Can you store luggage at melbourne airport

Private storage networks are the fastest option for short-term bag drops; common platforms include Bounce, Stasher and Nannybag. Typical opening windows for drop-off points are 07:00–20:00, with some locations offering 24/7 lockers or paid meet-and-collect services from terminals. Budget for roughly AUD 7–18 per item per 24 hours; oversize charges usually add AUD 5–20 per item.

On-terminal commercial vaults are limited: check the relevant terminal customer desk on arrival if a same-site option is required. When coordinating a city vault with airline check-in and security, allow an extra 60–120 minutes to avoid missed flights or rushed transfers.

Booking checklist: keep the reservation reference and a government photo ID, confirm size/weight limits (common caps: 25–30 kg per item and combined dimensions ≈ 150 cm), verify included insurance (typical basic cover AUD 500–1000 with paid top-ups available), and never hand over hazardous materials, perishables or high-value items unless explicitly accepted.

Alternatives: many central hotels provide complimentary or paid holds for guests; courier/freight operators offer point-to-point transfers for bulky consignments – compare door-to-door transit time and total price. For same-day returns pick a storage location near major transport hubs to minimize transfer time and risk.

Practical final steps: photograph contents and external condition before drop-off, request a sealed tag and keep the operator’s emergency contact. For terminal lost-property enquiries or official assistance at Tullamarine (MEL) consult the air hub’s official website or contact the terminal customer relations line prior to travel.

Bag-hold options at Tullamarine (MEL)

Prefer third-party drop-off providers located within a 5–15 minute drive of Terminals 1–4; book online in advance to secure same-day acceptance and a guaranteed handover window.

Where to arrange collection

Use established platforms (examples: Bounce, Stasher, Nannybag) that list MEL as a pickup/drop point. These services operate from partner shops or secure depots near the terminals; select “MEL pickup” in the app, choose a time slot, and follow the provider’s check-in instructions to avoid delays at arrivals.

Rates, sizes, rules

Typical pricing: AUD 6–12 per day for a small bag, AUD 10–20 per day for large items; discounts often apply for multi-day bookings. Limits: maximum weight usually 20–25 kg per item and dimensions capped (check provider specifics). Restrictions: hazardous goods, perishables and high-value items (electronics, jewellery, cash) are commonly excluded or require extra insurance.

Bring a valid photo ID for drop-off and retain the booking receipt/code. Insure high-value contents either through the booking platform’s coverage (often up to ~USD 1,000–2,500) or a separate policy.

For deliveries that must meet a tight flight schedule, allow an extra 45–60 minutes for handover at arrivals; where 24/7 access is required, confirm depot opening hours before booking. Long-term storage (over 14 days) is typically cheaper via dedicated city depots; arrange courier transfer from MEL to a CBD facility if extended retention is needed.

Where to find baggage storage at each terminal (T1–T4)

No official left‑baggage counters operate inside T1–T4. Third‑party drop‑off providers and courier meet‑points are the practical options; arrange collection points and timings in advance.

T1 (International arrivals): Meet at the Arrivals hall just beyond customs exit, close to the main carousel area. Most third‑party operators ask to be met at the arrivals forecourt (short‑term pickup lane). Allow 60–90 minutes after touchdown for customs and baggage reclaim when scheduling a handover.

T2 (Regional/second terminal): Preferred meeting point is the Ground Transport / taxi rank doors adjacent to the arrivals exit. Short‑term parking bays outside the terminal are used for quick handovers; providers will often request mobile confirmation on arrival to avoid blocking traffic.

T3 (Domestic – major carrier concourse): Arrange meet at the Domestic Arrivals exit near the designated “Meeting Point” signage or at the adjacent short‑term car park (P1). Peak periods (early morning and late afternoon) add 20–40 minutes to collection windows; confirm whether a luggage trolley is needed for heavy items.

T4 (Domestic – low‑cost / regional carriers): Main handover location is the forecourt outside the arrivals doors by the taxi rank. Several operators use the covered walkway or the first short‑term bay for exchanges; for bulky items request an area with vehicle access to speed loading.

Practical recommendations for all terminals: confirm the exact meet point with the provider in writing, carry photo ID and the booking reference, note weight/size limits and insurance coverage, allow 20–60 extra minutes for on‑site handover during busy times, and prefer providers that publish a terminal meeting‑point map. Off‑terminal commercial hubs in the CBD usually require a 20–40 minute transfer by road; schedule accordingly if choosing off‑site drop‑off.

Operating hours and busiest times to avoid

Recommendation: drop off and pick up bags between 10:30 and 14:30 on weekdays; avoid morning commuter peak 05:30–09:30 and evening peak 16:00–19:00, plus Friday afternoons (15:00–19:00) when terminals are significantly busier.

