Michael Turner
Recommendation: Upon arrival, go to the arrivals hall and look for a counter marked “Consigna” or “Left Baggage” near immigration/customs. Present your passport and flight information, get a numbered receipt and a clear written tag for each item, and keep the receipt until retrieval. Counters typically operate around flight arrivals, but confirm opening hours on landing.
Practical notes on fees and limits: Fees are charged per item and are usually calculated by 24-hour blocks; payment methods may include local currency or hard currency–carry cash. Oversized or irregular items can incur higher charges; fragile or high-value items are often refused, so carry valuables with you. Ask for a written tariff or receipt that lists the daily rate and any surcharges.
If the official desk is closed: Use hotel concierge deposit, a tour operator’s holding service, or secure lockers offered by businesses in the Old City/central tourist districts. Before leaving any case, photograph it, attach a visible contact label, remove small valuables, lock zippers with a cable or padlock, and note the counter’s contact phone. Allow extra time for collection to avoid queues and possible delays.
For onward travel: Check with your carrier about through-checking or transfer handling when connecting on the same day; some ground handlers will accept hold items at check-in. For departures, verify whether the departure terminal operates its own left-baggage counter, since facilities can differ between terminals.
Left-baggage options at José Martí International
Use the staffed left-baggage counter inside the international arrivals hall for short-term bag deposits: present your passport, accept the numbered receipt, and keep valuables with you.
Location & hours
- Counter position: arrivals/ground floor near immigration and customs exits.
- Typical opening window: from first international arrival until late evening (common range 06:00–23:00); confirm exact hours on arrival or by calling the terminal information desk.
- Signage: look for “Left Baggage” or “Deposit” signs in English and Spanish.
Fees, rules and step-by-step
- Fees: small bag ~ US$3–5 per day, medium ~ US$5–8 per day, large ~ US$8–12 per day (cash rates vary; use these as planning estimates).
- Size/weight: counters accept suitcases and backpacks; very large or unusually heavy items may be refused or charged extra.
- Payment: cash preferred (local peso and widely carried USD); card acceptance is limited–carry cash to avoid problems.
- Procedure:
- Approach the counter, present passport/ID and flight details.
- Staff issues a numbered claim ticket – keep it safe; no ticket equals no release.
- Photograph bag exterior and contents list for your records.
- Collect bags at closing; arrive with the claim ticket and ID.
- Security & prohibited items: do not deposit cash, jewelry, passports, medications or fragile electronics; insurance is typically not provided by the desk.
- Alternatives: many nearby hotels will hold bags for guests; private tour operators or traveler hubs in the city center can offer short-term deposits if the terminal desk is closed.
- Quick tips: lock zippers with a small cable lock, photograph contents, note opening hours on arrival, and keep medication and travel documents on your person.
Left-baggage services at José Martí International (HAV): availability and locations
The quickest option is the official consigna in Terminal 3 arrivals: located immediately after baggage reclaim and before the customs exit; present passport/ID and boarding pass, accept cash (CUP) and occasionally foreign currency, and always retain the printed claim ticket for retrieval.
Where to find counters and hours
Main international terminal (Terminal 3): ground‑floor arrivals hall, next to the information desk and car hire counters. Smaller deposit desks may appear in Terminal 2 for domestic/charter operations; availability varies by flight schedule. Counters normally operate in sync with international flight arrivals and departures–confirm current opening times at the arrivals information desk or with your carrier before arriving.
Alternatives and practical recommendations
If the consigna is closed or at capacity, ask your airline or the arrivals desk about options: hotel concierges will often hold bags for guests for a small fee; private guesthouses and select tour agencies in Old Havana can accept short-term deposits. Keep valuables in carry-on, photograph bag tags and receipts, carry small-denomination local cash for payments, and allow extra time for drop-off and pick-up so connection plans are not disrupted.
