Michael Turner
Use the official left-baggage counters in Arrivals at Terminals 1 and 3 for secure, monitored holding of bags and personal items; present passport and boarding/flight information, receive a numbered claim tag and keep the receipt until collection.
How it works: locate the counter near baggage reclaim, complete a simple deposit form with an itemised list, let staff tag and seal items. Counters operate with CCTV surveillance and controlled access; staff will confirm maximum dimensions and any packing requirements. Retention periods, declared value limits and handling rules are recorded on the receipt – keep that document for retrieval and any claims.
Allowed and prohibited items: declare electronics, batteries and valuable documents at drop-off; dangerous goods (flammable liquids, unapproved batteries, weapons, certain chemicals) are refused. Medications may require a prescription; fresh food and perishable goods are usually discouraged. Check UAE customs rules for specific restrictions before deposit.
Typical fees and timing: expect per-item charges billed by 24‑hour blocks and higher rates for oversized pieces. Rates commonly start in the low tens of AED for a small bag per day, rising for larger or long-term storage; private city providers and hotel concierges often publish competitive daily rates and online booking. Ask the counter for exact tariffs, insurance limits and maximum retention period before handing over items.
Practical tips for transfers and short stops: allow at least 60–90 minutes total for drop-off or pick-up during connections, factor immigration and transfer time between terminals, and confirm whether an airline will re-check a stored item for the next sector. For late‑night or early‑morning operations, verify counter hours in advance and consider pre-booked off-terminal lockers or commercial storage providers in the city if official counters are unavailable.
Storage options at DXB terminals
Use official left-baggage counters in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 (Arrivals level) for short- and long-term storage; counters generally operate 24/7, require passport or national ID plus boarding pass, and issue a numbered receipt that must be presented at retrieval.
Locations & practical steps
- Terminal 1: Arrivals hall near the ground transportation zone – walk to the baggage services desk and request a storage tag.
- Terminal 3: Arrivals near Concourse B/C transfer corridors; a dedicated counter handles transit passengers as well.
- Terminal 2: Limited options; if unavailable, use nearby private storage providers or a hotel left‑hold service.
- Transit procedure: For transfer passengers, approach the transfer desk in the sterile area or ask ground staff for the nearest approved storage point.
- Required documents: passport/ID and boarding pass or onward ticket; photocopies are not accepted for check‑in of stored items.
Fees, limits, safety rules and tips
- Typical fees: AED 25–65 per 24‑hour period depending on item size (small bag, medium suitcase, large trunk). Exact tariffs vary by terminal and provider; request a printed rate card before deposit.
- Maximum retention: official counters usually allow storage from 1 day up to 30–90 days; confirm maximum duration and penalties for overstay at drop‑off.
- Size and weight limits: most services accept items up to 32 kg per piece and dimensions under 158 cm (length+width+height); oversized items require special handling and extra charges.
- Prohibited contents: cash, original passports/visas, perishable food, hazardous materials (large lithium batteries, gas canisters) and unaccompanied valuables – retain high‑value items on person or in carry‑on.
- Security measures: photograph each item, lock suitcases with TSA‑approved locks, label with contact details, and insure high‑value contents separately.
- Lost receipt protocol: providers will verify identity and item description; bring ID and proof of travel; additional verification can delay retrieval.
- Private alternatives: offsite lockers and courier storage near the terminals can offer hourly rates and flexible pickup windows; compare costs versus official counters for stays longer than 48 hours.
- Product recommendation: select a case with removable battery compartment and integrated lock to simplify storage and comply with battery rules – see best luggage high tech for options.
Where to find official left-baggage counters in Terminals 1, 2 and 3
Use staffed left-baggage desks located on the Arrivals level of each terminal; follow dedicated “Left Baggage” signage or visit the nearest information desk for immediate directions.
Terminal 1 – Ground-floor arrivals hall, positioned close to the main exit and the central information desk between the baggage reclaim area and ground-transport exits; full-service counter handles carry-on, medium and large items and operates 24/7.
Terminal 2 – Small counter on the arrivals ground floor near the short-stay car park exit and coach/taxi pickup zone; limited opening hours (typically early morning to late evening); oversized items may be redirected to the central storage facility.
Terminal 3 – Main facility on the arrivals level adjacent to the Emirates transfer/assistance desk and baggage reclaim area; high-capacity service available around the clock, accepts fragile and oversized items with supervised handling.
Practical details: present a valid passport or national ID plus boarding pass or travel documentation to receive a numbered claim ticket; payment by major cards and local currency is accepted; expect item-size limits, daily rates and surcharges for oversized or long-term storage – request a written receipt and keep the claim tag until collection.
Transit guidance: for airside transfers, use the left-baggage points inside the transit halls near transfer desks; these airside counters accept short-term deposits only and require a valid transit pass or boarding pass for the connecting flight.