Peak windows by terminal

T1 (international): heaviest traffic 06:00–09:00 and 21:30–00:30 due to long-haul arrivals; T2/T3 (major domestic): busiest 05:30–09:00 and 16:00–19:00; T4 (regional): peaks 06:30–09:30 and 17:00–19:00. Weekends shift peaks toward mid-day (11:00–14:00) and evening leisure slots (18:00–21:00). School holiday periods and major events (AFL finals, New Year, Easter) push midday volumes higher across all terminals.

Actionable timing and logistics advice

Reserve space online where available; check the provider’s live opening hours before arrival. Allocate 30–60 minutes for handover during normal peak periods and 60–90 minutes on public holidays or event days. Arrive at the left-baggage counter at least 30 minutes before posted closing time. Have ID and booking reference ready, photograph packed items, and attach clear tags to suit faster processing. For early departures prefer overnight drops the night before rather than last-minute morning transactions.

What may be left: prohibited items and size rules

Recommendation: Keep passports, cash, prescription medicines and portable electronics on person; deposit only non-valuable, non-hazardous parcels into short-term lockers or staffed left-baggage counters.

Prohibited and restricted items

Absolutely must not be deposited: explosives and fireworks; flammable liquids and solvents (petrol, lighter fuel, paint thinners); compressed gas cylinders (butane, propane, oxygen); corrosive substances (battery acid, strong bleaches); toxic chemicals, biological agents and radioactive materials; firearms, ammunition, firearm parts and realistic replicas; explosive components or detonators; illegal drugs and seized contraband.

High-risk battery items: spare lithium-ion cells and large external power banks are frequently refused because of fire risk. Electrically powered vehicles with high-capacity batteries (e-bikes, electric scooters, hoverboards) are normally not accepted. Devices with batteries installed are usually allowed if powered off and protected, but verification at the counter is required.

Valuables and perishables: cash, jewellery, passports, ID documents, negotiable papers, original artworks and irreplaceable items are often excluded from liability or refused altogether. Fresh food, plants and items requiring refrigeration are discouraged and may be rejected.

Size and weight rules

Typical locker dimensions (approximate): small ≈ 40×30×50 cm; medium ≈ 60×40×60 cm; large ≈ 80×60×80 cm. Automated lockers usually accept items up to 20–25 kg per compartment. Staffed left-baggage counters commonly handle single items up to 30–35 kg; oversized parcels (surfboards, skis, packed bicycles) may be accepted subject to surcharge and prior arrangement.

Linear/item limits for special pieces: most operators set a maximum single-dimension of about 2.0–2.5 m for sports equipment. Measure length × width × height before arrival, collapse or deflate bulky items where possible, pad fragile contents, attach contact details and retain the receipt. Declare high-value contents only if the provider offers declared-value coverage and a paid declaration option.

How much storage costs and which payment methods are accepted

Budget AUD 10–25 per item for the first 24 hours; expect small locker rates from AUD 8/hour with daily caps near AUD 25, standard bag fees around AUD 15–30 per 24h, and oversized-item charges of AUD 35–60 per 24h.

• Typical pricing by size:

  • Small (handbag / backpack): ~AUD 8 per hour; daily cap ≈ AUD 25
  • Medium (carry-on / cabin case): ~AUD 15–30 per 24 hours
  • Large (checked bag / large suitcase): ~AUD 35–60 per 24 hours
  • Oversize/special items (bike, ski gear, musical instrument): handling fee AUD 15–40 + daily charge
• Minimum billing: many locations apply a minimum charge (one hour or one day); plan for at least AUD 8–10 even for short holds.
• Billing increments: most operators charge in 24‑hour blocks after the initial period; partial days often billed as full days.
• Long-term rates: multi‑day or weekly storage is usually available; estimate weekly cost at roughly 4–6× the daily rate depending on provider.
• Insurance and liability: standard coverage limits are low; purchase add‑on insurance or confirm travel policy for high‑value items (extra AUD 5–15/day typical for declared-value cover).

Accepted payment methods

• Major card schemes: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; American Express at many manned counters.
• Contactless payments: tap-to-pay with cards and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) supported at most kiosks and counters.
• Cash (AUD): accepted at attended desks but less common at automated lockers – carry small notes for contingency.
• Online prepayment: many providers allow booking and full payment by card on their websites or apps; prepay to guarantee space and current rates.
• Corporate billing / bank transfer: available by prior arrangement for business accounts; allow processing time and provide invoice/PO details.

