BOS terminals do not offer public short-term lockers. If you need to leave items between flights or while sightseeing, reserve a downtown bag-holding spot or book a curbside pickup by a specialty courier before you arrive at the terminal.
Fast transit option: MBTA Silver Line SL1 connects terminal curbside to South Station in about 10–15 minutes; the ride from airport terminals is free within the airport zone. Many third-party providers operate within a short walk of South Station, making total door-to-door transfer roughly 20–40 minutes depending on walking time and traffic.
Typical costs and rules: expect roughly $6–12 per item per 24 hours for city locker-partner services, with discounts for multi-day bookings. Courier same-day doorstep transfers inside the city generally run about $30–60 per shipment; confirm dimensions, weight limits and declared-value protection before booking. Most providers accept card payment and require a photo ID at drop-off.
Practical steps: 1) Reserve online and note the provider address and opening hours; 2) take SL1 or a 10–25 minute rideshare to the host location; 3) bring the reservation code and ID; 4) verify size/price rules and insurance; 5) allow 60–90 minutes to return to the terminal and clear security if you plan to collect items before departure.
BOS short-term bag holding: direct recommendation
Book an off-site bag-holding provider near South Station (examples: Bounce, Vertoe, LuggageHero) and take the free SL1 Silver Line from terminals; total transfer time typically 15–30 minutes. Expect rates of about $5–12 per item per day, online reservation required for best price, and basic insurance coverage up to ~$1,000 on many platforms.
Where to go and how long it takes
From any terminal: follow signs to the ground transportation level, board the SL1 Silver Line toward South Station (no MBTA fare within airport zone). Walk from South Station pickup point to most vendor locations in 5–20 minutes. Taxi/ride-hail trips to nearby downtown drop-offs take 8–15 minutes depending on traffic.
Option | Typical price | Closest terminal access | Booking | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
On-demand bag-holding services (Bounce, Vertoe, LuggageHero) | $5–$12 per item/day; hourly options available | SL1 to South Station – 10–25 min total | Online reservation recommended | Insurance included on many bookings; check size limits and 24/7 availability |
Hotel bell desk (guest-only) | Often free for registered guests or small fee | Short taxi/ride-hail or hotel shuttle from terminals | Confirm with hotel before arrival | Good for same-day holds; verify acceptance policy |
Airline baggage/baggage service counters | Varies; generally not a paid public service | Inside each terminal | Ask the airline desk on arrival | Primarily for mishandled checked baggage, not general public use |
Public lockers inside terminals | None available | N/A | N/A | Use off-site vendors listed above |
Packing and pickup checklist
Bring a photo ID and the vendor booking confirmation; present item photos if requested.
Label bags externally and verify size/weight limits before drop-off; hazardous items and perishable goods usually prohibited.
Save vendor phone number and allow a 30–60 minute window for round trips between terminal and holding location when planning flights or connections.
Official short-term bag holding at BOS: terminals, kiosks and contact points
Use the Massport information desk on the arrivals/baggage-claim level of the terminal where you land to arrange an official short-term bag hold or to obtain a referral to approved third‑party providers.
Terminal points
Terminal A – Information desk located on the arrivals/baggage-claim level next to the main carousel; staff can issue a receipt and confirm size/fee limits. Terminal B – Customer service kiosk on the arrivals level near the central corridor between concourses; point of contact for same‑day holds and vendor referrals. Terminal C – Desk on the lower/arrival level adjacent to ground transportation and baggage claim; used for international transfer advice and local holding options. Terminal E – International arrivals hall information counter; handles customs‑related queries and directs passengers to approved holding solutions.
Contacts and practical notes
Official operator: Massport customer service and the Massport website (massport.com) list current procedures and approved vendors. Ask for a written receipt, confirm operating hours, maximum dimensions and prohibited items, and retain ID used for check‑in. For long‑term options offsite, request vendor contact details at the terminal kiosk before leaving the complex.
On-site bag-room hours, walk-up procedures and expected wait times
Use the staffed bag counter at Terminal B for the quickest drop-and-pick service; weekday windows most reliable between 06:00–22:00. Arrive 15 minutes before your intended drop-off or pickup to clear ID and paperwork without extra delay.
