Can you store luggage at manchester airport

Official operator: Excess Baggage Company runs counters serving MAN terminals. Typical desk locations are in landside arrivals and the departures concourse – consult the terminal map for exact points. Operating hours vary by terminal; expect openings from early morning until around 22:00 with some terminals offering extended coverage. Bring a valid photo ID and booking confirmation; allow 10–20 minutes for drop‑off procedures.

Pricing and booking: Typical tariffs run about £6–£12 for a small bag for 24 hours; larger items generally cost £10–£20 per day. Short‑term, hourly options from third‑party providers commonly fall in the £2–£6 per hour range. Online pre‑booking often provides 10–30% discounts and includes basic insurance (usually between £500 and £2,000). Accepted payments: card and contactless; print or save the receipt.

Security and practical tips: Choose the official counter when priority is CCTV coverage and sealed, monitored storage. For lower rates or long stays, use off‑site vendors within a 1–2 mile radius that offer photographed handover, tamper‑evident seals and clear insurance terms. Remove passports, cash and electronics from any deposited item; photograph contents and retain the booking receipt.

Timing and contingencies: For early or late departures confirm 24/7 availability before booking; if no in‑terminal option exists, reserve an off‑site provider with extended hours or use nearby station lockers. Check operator websites for live availability, exact prices, allowed item dimensions and cancellation terms prior to arrival.

Short-term baggage holding at MAN terminals

Use the official left-baggage desk inside Terminal 1 for temporary deposits; pre-booking by phone or web reduces queue time and may secure better rates.

Quick practical rules

Most counters accept single items up to approx. 25–30 kg and dimensions near 80×50×40 cm; oversized freight requires collection services. Identification is required for check-in and collection. Do not hand over valuables such as cash, passports or jewellery without declaring them–declared high-value items often need a signed inventory and extra fee. Keep the receipt; providers generally require it for release, and it’s the basis for any compensation claim.

Packing and insurance recommendations

Photograph contents and attach a printed inventory to the exterior. Remove perishables and lithium batteries when possible. Insure high-value items separately or request higher declared value at check-in; standard liability often under £300. Retain digital and paper receipts until collection confirmation is received. For items needed during transit, use a small carry bag labelled with contact details.

Locations of official baggage storage points inside each terminal

Use official left-baggage counters located landside in each terminal’s arrivals and ground-transport zones for secure short-term holding of bags and personal items.

Terminal 1

Counter positioned in the Arrivals hall on the ground level, immediately beside the main exit toward the short-stay car parks and taxi rank. Follow signage for “Left Baggage” or “Baggage Services” near the Information Desk. The staffed desk is landside (pre-security); trolley access and lifts are adjacent for large or heavy items.

Terminal 2 & Terminal 3

Terminal 2: Official point sits landside along the check-in/arrivals corridor close to the public-transport interchange and car park entrance; a bank of self-service lockers in the short-stay car park often provides an alternative when the desk is unstaffed. Terminal 3: Main counter located in the arrivals/ground-transport area beside the central Information Desk and the train/Metrolink entrance; short-term lockers may be available in the adjacent car park. If a staffed counter is closed, follow terminal signage to the nearest official operator or ask the information desk for current availability and booking links.

Operational details: All official points issue itemised receipts, accept card payments, apply time-based tariffs (charged per item and by 24‑hour blocks), enforce size/weight limits and prohibit hazardous or perishable goods; longer-term deposits typically require advance booking. For up-to-the-minute opening hours, pricing and online reservations contact the terminal information desk or consult the official terminal web pages before arrival.

Opening hours and whether pre-booking is required

Use the terminal baggage desks during their core operating window–typically 05:00–22:00 daily for the official counters in each terminal; specific desks may open later or close earlier during quiet periods and on public holidays, so verify the terminal-level timetable before travel.

Pre-booking is not mandatory for standard drop-offs; most operators accept walk-ins while space is available. Reserve online when arrival is outside core hours, for oversized items, for holds longer than 72 hours, or to guarantee a slot during peak travel days (bank holidays, summer school breaks).

If planning a late-night or very early arrival, arrange a pre-booked service or use rail-station lockers at Piccadilly (24/7) as an alternative; bookings typically provide a QR/confirmation number and reduce queue time. Bring a photo ID for each deposit and confirm opening/closing cut-off times for same-day collections–most desks stop accepting new deposits 30–60 minutes before closing.

Check the operator’s live status and cancellation/after-hours protocols on the provider’s website on the day of travel; fees often rise for oversized items, holds beyond seven days, and out-of-hours collections. If unsure, call the terminal desk ahead of arrival to avoid rejected drop-offs.