Operating hours and peak times for HAV baggage storage
Use the terminal baggage desk between 06:30 and 21:30 local time to minimize waiting; the heaviest traffic is 07:00–10:00 and 17:00–20:30, so expect 20–45 minutes processing at those windows and under 10 minutes outside them.
| Day | Staffed hours | Typical peak windows | Recommended arrival | Expected wait (peak/off-peak) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 06:30–21:30 | 07:00–10:00, 17:00–20:30 | Arrive 30–45 min before planned drop-off time during peaks; 5–15 min off-peak | 20–45 min / 5–15 min |
| Saturday | 07:00–22:00 | 09:00–12:00, 18:00–21:30 | 30 min during morning peak; 15 min in afternoon | 25–40 min / 10–15 min |
| Sunday | 07:30–21:00 | 08:30–11:30, 16:30–19:30 | Aim for before 08:00 or after 20:00 to avoid queues | 20–35 min / 5–15 min |
| Public holidays & peak travel days | Shorter staffed windows possible; verify ahead | All day spikes on arrival peak days | Confirm hours by phone and arrive 45–60 min earlier | 30–60 min / variable |
If you require after-hours handling, pre-arrange with the desk phone or use an off-site third-party service; unattended lockers are limited and may not be available every night. Weekends and scheduled international arrivals create the largest surges; allow extra time when cruise terminals or charter flights are listed that day. For unrelated gear comparisons while you wait, see best craftsman lawn mowers.
Pricing, payment options and maximum storage duration
Pay in cash (CUP) or US dollars at the counter and request a stamped receipt and claim ticket immediately; carry exact change when possible.
Typical rates and examples
Daily tariffs commonly charged per item: small bag 100–200 CUP (~US$4–8), medium suitcase 150–350 CUP (~US$6–14), oversized or sports gear 300–600 CUP (~US$12–24). Weekly blocks are usually priced at roughly 5–7 times the daily rate; monthly blocks at about 18–25 times the daily rate. Expect a one-time handling or registration fee of 50–100 CUP in some cases.
Accepted payments, receipts and maximum retention
Cash in local currency is preferred; some counters will accept US dollar bills or state-issued MLC cards, but most international chip/EMV cards and contactless payments are unreliable. Always obtain a paper receipt listing item count, basic description, drop-off time and an office stamp. Standard retention is up to 30 days; extensions can be negotiated on site (commonly up to 90 days) but require a written agreement and additional charges. Items uncollected beyond the agreed maximum are handled according to terminal regulations (possible disposal or auction), so arrange extensions in writing and keep contact details on file.
Bag size limits, prohibited items and liability at HAV storage
Limit deposits to items that fit standard locker dimensions: small – 35×30×45 cm; medium – 60×45×45 cm; large – 100×45×45 cm. Typical weight allowance per item is 15–25 kg; oversized or bulky cases must be declared at the counter before acceptance.
Prohibited items: explosives, firearms and ammunition; compressed gas cylinders; flammable liquids and solids (paints, solvents, lighter refills); corrosives and toxic chemicals; narcotics; live animals; perishable foodstuffs; uncontained liquids over 100 ml; large quantities of currency or bearer instruments; items containing loose lithium cells above airline-specified limits. Batteries installed in consumer electronics are usually allowed if terminals are protected; spare lithium-ion batteries generally must be handed to staff and may be refused.
Special handling required: musical instruments, professional camera/video gear, sensitive medical devices and high-value electronics must be declared. If accepted, staff may place these in dedicated oversized bays or require a signed inventory. Proof of ownership and serial numbers speed processing and claims if damage occurs.
Liability rules: the facility’s declared liability is limited and set at the time of deposit; basic cover often caps compensation well below the market value of high-end items. Purchase declared-value coverage at the counter for items above the default limit – coverage rates and maximum indemnity vary, so confirm exact caps on the receipt. Uninsured high-value goods left without declaration are stored at the depositor’s risk.
Claims procedure and deadlines: retain the deposit receipt and claim tag; present ID, the receipt, and a written claim within the timeframe printed on the ticket (commonly 24–72 hours for theft/damage reports). Staff will issue a damage/ loss form and advise on documentary evidence required (photos, purchase invoices, serial numbers). Disputes escalate to the facility manager and, if unresolved, to local consumer protection authorities – keep all paperwork.
Packing and security recommendations: photograph contents and label items externally; remove passports, boarding passes and cash; lock suitcases with TSA-style locks or zip ties; cushion fragile goods and enclose liquids in sealed bags. For valuables, use declared-value service or retain them with you rather than depositing. Confirm dimensions, weight limits and liability terms at the counter before leaving any item.
Reserve or arrange baggage storage before arrival
Book the terminal’s official left-baggage desk or a vetted city-based baggage-holding service at least 48 hours before arrival and obtain written confirmation (email or SMS).
