What to Do With Your Luggage During a Layover?

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with a bulky suitcase when you face a long layover and can’t check it through, there’s an answer.

Major international airports, including some of the busiest like London Heathrow, Shanghai Pudong International, and Tokyo International, offer luggage storage services for travelers looking to ditch their bags while they wait for their next flight. Storage periods range from just a few hours to over a week and are typically charged per hour or per item.

The United States is a different story. After 2001, luggage storage lockers were removed from the majority of US airports due to safety concerns. While some hubs have reintroduced their own storage solutions, like LAX Luggage Storage at Los Angeles International or 

JFK T4 Storage at the international arrivals terminal at JFK, many no longer offer the service. 

Related: Apple and Airlines Team Up to Track Lost Luggage

However, US travelers are not without luggage storage options. Private companies like  Bounce Luggage Storage, LuggageHero, Stasher, and Nannybag will store your bags for you at any of their numerous locations around the country. While these storage spots are not housed within the airports, there are usually multiple bag-drop locations in close range to popular hubs. Just be aware that you will have to leave the airport to drop off and pick up your bags, so these services are best used for overnight connections or layovers long enough to explore the city. 

There are luggage storage options for train travelers and long-haul bus riders as well. Amtrak offers Amtrak Baggage services at several of its stations and major train lines around the world offer similar services—like TrenItalia’s luggage storage facility or the luggage lockers available at Japan’s bus stops, airports, and rail stations.