Expect paid options: automated lockers, staffed left-baggage counters and third-party providers at major flight terminals. Typical pricing ranges $5–$25 per item depending on size; small lockers usually $5–$10, medium $8–$15, large or oversized containers $12–$25. Many central hubs keep staffed desks around the clock, while regional terminals often operate roughly 05:00–23:00.
Rules and limits: ID plus boarding pass or travel confirmation is normally required at drop-off; a numbered claim ticket and receipt are issued at handover. Most facilities impose liability caps (commonly $50–$200 per item) unless declared value coverage is purchased; high-value goods should be declared or insured separately. Prohibited articles typically include explosives, aerosols above regulatory limits, large quantities of liquids, loose lithium batteries and perishables.
Practical steps: Reserve storage online ahead of arrival when possible to compare rates and secure a slot. Photograph contents, label each bag with contact details and retain the claim ticket until retrieval. Arrive at pickup before the desk or locker closes to avoid extra charges applied per additional 24-hour period. If pickup will be delayed, call the facility and keep email confirmation of any extension.
Alternatives when terminal options are unavailable: hotel concierge storage, city left-baggage depots, secure peer-to-peer storage apps and courier pick-up/drop-off services that transfer baggage to a local address. Check the specific terminal’s website or service provider page for exact hours, maximum retention limits and current fee schedules prior to travel.
Which hubs offer 24-hour baggage storage and operating hours
Use on-site baggage storage at the terminals below; choose lockers for round-the-clock access and staffed counters for large or insured deposits – reserve online when available and confirm terminal/operator hours before arrival.
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London Heathrow (LHR)
- Operator: Excess Baggage Company (Terminals 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Typical operating hours: staffed counters generally 05:00–23:00 (varies by terminal)
- Recommendation: book a slot via the operator website for guaranteed drop-off; use staffed counters for oversized items.
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London Gatwick (LGW)
- Operator: Excess Baggage Company (North & South terminals)
- Typical operating hours: about 05:00–22:30
- Recommendation: lockers are limited; use the counter for longer deposits and check collection cut-off times for late flights.
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London Stansted (STN) & Luton (LTN)
- Operator: Excess Baggage Company or on-site left-baggage desks
- Typical operating hours: most staffed services run roughly 05:00–23:00
- Recommendation: coin lockers sometimes available outside staffed hours; verify exact terminal location.
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Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Operator: Schiphol Baggage Services; automated lockers in public areas
- Typical operating hours: lockers accessible 24/7; staffed desk hours vary (usually early morning to late evening)
- Recommendation: use lockers for overnight access; use staffed desk for checked or insured items.
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Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- Operator: dedicated left-baggage services in main terminals
- Typical operating hours: commonly ~06:00–22:00; some terminals extend hours seasonally
- Recommendation: check terminal number for the service point – Terminal 2 hubs often have the longest hours.
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Frankfurt (FRA)
- Facilities: staffed counters and luggage lockers in Terminal 1
- Typical operating hours: lockers 24/7; staffed counters usually 06:00–22:00
- Recommendation: use lockers for flexible pickup; staffed counters for special handling and large pieces.
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Munich (MUC)
- Facilities: coin lockers and staffed left-baggage desks in public areas
- Typical operating hours: lockers 24/7; staffed desks typically 05:30–22:30
- Recommendation: coin lockers cover short stays; book desk service for multi-hour deposits above size limits.
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Singapore Changi (SIN)
- Operator: left-baggage counters across Terminals 1–3; automated options at some terminals
- Typical operating hours: many staffed counters operate extended hours; selected lockers/automated services available 24/7
- Recommendation: use counters for items requiring receipts and insurance; machines for quick drop-and-go.
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Dubai (DXB)
- Facilities: left-baggage desks in major terminals
- Typical operating hours: many terminals provide 24/7 or near-24/7 service, especially in international arrivals
- Recommendation: confirm terminal-specific opening times when booking a hotel or transfer that relies on on-site storage.
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Tokyo Haneda (HND) & Narita (NRT)
- Facilities: coin lockers widely available; staffed baggage services in arrival halls
- Typical operating hours: lockers 24/7 at many points; staffed desks usually 06:00–22:00
- Recommendation: use coin lockers for small bags and short windows; staffed counters handle checked items and long holds.