Opening hours, maximum storage period and fees per item
Recommendation: Use staffed DXB storage desks for multi-day holds and automated lockers for short stays under 24 hours.
Opening hours: automated locker banks operate 24/7; staffed storage counters typically cover early-morning to late-night peaks, with many main desks available around the clock. Smaller or seasonal desks often run roughly 06:00–00:00. Verify current times at the on-site information desk before leaving items.
Maximum storage period: standard retention is up to 30 days. Uncollected items after 30 days may be declared abandoned and disposed of or auctioned according to local handling rules. Extended holds can be arranged in advance in some cases up to 90 days, subject to extra charges and written agreement.
Fees per item (typical rates):
– Small bag (handbag/small backpack): AED 30–40 per 24 hours.
– Medium suitcase (carry-on/checked size): AED 45–60 per 24 hours.
– Large suitcase or sports gear (golf clubs, skis): AED 70–90 per 24 hours.
– Weekly rates (where offered): small AED ~200, medium AED ~300, large AED ~450.
Notes: prices shown are approximate – confirm exact tariffs and payment methods at the counter. Always obtain a printed receipt, note the storage reference number, and declare any high-value items; insurance for stored items is rarely included.
Required documents, ID checks and boarding pass rules for leaving baggage
Present an original photo ID plus the valid boarding pass or e‑ticket reference at deposit; photocopies and screenshots are commonly refused.
Acceptable identification and authorisation
Foreign visitors: passport with valid visa/entry stamp. UAE residents: UAE national ID (Emirates ID). GCC nationals: national ID or passport depending on the counter. Expired documents are not accepted.
Third‑party collection requires a signed authorisation letter from the owner, a clear copy of the owner’s ID attached to the letter, and the collector’s original photo ID. Counters will match signatures and may refuse handover if identity or paperwork does not match.
For items deposited on behalf of a minor, staff will request the accompanying adult’s ID and the child’s passport or birth certificate. Single‑parent authorisation or court documents may be required if guardianship is not straightforward.
Boarding pass checks, screening and reclaim rules
Staff verify name, flight number and travel date on the boarding pass or e‑ticket. Transit passengers will be asked to show onward boarding documentation when applicable; storage may be denied for items linked to flights that have already departed or for bookings that do not match the name on ID.
All deposited items undergo security screening; counters will refuse hazardous goods (explosives, flammable liquids, corrosives), illegal substances and items prohibited by aviation security. Openable screening may include manual inspection in the depositor’s presence.
A numbered claim ticket or receipt is issued at drop‑off and must be presented at collection along with the same ID used at deposit. If the claim ticket is lost, release requires ID matching the deposit record and may incur administrative verification or charges; failure to satisfy identity checks can result in refusal of release.
Security restrictions: prohibited items and items likely to be refused
Do not deposit hazardous, perishable or high-value items at terminal storage points; such articles are routinely refused, seized or lead to criminal proceedings under UAE law and GCAA regulations.
Explicitly prohibited dangerous goods
Explosives and fireworks; ammunition and unlicensed firearms (permits required from the Ministry of Interior for legal transfers); compressed gases (butane, propane), petrol, lighter refills; flammable liquids and solvents (paints, thinners); oxidizers and corrosives (bleaches, strong acids/alkalis); radioactive materials and most infectious biological samples; industrial chemicals with UN dangerous-goods classification. Storage operators follow IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and GCAA rules; any item listed in UN hazard classes 1–9 will be refused unless transported with proper documentation and approved packaging through air-freight channels.
Frequently refused or restricted items and practical handling
Loose lithium-ion batteries, swollen or damaged batteries and spare power banks must remain with the traveller as carry-on; storage staff will refuse loose cells and defective packs. Perishable food, live animals, plants, soil, seeds and human or animal remains are refused without specialist permits and certified packaging. High-value items – cash, passports, ID documents, precious stones, bullion, negotiable instruments, professional camera gear and sensitive electronics – are frequently refused for liability reasons; arrange on-person carriage, insured courier service, or declared secure vaulting with written acceptance of declared value. Medical oxygen cylinders and controlled prescription medicines require advance approval and paperwork; any medication transported must be accompanied by prescriptions and original packaging. Items associated with illegal narcotics or suspected theft will be handed to authorities immediately and may result in detention. Fragile, perishable or temperature-sensitive goods are not covered by standard storage insurance and are often refused; use specialised cold-chain or fragile-item carriers instead.
Consequences for non-compliance include seizure, fines, criminal charges and destruction of goods. Always declare doubtful items to storage staff, present supporting permits or safety data sheets for chemicals, and prefer on-person carriage for valuables. For a compact option to protect personal valuables while in transit consider a secure tote such as best travel tote kate middleton and meghan markle. Operators are increasingly adopting analytics and automation to screen declarations and monitor storage areas; more on operational AI tools here: how can a devops team take advantage of artificial intelligence.
