Michael Turner
Recommendation: Use official left-baggage counters or secure lockers inside terminal buildings for short-term baggage drops; expect service points near check-in halls and transfer areas and prioritize staffed counters for oversized or heavy items.
Fees vary by city: small lockers typically cost USD 5–20 per 24 hours; medium units USD 10–30 per 24 hours; oversized baggage counters often charge USD 15–50 per day or per piece. Locker interior dimensions commonly range from 35×50×40 cm for small units to 80×50×50 cm for large units; weight limits frequently set around 20–30 kg per compartment. Operating hours differ: some terminals offer 24/7 access, others close overnight.
Security measures usually include CCTV monitoring, tamper-evident seals, staffed counters and electronic access codes; declared-value compensation commonly limited to USD 150–500, so avoid leaving high-value items such as cameras, jewelry or large amounts of cash. Hazardous materials, perishables and restricted goods (explosives, undeclared lithium batteries above carrier limits) are refused; operators require valid ID and a receipt tag for retrieval.
Alternative options: smartphone platforms match travelers with off-site storage points at nearby shops, hotels or courier depots; bookings typically require online prepayment and time-slot selection. Short-term delivery services can transport bags from terminal to hotel or residence for a fee often starting at USD 20–50 depending on distance and weight.
Quick checklist: 1) verify operator hours and fee structure on official website before arrival; 2) photograph items and prepare a contents list; 3) remove essential documents, medication and small electronics for cabin carriage; 4) retain receipt and confirm tag number at handover; 5) confirm liability limit and ask about insurance top-up when leaving items valued above declared threshold.
Where to find storage: lockers vs staffed left-baggage counters and opening hours
Prefer coin-operated lockers for short stays and instant access; choose staffed left-baggage counters for high-value items, oversized pieces or multi-day deposits.
Typical locations: landside arrivals hall near train and metro links, lower ground by car-park entrances, transit concourse for transfer passengers, close to check-in rows on departure level. Wayfinding signs usually read “Left baggage”, “Lockers” or “Baggage storage”.
Lockers – details: common sizes: small ~30×40×60 cm (backpack), medium ~45×60×85 cm (24″ suitcase), large ~60×90×180 cm (skis/large trunk). Typical pricing: small $5–8 per 24h, medium $8–15 per 24h, large $15–30 per 24h. Payments: coins, contactless card, mobile wallet. Availability: many major terminals operate lockers 24/7; smaller regional hubs may restrict access to daylight hours or remove lockers for security sweeps. Limitations: single-item per compartment, weight limits usually 15–25 kg, no declared-value insurance unless offered by operator.
Staffed left-baggage counters – details: common opening hours 05:30–23:00 or 06:00–22:00; some international hubs provide 24/7 staffed service. Fees: per-item daily rate or fixed banding by size – sample ranges: small bag $6–12/day, medium $10–20/day, oversized $20–40/day; weekly discounts available in some locations. Requirements: ID presentation, receipt with claim number, possible declaration of contents for high-value items; maximum storage periods typically 7–30 days, with long-term options via off-site depots at additional cost.
Security and claims: lockers give quick drop-off without attendant but offer limited liability; staffed counters provide receipts and optional declared-value coverage for an extra fee. Both operators prohibit hazardous materials and perishable goods; items left beyond permitted period may incur penalties or be disposed of per operator policy.
Hours change by operator, date and local holiday schedule – check official terminal website, on-site information desk or operator phone before planning. For rapid cost comparisons or ancillary service options consult third-party tools such as best umbrella company calculator.
How much you’ll pay: hourly, daily and oversize pricing plus online booking fees
Prefer staffed baggage counters for holds longer than 24 hours; choose lockers for brief stops measured in hours.
Typical rates
Lockers: small £3 per hour (minimum 1h), cap £12 per 24h; medium £4 per hour, cap £16 per 24h; large £6 per hour, cap £24 per 24h. Many terminals bill in 30‑minute increments after first hour.
Staffed baggage counters: standard item £5 for first 6h, then £8 per additional 6h; flat daily fee £18 per 24h. Oversize items (skis, bikes, large trunks) typically £25 per 24h or £10 per extra 12h. High‑value or fragile items often carry extra handling premiums.
How fees add up and how to save
Example calculations: medium locker for 5h ≈ £20 (5 × £4). Staffed counter for 30h ≈ £18 (first 24h) + £8 (additional 6h) = £26. If hold length exceeds 6–8 hours, compare hourly total against daily cap; daily cap usually becomes cheaper beyond that threshold.