Typical staffed hours by terminal
- Terminal A: 05:00–23:00 (holiday schedules may extend coverage)
- Terminal B: 06:00–22:00 (best bet for same-day walk-ups)
- Terminal C: 05:30–23:00 (heavier morning traffic)
- Terminal E (international): hours tied to arrival schedules; expect earlier starts and later closes
Walk-up procedure (step-by-step)
- Go to the staffed counter inside the terminal concourse indicated on arrival/departure monitors.
- Present government ID matching the bag owner and travel confirmation or boarding pass.
- Complete a short release form; counters accept card and contactless payments for fees.
- Staff will tag items and issue a receipt with a numeric claim code – keep the receipt until retrieval.
- For restricted items (compressed gas cylinders, specialty equipment) request a supervisor; those items require on-site inspection and a different release workflow. See a practical handling guide: step by step guide how to fill a paintball tank with an air compressor.
If weather forces a wait outdoors, bring a large cantilever umbrella for shade/rain protection: best cantilevered patio umbrella.
Expected wait times and peak windows
- Off-peak (midday weekdays): 5–15 minutes.
- Morning rush (05:00–09:30): 15–40 minutes; arrive earlier and use Terminal B when possible.
- Evening peak (16:30–20:30): 20–45 minutes; staffing reduced on some nights causes longer queues.
- Holidays/weekend events: plan for 30–90 minutes; consider scheduled drop-offs or off-site third-party services.
Traveling with a baby or multiple carry items? Choose compact, easy-to-handle gear to speed processing; recommended options here: best bags for adults and baby.
- Payments: cards and mobile pay accepted; cash increasingly uncommon.
- Weight/size limits: counters enforce airline or facility limits – expect extra fees for oversized items.
- Retrieval after hours: follow the claim-code instructions on your receipt; off-hours pickup may require coordination with the airline or a supervisor.
Nearby third-party bag-holding providers: booking process, drop-off and pickup windows
Book an app-based bag-holding slot at least 24 hours before arrival and pick a host within 1.5 miles of the terminal complex; plan to arrive 15–30 minutes before your scheduled drop-off window.
Booking process
Select a reputable platform (examples: Bounce, Stasher, Vertoe) or a local shop listed on the provider map, enter pick-up and drop-off dates, choose a specific host location, and pay by card. Typical pricing: $5–15 per standard bag for the first 24 hours, $10–25 for oversized items; some hosts charge per calendar day while others use 24-hour increments–check the listing. Common policies: free cancellation up to 24 hours before reservation, partial refund thereafter, and an insurance cap shown on the booking page (usually $500–$2,500). After payment you will receive a reservation ID and QR code or confirmation number–save a screenshot and the host address and phone number.
Before confirming, verify host hours, max bag dimensions (many accept suitcases up to ~32–35 in), weight limits, and any prohibited items. For overnight or multi-day needs, confirm whether the rate applies per 24-hour block or per calendar day to avoid unexpected charges.
Drop-off and pickup windows
Most hosts list operating hours (common window: 08:00–20:00); several locations offer extended or 24/7 service. Providers set specific drop-off and pickup windows–expect a 15–30 minute grace period around your booked time. Arrive early if using rideshare or shuttle; during peak travel periods (holidays, events) add a 30–45 minute buffer. Late pickups usually trigger a late-fee ($10–30) or an automatic extension charge for an additional day.
At drop-off you will present your reservation ID and government photo ID; staff will tag your bag and may take a quick item inventory or photo for records. Keep the tag/receipt and photograph each bag yourself. At pickup present the same reservation details and ID; confirm the condition of every piece before leaving the host location. If your flight or transport plans change, edit the booking in the app or call the host immediately to avoid no-show fees.
Security tips: use TSA-style or cable locks, avoid storing high-value items (cash, passports, jewelry) in checked-with-host bags if possible, and verify the provider’s insurance limits and claims process before booking.
Pricing, size and weight limits, ID and security rules for stored bags
Budget $5–12 per item per day for staffed drop-off points; short-term lockers typically charge $1–4 per hour with daily caps of $8–20. Expect peak-period surcharges (holidays, major events) of $3–10 and weekend rates higher than weekdays.
Typical fees, surcharges and refunds
Staffed counters: flat daily rate per piece ($7–15), oversized surcharge $5–25, long-term weekly caps (often 3–6× daily rate). App-based providers: hourly billing or daily flat rate with cancellation window (usually free cancel 24–48 hours before drop-off). Late pickup penalties commonly $5–20 per extra day; unclaimed-item processing/auction fees apply after 14–30 days per provider policy. Refunds processed to the original payment method within 5–10 business days when applicable.