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Los Angeles (LAX) & San Francisco (SFO)
- Facilities: a mix of staffed services and private operators located on-site or very close to terminals
- Typical operating hours: private operators may offer extended or 24/7 pickup by appointment; staffed airport counters often 06:00–22:00
- Recommendation: compare on-site operator hours with third-party services near the terminals when traveling late or early.
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JFK (New York), Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Sydney (SYD)
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- Typical operating hours: staffed desks commonly 06:00–22:00; lockers or private operators may provide round-the-clock access
- Recommendation: for arrivals outside standard staffed hours, prioritize lockers or book a local provider that advertises 24/7 pickup/drop-off.
Verify exact terminal location and current hours on the operator’s official page before arrival; allow an extra 30–45 minutes at peak times for drop-off or collection procedures.
Locate and reserve terminal left-baggage services and lockers
Reserve storage via the official terminal website or a verified third-party platform at least 24 hours before arrival; verify locker dimensions, maximum weight and accepted payment methods in the booking confirmation.
Locate storage points by searching Google Maps with the query “[Terminal name] baggage storage” or “[Terminal name] baggage lockers”, checking the terminal’s passenger services map PDF and the arrivals/departures hall signage; call the terminal helpdesk if online info is ambiguous and note the service desk phone and exact terminal zone.
Use aggregators that support reservations and prepayment: Stasher, Bounce, Vertoe, Bagbnb. Typical reservation flow: select terminal and time window, choose locker size or staffed counter, upload ID if requested, prepay via card/Apple Pay/PayPal, receive QR code or booking reference; save both screenshot and emailed receipt.
Locker specifications to match against your baggage: small ≈ 30×40×60 cm (12×16×24 in), medium ≈ 50×40×80 cm (20×16×31 in), large ≈ 70×50×100 cm (28×20×39 in). Typical pricing ranges: small $5–12 per 6–12 hours, medium $8–18 per 6–12 hours, large $12–30 per 24 hours; staffed left-baggage counters usually charge per item with a declared-value option and higher overnight rates.
At drop-off present government ID that matches the reservation name, attach the issued claim tag, photograph packed contents and the tag, and confirm the liability/declared-value limit (commonly €100–€500). Obtain a written or digital receipt with barcode; prohibited items typically include explosives, flammable liquids, perishable food, live animals, illegal substances and weapons. For high-value, fragile or battery-powered devices request staffed counter storage with insurance coverage.
When booking, note opening hours and late-retrieval penalties, check whether the locker system uses timed access codes or 24/7 staff. If cleaning a wheeled case or hard shell before deposit, use best auto soap for pressure washer to remove dirt and reduce risk of staining shared locker surfaces.
Typical costs, payment options and price examples – 24-hour bag storage
Prefer staffed counters when total charge stays under $15 per 24-hour block and assistance with oversized suitcases or receipts is required; pick self-service lockers when quicker access and lower fees are priority.
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Price tiers, typical examples
| Service type | Typical price (USD / EUR) | Payment options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small locker (backpack, handbag) | $5–$10 / €4–€9 per 24‑hour | Card, contactless, mobile pay; cash sometimes | Lowest rate; first 4–6 hours sometimes pro‑rated |
| Medium locker (carry‑on, small suitcase) | $8–$15 / €7–€13 per 24‑hour | Card, contactless, app payments | Best value when storage exceeds one 24‑hour block |
| Large locker / oversized item (large suitcase, sports gear) | $12–$25 / €10–€22 per 24‑hour | Card, contactless; some locations accept cash | Extra charge may apply at peak times or holidays |
| Staffed counter (assisted check‑in, tagged items) | $10–$35 / €9–€30 per 24‑hour | Card, contactless, mobile wallets; prepaid vouchers | Insurance options and receipts usually available |
| Third‑party app/left‑bag services (prebooked) | $6–$20 / €5–€18 per 24‑hour | Card, PayPal, app wallets | Often cheaper with prepayment and nonrefundable options |
Payment tips and money‑saving strategies
Pay by card or mobile wallet to avoid cash surcharges; contactless is widely accepted. Prebook via third‑party platforms to secure discounts between 10% and 20% compared to walk‑up rates. If storage length exceeds two 24‑hour blocks, ask about multi‑period rates or weekly caps; many staffed providers offer bulk pricing (example: $40–$60 weekly for medium items).