• Prefer contactless or card payment for faster processing and a clear electronic receipt.
• Always request a printed or emailed receipt with reference number, storage period and collection deadline; retain until retrieval.
• Confirm cancellation, refund and damage-loss policies before handover to avoid unexpected charges.

How to book, cancel or extend a baggage storage reservation

Reserve online at least 24 hours before arrival to guarantee space; same-day walk-ins risk no availability.

Booking steps: select terminal location and pick-up/drop-off dates, enter full name, contact phone, flight number (optional), quantity and dimensions of items, upload ID if requested, choose insurance option, pay with card or mobile wallet, receive a QR code or booking reference for collection.

On-site option: approach the staffed counter or kiosk, present photo ID and booking reference (or create a new booking), accept tag numbers placed on each bag, pay by card or cash where accepted, keep the receipt until collection.

Phone reservations: call the listed operator number shown on the terminal operator page; have booking details ready (dates, item count, dimensions). Third-party aggregators often show operator contact details as well.

Cancellation rules (typical templates used by operators): full refund if cancellation occurs 24+ hours before scheduled drop-off; 50% refund for cancellations within 24 hours; no refund for same-day no-shows. Refund processing normally 5–10 business days to the original payment method; third-party bookings may follow different timelines and fees.

Extension process: extend online via the confirmation link, through the operator’s app, by phone, or at the counter before the agreed collection time. Extension increments: lockers often prorate hourly up to 12 hours then charge a full daily rate; staffed counters usually charge per 24-hour block. Late pick-up surcharge commonly equals one additional daily rate for each 24-hour period overdue.

Limits and unclaimed property: maximum retention typically 30 days for checked items; after that items may be transferred to lost property, auctioned, donated, or handed to local authorities depending on operator policy. High-value items frequently require a police report before release if no booking record exists.

Lost, damaged or disputed bookings: file a claim within 7 days of collection or scheduled collection; include booking reference, photos, receipts and a description of contents. Liability caps often apply; operators may require proof of value and an incident form.

Keep the booking confirmation QR code and the physical receipt until collection; staff will match ID, reference and tags. For protection while waiting outdoors, consider a reliable sun umbrella such as the best choice products solar led lighted patio umbrella. For pet owners planning temporary fencing near the terminal drop-off area, see tips on how to cover holes in fence for dogs: how to cover holes in fence for dogs.

If something goes wrong: security, liability and claiming lost or damaged items

Report any loss or damage at the storage counter immediately and keep the receipt plus tag stub as primary evidence.

• On-site security features
  • Most facilities use CCTV, tamper-evident seals and locked cages; request confirmation of which measures apply to the assigned storage bay.
  • Photograph seals, tag numbers and the item’s external condition before handing over; timestamped photos strengthen any later claim.
• Typical liability limits
  • Standard operator liability commonly ranges between A$200 and A$500 per item unless a higher declared value is purchased.
  • Declared-value cover is usually available for an additional fee; limits often cap around A$5,000 but check the operator’s terms for exact caps and excesses.
  • Liability exclusions: fragile items, perishables, prohibited goods, and items left without declaration are frequently excluded or limited.
• Immediate actions after discovery
  1. Return to the collection desk and request an incident report number; obtain a written or emailed receipt of the report.
  2. If theft is suspected, file a police report and include the police reference number in subsequent claims.
  3. Preserve all original documents: deposit receipt, tag stub, incident report, photos and any correspondence.
• How to lodge a formal claim
  1. Submit a written claim to the operator using their official channel (email or online form) and attach: deposit receipt, tag number, photos, proof of ownership/value (receipts/serial numbers) and police report if applicable.
  2. Include a concise statement of loss/damage, desired remedy (repair, replacement or cash) and a bank account for reimbursement.
  3. Request a claim reference and an expected timeframe for assessment in the same message.
• Deadlines and typical timelines
  • File damage claims within 14 days of collection; file loss/theft claims within 30 days–operators vary, so confirm exact deadlines on the ticket or terms.
  • Initial acknowledgement usually within 3–7 business days; adjudication and payout can take 2–8 weeks depending on complexity and evidence.
• Insurance and escalation
  • Personal travel or household insurance often covers higher-value items–submit the operator’s claim outcome to the insurer along with all documentation.
  • If the operator denies liability unfairly, escalate to the relevant consumer protection agency or small claims tribunal; retain all correspondence as proof.
• Practical preventive checklist
  • Remove high-value items (cash, passports, jewellery) or declare them and pay for declared-value cover.
  • Keep original purchase receipts and record serial numbers for electronics before deposit.
  • Choose facilities with written terms displayed and visible security features; prefer operators offering declared-value options if valuable contents are unavoidable.