Insurance and declared-value upgrades: standard liability typically $100–500 per item; optional declared-value coverage available from $5–20 extra for coverage up to $1,000–3,000. Credit-card or travel insurance may offer backup–keep transaction receipts and deposit tags for claims.
Dimensions, weight and handling rules
Locker size guide (typical): small – fits backpacks and small totes (approx. 16×12×8 in / 40×30×20 cm); medium – fits carry-on roller (approx. 22×14×10 in / 56×36×25 cm); large – fits checked suitcase up to 28–32 in tall (approx. 30×18×14 in / 76×46×36 cm). Weight limits usually 20–30 kg (44–66 lb) per item for staffed facilities; some lockers limit to 20 kg (44 lb). Oversize items (sporting gear, instruments) may be accepted only by staffed counters with advance notice and added fees.
Handling rules: packages must be sealed and tagged; per-item tag numbers or QR codes are issued and must be retained for retrieval. Providers may refuse non-standard shapes, wet items, zipped-together multi-piece sets without clear labeling, and items exceeding posted dimensions.
ID, prohibited contents and security procedures
Accepted ID: government-issued photo identification (passport, driver’s licence) matching the booking name; minors may require guardian ID and signature. Security steps: staff will record ID, issue a receipt and tag, and may photograph the item condition at drop-off; many sites use CCTV and logged chain-of-custody records. Retrieval requires presentation of the original receipt/QR code plus photo ID that matches the booking.
Prohibited items: firearms and ammunition, explosives, compressed gas, flammable liquids, corrosive chemicals, biological hazards, illegal drugs, live animals, human remains, and other hazardous materials. Loose lithium batteries above airline-allowed ratings (typically >100 Wh) and powered devices with fuel sources (gasoline, propane) are routinely disallowed. Perishable food and high-value items (jewellery, cash, passports) are often accepted only with advance approval or special insurance.
Best practices: photograph bag contents and exterior before deposit; remove irreplaceable valuables or carry them on your person; use TSA-style locks where allowed; check provider terms for liability caps and emergency contact procedures. For items needing special handling (fragile, high-value, hazardous-compatible), request written acceptance and note any extra fees before drop-off.
Practical alternatives: hotel hold, same-day delivery services and airline checked-bag options
Hotel front-desk hold
Use the hotel front desk if you’re an overnight guest – most properties hold suitcases free of charge for registered guests and will provide a dated claim ticket. Ask staff to place items in a locked storage room, request a written receipt showing number of pieces, and add your phone number to the tag. Non-guests may be charged roughly $5–$20 per piece per day; bellman assistance typically costs $2–$5 per bag. Photograph exterior and zipper pulls before handing over, retain proof of ID used at drop-off, and keep medications, passports and valuables with you.
Same-day courier / express door-to-door
Book an express courier when you need door-to-door transfer within the same day. Expect metro intra-city rates of about $40–$150 for a single suitcase; larger volumes or longer distances require van or cargo service and can run $75–$250. Reserve a 1–3 hour pickup window for off-peak hours and 3–6 hours during peak periods. Require signature-on-delivery, declared-value coverage (purchase if carrier liability is limited), photo proof of condition, and live-tracking. Declare prohibited items (lithium batteries, hazardous goods) before booking; carriers may refuse or charge extra for oversized/odd-shaped pieces. Tip: schedule pickup from a hotel or business with a staffed desk to avoid missed deliveries.
Choose a courier over a checked-bag option when you must deliver to a different neighborhood or hotel before check-in, when security screening is unwanted, or when timing demands guaranteed door-to-door arrival.
Airline checked-bag option: check at the ticket counter or kiosk if you prefer to consign belongings to the carrier. Typical domestic fees are $30 for the first bag, $40–$45 for the second; third and overweight/oversize fees vary widely ($100+). Standard weight limit is 50 lb (23 kg) with a common linear dimension limit of 62 in / 158 cm; overweight charges apply above 50 lb and steep penalties above 70 lb. Check-in cutoffs: plan to drop bags 45–60 minutes before departure for domestic flights and earlier for international; separate tickets may require reclaiming and rechecking. Photograph contents, affix a durable external ID tag with local contact info, remove irreplaceables from checked pieces, and keep receipts for any inspection or damage claims.