Online bookings usually provide discounts of 10–20% but add service fees between £1.50 and £3 or platform commissions of ~5%. Example: prebook medium locker for 24h at £16, apply 15% promo → £13.60, add £2 booking fee → final £15.60. Some operators offer non‑refundable admin charges under £2.
Oversize rules: many operators classify items as oversize when combined length+width+height exceeds 160 cm or when weight exceeds 32 kg. Oversize surcharge often equals 1–1.5× standard daily rate per 24h.
Practical tip: measure bags before arrival and choose locker size or staffed counter accordingly; prebooking locks price for peak periods and avoids queue surcharges. For unrelated travel prep, check how to inflate tire with air compressor easy steps and pro tips.
Permitted and forbidden items for short-term stowage
Keep passports, medications, cash and high-value electronics on person; declare jewelry, cameras, tablets and watches at staffed left-luggage before handing over bags.
Security screening and inspection
- Bags pass X‑ray and manual inspection; sealed containers may be opened for checks.
- Remove spare batteries and loose liquids prior to drop-off; devices with fixed batteries usually accepted.
- Items that trigger alarms may be held for additional screening or refused entry to deposit; law enforcement notified if illegal material found.
- Receipts and numbered tags issued on deposit; retain claim ticket until retrieval.
- CCTV and periodic staff checks apply to unattended lockers; staffed counters offer supervised handling and documented chain of custody.
Prohibited and restricted items
- Explosives, fireworks, ammunition and firearms (unloaded weapons may require prior approval and special packing at staffed desk)
- Flammable liquids and gases: petrol, butane, propane, paint solvents, aerosol cans with flammable propellants
- Corrosives and strong oxidisers: acids, bleach, industrial cleaners
- Toxic or infectious materials, radioactive sources, compressed gas cylinders
- Perishable food, live animals, biological samples and human remains
- Illegal drugs, stolen goods and counterfeit items
- Loose lithium batteries and spare power packs; tape terminals and place spares in carry possessions or declare at staffed desk
- Declare high-value items at staffed desk: provide itemised inventory, original receipts and photos.
- Default liability commonly ranges €50–€500; declared-value cover often available up to €3,000–€5,000 for an extra fee.
- Claims require ID, deposit receipt, proof of purchase and photo evidence; operators may limit liability for certain item classes (electronics, jewelry).
- Label fragile and oversize items clearly and confirm handling instructions with staff before deposit.
If uncertainty exists about a specific item, keep irreplaceables on person or arrange specialised secure custody or courier transfer with declared insurance.
How to drop off and pick up: ID, receipts and lost/damaged procedures
Present government-issued photo ID (passport, national ID card, driver’s license) plus reservation or booking reference at drop-off counter; staff will verify name match and require signature on receipt.
Receive numbered claim tag or printed receipt containing unique reference number, drop-off timestamp, payment confirmation, storage-location code and contact phone; photograph receipt and external bag tag with smartphone and keep a digital copy in email and cloud.
Pickup requires original claim tag and same photo ID used at drop-off; third-party collection allowed only with written authorization signed by original depositor, a copy of depositor ID and collector photo ID; unpaid fees must be settled before release. Inspect item openly at counter and record any damage on provider damage form before leaving premises.
For lost or damaged items, report immediately at staffed desk and submit a written incident report within 24–72 hours depending on provider terms; obtain incident reference number and handling agent name. Provide proof of ownership (purchase receipts, serial numbers, dated photos) and attach claim-tag copy. For suspected theft, obtain a police report and forward a copy to claims handler.
Liability and compensation vary by operator: many facilities set liability caps unless declared value accepted at drop-off with an extra fee. Typical caps range USD 50–2,000; airline checked-baggage follows international conventions with specific limits and deadlines, so consult carrier policy for exact amounts. Expect initial claim acknowledgment within 7–14 days and full resolution commonly within 30–90 days, depending on documentation and investigation complexity.
If provider is unresponsive, escalate via payment-card dispute if payment made by card; submit all documentation (claim receipt, incident report, photos, police report if applicable). If resolution remains unsatisfactory, contact consumer protection agency or national civil aviation authority and reference incident number.
Declare high-value items at drop-off and consider separate insurance for electronics, jewellery and art; avoid packing irreplaceable valuables into unattended options. For compact travel extras such as rain protection, check best rgb umbrella color.