Pricing, payment methods and maximum storage durations

Prefer official left-baggage desks at MAN terminals: common tariffs are approximately £6 for up to 3 hours, £10–£12 for a 24‑hour period and roughly £6–£8 for each additional 24‑hour block per item; many operators cap retention at 30 days for standard bookings.

Accepted payments: contactless (Visa/Mastercard), chip & PIN, Apple Pay/Google Pay at most counters; cash acceptance varies by terminal and may be limited to smaller offices. Online pre-booking (Excess Baggage Company or third‑party providers) usually requires card payment and can reduce the per‑day rate by around 10–20%. Self‑service lockers, where present, normally accept contactless only and issue an electronic receipt with a code.

Size, weight and special items: per‑item weight limits commonly set at 32 kg; linear dimensions above ~150 cm attract an oversize surcharge (typical range £10–£30 depending on excess). Valuables and fragile items require declaration; declared‑value limits for liability are low (often £50–£250) unless separate insurance is purchased. Bulk or commercial consignments face bespoke pricing.

Maximum retention and consequences of non‑collection: standard maximum about 30 days; longer‑term solutions (up to 90 days or more) are available via off‑site storage firms at higher daily rates. Uncollected items after the agreed period are treated as abandoned and may be disposed of or sold; late‑collection fees calculated per day usually equal the daily rate. For stronger cases and packing advice before deposit, see best luggage sets usa.

Size, weight and items not permitted for storage

Acceptable automated locker dimensions: 60 × 35 × 50 cm; maximum locker weight: 15 kg. Staffed left-baggage counters normally accept single items up to 85 × 55 × 40 cm and 32 kg. Oversize/long items (golf clubs, skis, bikes, surfboards, large musical instruments exceeding 150 cm length) require advance arrangement and attract an oversize surcharge; freight-style items may be refused if not pre-booked.

Prohibited and strictly restricted items

Explosives and incendiaries (fireworks, ammunition) – absolute prohibition. Flammable liquids and gases (petrol, lighter refills, aerosol paint) – not accepted. Corrosives, oxidisers, radioactive materials and toxic chemicals – refused. Firearms and replica weapons – generally refused unless fully declared with licences and prior operator approval; ammunition almost never accepted. Live animals and perishable foods – not accepted by most left-baggage services. Cash, bullion, high-value jewellery, passports and irreplaceable documents – strongly discouraged and often excluded from liability cover. Illegal substances and stolen goods – refused and subject to seizure.

Lithium batteries and power banks: loose lithium cells and power banks are commonly refused; devices with installed batteries are usually accepted if terminals are insulated and battery capacity does not exceed 100 Wh. Batteries above 100 Wh require prior approval and may be refused.

Packing, declaration and liability

Seal liquids in leakproof containers, pad fragile items, and use sturdy cases for sports equipment. Label contents and attach contact details. Photograph items before delivery. Declare any single item whose value exceeds the operator’s basic liability limit; declared-value cover is often available for an additional fee (examples: typical uninsured liability ≈ £25–£50 per item; declared-value cover commonly ranges from £50 up to several hundred pounds for a surcharge). Items not declared or incorrectly packed risk refusal, confiscation or reduced compensation.

Always consult the left-baggage operator’s published terms, pre-book for oversize or high-value items, and consider separate insurance for anything of significant monetary or sentimental value.

Step-by-step drop-off and collection procedure with ID requirements

Present a valid photo ID and the booking/receipt at the official left-baggage desk inside the relevant terminal before handing over items.

1. Drop-off – arrival and verification

   • Approach the staffed desk or self-service locker zone and declare number of items and type (suitcase, box, musical instrument).
   • Staff will inspect external condition, measure dimensions and attach a tamper-evident tag with a unique barcode. Do not remove tags after issue.
   • Original photo ID is checked against the name on the booking. Acceptable forms:
     • Passport (any nationality)
     • UK photocard driving licence
     • EU/EEA national identity card
     • Biometric residence permit
     • Military ID (with photo)
   • Photocopies, screenshots or expired documents are not accepted. Digital images of ID are rejected unless explicitly allowed and verified by staff.

2. Drop-off – payment and documentation

   • Payment processes at the point of handover; a printed receipt with a barcode or unique reference is issued. Keep that receipt until collection.
   • If a third party pays, the recipient still must present the same photo ID used at check-in or provide written authorisation (see third-party collection rules).