How to retrieve baggage, claim procedures and steps if lost or damaged
Report missing or damaged baggage at the airline’s arrivals baggage service desk and obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the terminal; retain the PIR number for all follow-up actions.
1) Immediate actions: visit the airline counter next to the carousel or the dedicated baggage services office, present boarding pass, passport/ID and baggage tag, request a PIR and a written copy; if a counter is closed, contact the airline’s 24/7 baggage hotline and record the reference number and agent name.
2) Required evidence for claims: PIR, boarding pass, passport copy, original baggage tags, clear photos of damage, original purchase receipts or valuations for high-value items, and an itemised inventory with approximate purchase dates and values. Electronic copies must match originals submitted on request.
3) Time limits and liability: under the Montreal Convention, damage claims must be filed within 7 days of receipt; delay or presumed loss claims must be filed within 21 days from the date the item was made available; maximum carrier liability for international carriage is approximately 1,288 SDR per passenger (convert to local currency using prevailing exchange rates).
4) Damage procedure: retain damaged items and original packaging until inspection is completed or the airline authorises disposal; obtain repair estimates from authorised repairers if requested; submit photographs, repair invoices and the PIR. Typical remedies: repair, reasonable replacement or monetary compensation limited by treaty liability.
5) Lost/irretrievable baggage: keep the PIR reference and lodge a written claim on the airline’s official form within 21 days; attach proof of ownership, original receipts where available and the boarding pass; airlines will investigate and may offer interim payments; final settlement requires agreement on declared value or adjudication under applicable rules.
6) Follow-up and escalation: preserve all correspondence and claim reference numbers; escalate unresolved claims to the airline’s customer relations unit, then to the national aviation regulator (GCAA for UAE) or pursue civil remedies–statute of limitations under international carriage rules is generally two years from the date of arrival or scheduled arrival.
| Action | Where to file | Deadline | Documents required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate report (missing/damaged) | Airline baggage desk at arrivals / airline hotline | Before leaving the terminal (obtain PIR) | Boarding pass, passport/ID, baggage tag |
| Damage claim | Airline customer service / online claim form | Within 7 days of receipt | PIR, photos, repair estimates, receipts |
| Delay or loss claim | Airline customer service / online claim form | Within 21 days of the date item was available | PIR, boarding pass, proof of purchase, inventory |
| Escalation | Airline customer relations → GCAA (UAE) or civil court | Within two years for legal action (per international rules) | Full claim file, correspondence, final airline response |
FAQ:
Can I store my bags at Dubai International Airport during a long layover?
Yes. Dubai International offers left-luggage services at its main terminals so passengers can leave suitcases for a few hours or longer. Availability, opening hours and charges differ by terminal and operator, so check the airport website or ask at an information desk on arrival. You will normally need to show ID and keep the claim ticket issued by the desk.
Where exactly are the luggage storage points located at Dubai Airport?
Storage counters are usually located in the arrivals areas of the main terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are the most likely places). Exact positions and service hours can change, so consult the terminal map on the Dubai Airports site or ask staff at an information desk when you arrive. Some terminals also have customer-service kiosks that can point you to the nearest left-luggage desk.
How much does it cost to leave one suitcase for 24 hours at DXB?
Rates vary by terminal, bag size and length of stay. Many users report pay-per-hour and daily pricing structures; a standard checked-size case typically falls into a modest daily rate bracket, while small items may be cheaper and oversized items cost more. Because fees change, contact the left-luggage provider or check the airport’s official pages before you travel to get the current price.
Are there restrictions on what I can leave in airport storage—can I store valuables or batteries?
Certain items are refused by most storage operators: hazardous materials (flammable liquids, explosives, corrosives), perishable goods and items that violate local laws are not accepted. High-value items—cash, jewelry, passports and irreplaceable documents—are best kept with you rather than left in public storage. Lithium batteries and some electronics may have handling rules, so tell the desk about any such items when you drop off your bags. Always keep the storage receipt and present ID when reclaiming items.
Can I leave luggage at Dubai Airport overnight or for several days, and what happens if I lose the claim ticket?
Overnight and multi-day storage is generally allowed; some left-luggage operators permit storage for weeks but there may be maximum retention periods set by the provider. If you lose the claim ticket, report it immediately to the storage desk and provide ID and proof of ownership; staff will follow their verification procedures, which can include a waiting period. For longer-term needs or if you want extra safeguards, consider off-airport storage companies close to the airport or make sure items are insured. Before leaving bags, confirm maximum storage duration, fees for extended stays and the operator’s lost-ticket policy.
