prepared to complete any necessary paperwork or payments in person.

When it comes to pricing, storing luggage at an airport can be expensive. The cost is typically determined by the storage time and the size of the item. Some airports may also charge extra for storing special items such as surfboards or bicycles. Therefore, it's a good idea to research the pricing structure of the specific airport you're dealing with. For example, Heathrow Airport charges £7.50 for storing luggage for 0-3 hours, with an additional £7.50 for every 24 hours thereafter.

It's also worth noting that airports usually don't offer refund or insurance policies for stored luggage. So, if your plans change or something unexpected happens, you may not be able to get a refund for the storage fees. Additionally, there may be restrictions on what can be stored, such as alimentary products and pets.

To save money and gain more flexibility, consider using alternative luggage storage services like Stasher, which offers storage near airports at a lower cost and with more flexible options. Stasher provides a money-back guarantee and insurance for your luggage, giving you peace of mind.

Lastly, don't forget to take note of the locker number and keep the receipt or key safely with you. This will be essential for retrieving your luggage later.

Frequently asked questions