3. Collection – required items and procedure

   • Present the original receipt/barcode and the same photo ID shown at drop-off. Staff scan the barcode and release tagged item(s).
   • If the original ID is unavailable, release requires two different original photo IDs plus completion of a verification form; an administration fee can be charged.
   • Collections outside the stated collection window incur additional storage fees as set by the provider; fees are settled before release.

4. Third-party collection

   • A third party collecting on behalf of the registrant must present:
     1. Original photo ID of the collector
     2. Original photo ID of the registrant or a certified photocopy
     3. A signed, dated written authorisation from the registrant including the booking/reference number and a photocopy of the registrant’s ID
   • Without all three items, release can be refused or delayed until further verification is completed.

5. Lost receipt or disputed identity

   • Report loss at the desk immediately. Staff will require two original photo IDs and completion of a declaration form; fee for administration and additional checks may apply.
   • Payments used for the original transaction (card details) can speed verification if the same card is presented at collection.

6. Security and handling notes

   • Items are held in a secure, monitored store and assigned a barcode-linked holding location; do not accept offsite collection offers from third parties without written proof.
   • Fragile items should be declared and packed appropriately; staff will note fragility on the receipt but are not liable for pre-existing damage unless recorded at drop-off.

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Nearby private lockers, station options and luggage-storage apps

Use app-based networks (Stasher, Radical Storage, Bounce, LuggageHero, Nannybag) for fastest coverage around terminals and main rail hubs – reserve a slot 12–48 hours ahead during peak travel or event weekends.

• App-by-app snapshot
  • Stasher – typical rate £6–£9 per item/day; partner shops and hotels, standard insurance often £1,000–£2,500 per booking; card and Apple/Google Pay accepted; cancellation usually free up to 24 hrs.
  • Radical Storage – normally £5–£7/day; many 24/7 hosts listed but actual 24/7 access varies by location; booking yields QR drop-off voucher and partner address.
  • Bounce – prices commonly £5–£8/day with hourly options in some locations; public reviews useful for host reliability; insurance coverage included in price tiers.
  • LuggageHero – model frequently £1/hour with daily caps (~£8–£10); useful for short transits; items insured and weighed into policy limits on request.
  • Nannybag / CityStasher – similar pricing to Stasher; some hosts impose size/weight limits or restrict access times – check host rules before booking.
• Rail-station alternatives
  • Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Victoria often list partner storage or left‑luggage services on National Rail station pages; availability varies between automated lockers, manned desks and app partners – confirm on the station website before travel.
  • Self-service lockers (where still present) accept coins/cards and impose max dimensions; typical locker sizes: small (35×30×20 cm), medium (50×40×35 cm), large (80×40×35 cm). Expect higher fees for large units and no-host liability beyond operator policy.
  • Station concierges at major terminals sometimes accept drops for short periods at a premium rate – best for tight transfer windows when shops are closed.
• Private locker kiosks near terminals
  • Several private locker operators place automated units in car-park or hotel forecourts near terminals; these charge per 24‑hour block or by hour – typical band £6–£15/day depending on size and site demand.
  • Machines accept cards and contactless; receipts include locker number and PIN/QR. No third‑party insurance in many cases – photo items before deposit for evidence in disputes.
• Security & insurance checklist
  • Confirm insurance limit and exclusions in the app/host terms; photographic proof of contents recommended at drop-off.
  • High‑value items (jewellery, cash, original documents, fragile electronics) frequently excluded or require declaration and additional fee – keep high-value items on person if possible.
  • Prefer hosts with CCTV, staffed premises or tamper‑evident sealing; read recent host reviews for theft/claim reports.
• Booking and pick-up practicalities
  1. Search by terminal name or nearest station in the app rather than generic city name to get closest results.
  2. Book and pay in-app to receive QR/drop-off code and partner address; screenshot reservation and bring booking reference to collection.
  3. Bring photo ID if requested; some partners require a matching ID at collection while others release on booking reference alone – check host policy before drop.
  4. Photograph zippers/locks and tag items with phone number. For fragile items, confirm handling rules; some hosts refuse breakables.
• Pricing benchmarks & sizing advice
  • Expect small bag/day ~£4–£9; medium suitcase/day ~£8–£15; oversized items or sports equipment higher.
  • Compare hourly vs daily pricing if transit under 6 hours – hourly often cheaper for short waits, daily caps better for >24 hours.
  • When in doubt, use a compact daypack for essentials; recommended option: best herschel backpack.

Final operational tips: verify host hours against planned arrival, keep booking confirmation accessible offline, and avoid leaving prohibited items (flammables, batteries above airline limits, controlled substances). Booking early and picking hosts with positive reviews reduces pickup delays and claim complications.