Booking channels and timeline
Use one of three channels: the terminal’s official website/contact center, your accommodation’s concierge, or a third-party online provider. For regular days reserve 48–72 hours ahead; during holidays or events reserve 5–7 days in advance. Provide these details in the reservation: flight number, expected touchdown time, exact count and dimensions of pieces, lead guest name and mobile number, and any restricted-content declarations.
On-arrival procedure, payment and contingencies
Bring printed or digital confirmation, passport, and the provider’s claim code. At drop-off request a numbered receipt or QR-based ticket and photograph the sealed tag. Prepay online if offered; otherwise bring local cash plus a card as backup. Confirm the pick-up window and no-show penalty before handing over items.
Label each suitcase, remove valuables to carry on person, and record declared value for insurance. Photograph bag exteriors and contents for potential claims. Declare items such as spare lithium batteries or perishables when booking to avoid refusal at the desk.
If arrival time shifts, update the provider with a new ETA and confirmation code and request a short grace period. Save operator contact and one local alternative (hotel desk or secondary provider). For weather protection while waiting outdoors see best material umbrella protection against uv rays.
Nearby alternatives: lockers, hotel concierges and baggage-transfer companies
Best single action: prebook a door-to-door baggage transfer to your hotel or a private storage facility by WhatsApp or email – this minimizes waits at José Martí (HAV) and reduces handling risk.
Self-service lockers and short-term options
Self-service lockers are uncommon on airport grounds; nearby options are usually found at the main bus terminal (Terminal de Ómnibus Nacionales) and at select transport hubs or large tourist hotels in Vedado and the Centro Histórico. Typical locker dimensions: roughly 30×40×70 cm (small/medium) and 60×40×120 cm (large). Expect 24‑hour fees in the range of USD 3–8 per bag; coinless systems often accept MLC card or cash (CUP/USD depending on the operator). Verify locker size before depositing sporting equipment or oversized suitcases.
Quick checklist before using a locker: photograph locker number and condition, obtain a printed or photographed receipt, padlock zippers (TSA-style locks are fine), do not leave valuables such as passports, cash, or electronics without asking about insurance limits.
Hotel concierge holds – practical rules
Most mid‑to‑high‑end hotels will keep bags for guests at no charge; independent casas particulares commonly charge USD 2–6 per bag for non‑registered visitors. Required steps: provide government ID, request a written or photographed receipt with the number of items and deposit time, confirm opening hours for retrieval (many concierges close late at night). If you plan to arrive before check‑in, arrange hold in advance by sending arrival time and flight number to the property’s WhatsApp.
When to favour a concierge hold: when your drop‑off is the same hotel where you will later check in, when you need a free or low‑cost short hold, or when you require a safe overnight option with staffed access.
Questions to ask a concierge before handing over bags: “Do you charge for non‑guests? What is your liability limit? Can I get a written receipt? What are pick‑up hours?” Insist on a receipt and keep a photo of the stored items and the receipt on your phone.
Payment methods commonly accepted: cash (USD or CUP) and sometimes MLC/credit via hotel terminals. Liability: hotels often limit responsibility; consider travel insurance or using a sealed, tamper‑evident bag if items are valuable.
Baggage-transfer services – practical booking and safety tips
Private transfer firms and licensed taxi cooperatives offer point‑to‑point baggage collection from José Martí (HAV) terminals to central hotels, ports or private addresses. Typical pricing for a single bag to central districts runs USD 10–25 depending on distance and urgency; flat‑rate car transfers that include a driver and baggage can start around USD 25–45. Large or heavy items may incur extra fees.
Before booking, confirm: pickup window (exact terminal exit and door), driver name and vehicle plate, total price and accepted payment methods (cash, MLC, transfer), insurance or declared value coverage, and real‑time contact (WhatsApp number). Request a digital receipt showing bag count and agreed delivery time.
Template message for bookings: “Pickup at José Martí (HAV) terminal [A/B/arrivals] on [date/time]. Number of bags: [x]. Drop‑off: [hotel name + address]. Total price quoted? Driver name and vehicle plate? WhatsApp contact for arrival updates?”
Final tip: for multi‑stop itineraries (e.g., airport → hotel → port), ask transfer firms about consolidated pricing and the option to leave a bag at their depot for later pickup; this often saves time and may be cheaper than multiple single transfers.