Request a receipt showing declared value when leaving high‑value items; insurance add‑ons typically cost an extra $3–$10 per 24‑hour. When comparing options quickly, prioritize: total cost per 24‑hour block, payment flexibility, and availability of insured tagging.
Security checks, insurance and liability limits: stored baggage
Always obtain a written screening certificate and purchase declared-value cover when leaving high-value baggage at a terminal storage desk.
Security screening procedures
ID check (passport or national ID), issuance of a barcode tag, X‑ray scanning and manual inspection are standard steps. Expect X‑ray processing under 2 minutes per item and targeted manual checks of 10–20 minutes when alarms occur. Operators typically maintain CCTV coverage and require dual-staff witness signatures for any opened container. Prohibited contents: firearms, ammunition, explosives, corrosives, flammable liquids, most lithium batteries above 100 Wh, and fresh perishables. If an item is refused after screening, request a dated rejection slip and retain a copy.
Insurance, declared value and filing a claim
Typical liability caps without declared insurance range €100–€500 per unchecked item. Declared-value cover commonly extends protection up to €2,000 per item; upper limits vary and may be €5,000 or higher only with special arrangements and additional premiums. Sample price signals: basic unattended locker access €3–€10 per 24‑hour period; counter storage with declared-value options often adds a flat fee €5–€20 plus 0.5–2% of the declared amount. Third-party travel policies sometimes include stored-possession clauses but verify explicit wording, sublimits and the policy excess.
Claim procedure: keep the original receipt and barcode tag, photograph contents and serial numbers at drop-off, report loss to the storage operator within 24–72 hours and request an incident report, file a police report within 48 hours if theft occurs, then submit a claim with receipt, photos, tag and police report. Typical settlement windows run 30–90 days; operators commonly deny claims lacking original documentation or photographic evidence.
Operational tips: do not leave passports, cash above €200, precious stones or unregistered electronics without declared-value coverage; photograph items and receipts at handover; ask staff to print the exact liability clause and numeric caps on the receipt; keep all documents until any claim closes. If a settlement is unsatisfactory, escalate through the operator’s complaint process and local consumer protection or small-claims court with copies of all correspondence and timestamps.
How to retrieve bags – ID required and late/missed pickup fees
Bring the original claim ticket plus government-issued photo ID (passport, national ID card, driving licence) when reclaiming your bag.
At the storage counter present the claim ticket and matching ID, sign a release authorization, allow a staff security inspection and settle any outstanding charges before the item is returned.
Accepted ID: passport; national identity card; driving licence; residence permit. If payment was made by card, present that card or a copy plus matching photo ID. For children, guardian must show proof of guardianship plus the child’s passport or birth certificate.
Payment methods typically accepted: local cash, major credit/debit cards, contactless and mobile wallets. Typical rates: staffed counters – initial 24h €5–€12, each additional 24h €3–€8; lockers – small €4–€8 per 24h, medium €6–€12 per 24h, large €10–€18 per 24h. Sample currency conversions: US$6–$15 initial 24h; GBP £5–£12 initial 24h. Operators may add a handling or administration fee €2–€6.
If pickup is missed, storage charges continue to accrue at the published 24h rate and most operators bill in full 24h increments regardless of partial occupancy. Call the storage office to request an extension; expect immediate payment of the next increment to confirm the hold. Uncollected items after the retention window are transferred to central lost-property, donated or auctioned – common retention windows range from 7–30 days at many terminals, with some hubs holding up to 90 days.
After-hours collection is usually by appointment only and often carries a surcharge (typical €20–€50). Off-site warehouse retrievals commonly incur an extra admin fee €15–€35 plus courier charges if shipping is requested.
To authorise a third-party or courier pickup supply a signed letter of authorisation, a copy of the owner’s photo ID, the original claim stub and clear recipient contact details; storage operators typically require the courier’s tracking number and may add a release fee €10–€30.
Practical steps to avoid extra costs: photograph the claim tag and receipt, note the staff-stamped timestamp, call the storage desk at least 2 hours prior to arrival to confirm opening hours, and retain proof of any extension payment or email confirmation.
