Michael Turner
Recommendation: Carry small refundable coin or token for immediate access; typical deposit ranges $0.25–$1 (local currency applies). Return trolley to docking point to retrieve deposit. If coin missing, ask airline or information desk for temporary assistance or token loan.
Locate units at arrivals halls, baggage-claim belts, curbside outside check-in, near rental-car shuttles and long-haul transfer corridors. International hubs usually display clear signage and maps marking trolley stations; terminal apps often show exact coordinates.
If no trolley available, alternatives include booking porter or skycap service at curbside, requesting airline-staff help at check-in, or prearranging meet-and-greet handling. Passengers with reduced mobility typically qualify for complimentary assistance and priority trolleys; present medical documentation at airline counter.
Capacity and rules vary: standard units carry two large suitcases plus one carry-on; posted weight limits differ by operator – inspect docking signage or online info. For oversized or fragile pieces, schedule ground handling or cargo drop-off before arrival to avoid delays.
Quick checklist: refundable coin/token, terminal map or app, airline contact number, plan for porter service if traveling with excess or delicate items.
Find trolleys at check-in counters, arrivals and parking garages
Pick up a trolley at check-in counters immediately after entering terminal; most units sit beside airline islands or near signage for oversized items.
- Check-in counters: trolleys usually positioned next to main check-in rows, close to ticket desks and baggage drop zones; look for metal bays or stacks near entrances.
- Arrivals halls: expect trolleys by baggage claim carousels, customs exits, and curbside exits; many terminals place vending machines with token dispensers near carousel ends.
- Parking garages: trolley bays often installed at elevator lobbies, ground-level walkways, shuttle stops and pedestrian bridges between garage and terminal.
Payment methods and returns:
- Common models require coin, token or refundable lock; typical fee range USD 1–5 or EUR 1–3; return to designated bay for refund.
- Contactless unlocked models accept cards or mobile pay at entry kiosk; if lock jams, seek staff at information desk for immediate release.
Capacity and dimensions:
- Standard flatbed trolley capacity 70–120 kg (150–265 lb); platform footprint commonly 38–50 cm by 60–80 cm.
- Suitcase-friendly handles and strap points present on most units; oversized freight trolleys available near cargo or airline special-handling desks.
Quick practical tips:
- If arriving during peak hours, collect trolley curbside before baggage claim to avoid queues.
- Reserve porter assistance via airline or ground handler for heavy loads or complex transfers between terminal levels.
- When using garage trolleys, board elevators with ramp alignment; keep receipts for parking validation that may waive trolley fee.
- For compact options that fit train or shuttle transfers, review best luggage type for train travel.
Locate information desks within terminal for exact trolley bay maps and real-time availability; staff can point to nearest vending point or arrange alternative handling.
Paying and accessing baggage trolleys: coins, cards and mobile apps
Use contactless bank card or preinstalled payment app for fastest release; carry spare coins (USD 0.25, EUR 1/2, GBP 1) as backup.
Coin and token systems
Insert correct coin or operator token into slot, pull trolley forward until chain detaches, return trolley and reinsert chain to recover deposit. Typical denominations: USD 0.25, EUR 1 or 2, GBP 1. If slot jams, rotate coin or tap slot gently; if refund fails, report trolley ID to nearest service desk or lost‑property within 24–72 hours for operator follow-up.
Contactless cards and mobile payments
Tap-to-release readers accept contactless debit/credit cards and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Hold amount usually equals deposit displayed on signage (common range €0.50–€2); hold clears automatically 24–72 hours after trolley return, timing set by card issuer. For QR/NFC app flows, scan code, authenticate payment, then follow on-screen confirmation. App options may charge per use or offer subscription plans for frequent users; register payment method and enable notifications to receive refund confirmations.
| System | Typical charge / deposit | Refund / release timing | Quick tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coin / token | USD 0.25 · EUR 1–2 · GBP 1 | Immediate on return | Carry correct change; keep token as permanent backup; clear slot if jammed |
| Contactless card | €0.50–€2 hold or small per-use fee | 24–72 hours (issuer dependent) | Prefer debit/credit over prepaid; monitor bank app for hold release |
| Mobile app (QR / NFC) | €0.50–€2 per use or subscription | Instant receipt; hold release 24–72 hours | Download and register payment before travel; save transaction ID for disputes |
If reader malfunctions, use coin backup or request assistance at nearest service desk; record trolley ID and transaction ID and contact card issuer or app support if refund not processed after 7 days.
Cart size, weight limits and rules for oversized items
Use a cart with platform at least 90×60 cm for two large suitcases or three cabin bags; choose a heavy-duty model when total mass exceeds 60 kg.
Common platform sizes: 70×50 cm (compact), 90×60 cm (standard), 120×80 cm (wide/oversize). Typical load capacity range: 30–120 kg. Most public trolleys support 60–80 kg; coin- or app-operated units often rated around 70 kg. Terminal-owned utility trailers and staff trolleys can handle 100+ kg but require staff assistance.
Airline dimension rules: many carriers classify any single piece with linear dimensions (length + width + height) over 158 cm as oversized; maximum accepted weight per piece often 23 kg (economy) or 32 kg (premium/checked allowance). Overweight and oversized fees commonly apply; sports gear, musical instruments and fragile items usually need special handling and advance notification.
On-site handling for long or odd-shaped pieces: transport flat with leading end slightly elevated, secure with straps or bungee cords, and pad contact points to prevent scratches. For bicycles, remove front wheel and turn handlebars; for skis and poles use dedicated bags; tag fragile instruments and request gate or check-in counter assistance.
If a single piece exceeds carrier size/weight limits, options include buying an oversized allowance at check-in, shipping via cargo, arranging courier/freight, or requesting ground staff help for gate check. Allocate an extra 15–30 minutes at drop-off for oversized processing and documentation.
Practical safety rules: keep weight low and centered, avoid stacking above handle height, test wheel stability before moving, never exceed posted capacity, and use porter service when handling bulky or heavy loads.
Taking trolleys through security, to gates and during transfers
Always push trolleys through security only after removing electronics and liquids into separate screening bins: liquids must be in containers up to 100 ml and fit inside one transparent resealable bag of maximum 1 litre; place laptops and large tablets in a separate tray unless signage allows them to remain inside bags; keep boarding pass plus passport or ID ready for quick presentation.
Expect officers to request unloading of suitcases, opening of zipped compartments or manual inspection of straps and contents; pack fragile items, prescription medicines and valuables in a small personal bag that you carry by hand through screening to avoid repeated handling.
Most terminals permit trolleys to proceed to gate and onto jetbridge, but cabin space rarely accepts wheeled frames intact; if cabin crew or ground staff indicate an item will not fit, request gate-checking and transfer fragile or valuable contents into hand luggage; gate-checked items are commonly returned at aircraft door or at baggage belt after arrival.
During transfers between terminals, plan extra time: allow minimum 45 minutes for transfers inside a single terminal and 60–90 minutes for transfers requiring shuttle or inter-terminal train; when connection time falls below those windows, leave trolley at a transfer desk or with porter and move between gates with a compact shoulder bag containing essentials; verify allowed routing and transfer rules on an airline app or terminal map before leaving a secure zone.
If mobility assistance needed, request help at check-in or transfer desk so staff can arrange escort, priority screening lanes and handling of push frames; wipe handle surfaces with disinfectant wipes before and after use; for home cleaning tools and maintenance guidance, see best hardwood floor vacuum cleaner.
