Roberta Aguirre
Airport luggage carts are a convenient way to transport your bags, and in some countries, they are provided free of charge. In the US, however, there is often a charge of around $5, although this can vary. For example, San Francisco International Airport charges $9 per cart. In some cases, you may receive a refund of the usage fee if you return the cart properly. These carts are usually available in pre-security areas, the arrivals hall, and parking garages.
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What You'll Learn
Where to find them in the airport
If you are looking for a luggage cart at the airport and don't want to pay for one, you can find abandoned carts right outside the arrivals area. This is particularly common in American airports, where carts are often paid for, and people are too lazy to return them. In countries like Italy, Sweden, Denmark, and other Western European countries, luggage carts are free to use and easily accessible.
If you are willing to pay for a luggage cart, you can find them at self-service stations in the airport. These carts typically cost $2 to use, and you get 25 cents back when you return the cart. It is worth noting that returning the cart is not always convenient, as the designated return areas can be quite a distance from the parking lot. However, some people consider it a noble thing to do, and there are airport workers whose job is to round up the carts from various locations.
Additionally, some airports offer baggage storage services, which may include providing luggage carts. These services might have specific operating hours and close for lunch, so it is advisable to check their timings before relying on them for carts.
Overall, luggage carts are typically available at various points within and around the airport, depending on the country and specific airport policies.
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How much they cost to rent
The cost of renting an airport luggage cart varies depending on the airport and region. In the United States, luggage carts typically incur a charge, with some users on Reddit reporting a rental fee of $9 at Miami Airport. Other users have mentioned fees of $5 or $6 at other US airports.
It is worth noting that luggage carts in the US may be free of charge in certain areas of the airport, such as international arrivals, while a fee may be required in other areas like domestic arrivals and departures.
In contrast, several countries and regions outside the US, such as Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Western Europe, South America, and Asia, generally provide luggage carts as a complimentary service. In these locations, carts are often readily available and free to use in all airport zones.
To avoid rental fees, some travellers suggest looking for abandoned carts in the airport arrivals area, as people may leave them there instead of returning them to the designated locations.
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How to pay for them
In the United States, airport luggage carts usually cost a few dollars to use. The exact price varies depending on the airport, with some carts costing $2, and others costing up to $5. Some airports offer a partial refund of the usage fee if the cart is returned properly. Payment is typically made via credit card, although some airports also accept coins.
Outside of the US, luggage carts are often provided free of charge, particularly in Western European countries such as Italy, Sweden, and Denmark, and other international airports. In these locations, the cost of the carts is covered by higher passenger fees, landing fees, or other charges.
If you are looking for ways to avoid paying for a luggage cart, there are a few options. Some people suggest waiting outside the arrivals section of the airport, where departing travellers often leave their carts. Alternatively, you can try hanging around the taxi stand or parking lot, as carts are frequently abandoned in these areas as well.
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How to get your money back
In some countries, such as Italy, Sweden, Denmark, and other Western European countries, luggage carts at the airport are considered a basic service and are free to use. However, in the United States, it is common for airports to charge a fee for using a luggage cart, which can be around \$2 or even up to \$5.
If you are looking to get your money back after paying for a luggage cart, there are a few things you can do:
- Return the cart to a designated collection point: Some airports will refund your money when you return the cart. Look for collection points near the baggage claim area or outside where arrivals are picked up. You may need to return the cart to a specific location to receive your refund.
- Retrieve abandoned carts: If you have time, you can make some money by returning abandoned luggage carts. People often leave their used carts in the airport arrivals area, and you can collect the deposit by returning them to the designated areas. This can be a way to make some extra cash and help keep the airport tidy.
- Look for alternatives: Instead of paying for a luggage cart, you can try using a luggage dolly, which is a small hand truck that you can rent or buy. These are often cheaper than luggage carts and can be more convenient for transporting heavy bags.
- Choose a different airport: Consider flying through airports that offer free luggage carts. For example, Toronto, Tokyo Narita, and Sydney are known for providing free luggage carts to passengers.
By following these suggestions, you can increase your chances of getting your money back or avoiding the cost of a luggage cart altogether. Each airport is different, so it is always a good idea to check the specific policies and procedures of your departure and arrival airports.
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What to do if there aren't any available
If there are no airport luggage carts available, there are a few things you can try. In some airports, luggage carts are available for free in certain areas, such as the international arrivals section. You could try going to this area to see if there are any carts available there. Additionally, some airports offer a refund of the cart usage fee if you return the cart properly. So, if you're able to wait for someone to return their cart, you could ask them for their cart and receive a portion of the fee.
Another option is to check outside the arrivals area, where people tend to abandon their carts instead of returning them. This is a common occurrence, especially in US airports, where there is often a charge for using luggage carts. By going outside the arrivals area, you may be able to find a cart that someone else has left behind.
If you're travelling with a large group or have an especially heavy load, another option is to ask someone in your group to do a second run with the car, or to take a taxi with the first load and return with the car. This can be a more efficient use of time and resources, especially if the airport is particularly busy or if there are long distances involved.
Finally, if you're unable to find a luggage cart at all, consider using a luggage dolly or hand truck, which you may be able to rent from the airport or a local hardware store. These can be more manoeuvrable in tight spaces and can handle heavier weights, although they do require more physical effort to operate.
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Frequently asked questions
In the US and Canada, there is a charge of around $5 to use luggage carts. In some cases, you can get a refund of a portion of the fee if you return the cart properly. In many other countries, especially in Europe, luggage carts are free of charge.
Luggage carts are usually available in pre-security areas, the Arrivals Hall, and the parking garages.
The dispensers at the airport usually accept cash and credit cards.
Yes, luggage carts are meant to be returned after use. They can usually be returned to any of the collection points.
