Now that we've tackled the best possible ways to spend a layover in the world's busiest airports, there's the little matter of where to store your bag while out enjoying the sights.
Atlanta (ATL)
The Wrap-A-Bag shops in the airport that were previously offering the service have gone out of business. There are currently no luggage storage services available.
Bangkok (BKK)
Where: Level 2 Arrivals, Level 4 Departures
How much: $3.12 per item for 24 hours
Good to know: There are some curious rules about what not to leave in your checked bags, such as electric razors and perishable goods. Inquire at the counter.
Info at www.bangkokairportonline.com
Beijing (PEK)
Where: Terminal 1 (Corridor to Terminal 2), Terminal 2 arrivals and departures, Terminal 3 (2 locations in arrivals hall)
How much: $3.25-$8.25 per day, depending on bag size
Info www.bcia.com.cn
Charlotte (CLT)
There are no luggage storage services available.
Chicago-O'Hare (ORD)
No luggage storage services are currently available, but a popular get-around is to head over to the Hilton hotel, located walking distance from most terminals, and see if you can't pass off your bags to a friendly-looking bellman.
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
There are no luggage storage services available in the terminal, but some frequent travelers report successfully stowing their things at the on-airport Grand Hyatt hotel – a nice tip to the bellman when you leave your bags usually does the trick.
Denver (DEN)
There are no luggage storage services available.
Dubai (DXB)
Where: Terminals 1 & 3 arrivals level
How much: $5.45-$8.15 for each 12 hour period, depending on bag size
Good to know: Both locations are open 24 hours a day.
Info www.dubai-international-airport.com
Frankfurt (FRA)
Where: Terminal 1 arrivals and departures, Terminal 2 arrivals
How much: $6.10 for up to two hours, $9.50 up to 24 hours.
Good to know: The Terminal 1 location is open 24 hours, the others close at 10pm. Stroller rentals are available at the Terminal 1 arrivals location for around $11 per day.
Info www.frankfurt-airport.com
Hong Kong (HKG)
Where: Level 3 (pre-security), Terminal 2
How much: $1.30 per hour, $15.50 per day, oversized baggage will cost more.
Good to know: The facility is open 5:30am-1:30am
Jakarta (CGK)
Where: Arrivals level, Terminals 1 & 2
How much: $2-$4.25 per day, depending on the size
Good to know: All bags will be screened and stored in a secure, CCTV-monitored facility. Both locations are open 24 hours a day. Paying with credit card costs slightly more than if you pay cash.
Info www.fesindo.com
Las Vegas (LAS)
Where: SmartCarte luggage lockers are located post-security at Terminal 1 (A, B, C Gates), Terminal 3 (D, E Gates)
How much: $2-$3 per hour, daily maximum of $8-$12, depending on locker size (large lockers are available).
Good to know: These are unmanned banks of lockers, located throughout the airport. Items will be removed after 48 hours if unclaimed.
Info www.mccarran.com
London-Heathrow (LHR)
Where: Arrivals level at Terminals 1, 3, 4 & 5
How much: $8 (4 hours), $14.50 (up to 24 hours), long-term available
Good to know: All bags are subject to heavy screening.
Los Angeles (LAX)
Where: LAX Luggage Storage (off-site)
How much: $5-$12 per day depending on bag size
Good to know: This is a private company that picks up bags curbside on demand (red curbs, outside every terminal) and delivers them when you need them back. It may sound slightly risky, but plenty of travelers use them without incident. Still, be aware that they'll likely ask you to pay cash; as with any storage service, it's also a good idea to keep your valuables with you during your layover.
Info www.laxluggagestorage.com
New York (JFK)
Where: Arrivals level, Terminal 1, 4 and 8
How much: $4-16 (Terminal 1, 4) $8-$22 per day (Terminal 8)
Good to know: In classic JFK style, the process can be a little confusing – the airport officially states that only one location (Terminal 1) is currently in operation. However, as of November 2013, all three facilities were up and running. It's important to note that they do keep different hours. Terminal 1 operates 7am-11pm, Terminal 4 24 hours a day and Terminal 8 6am-10pm. Excellent idea: Call a few days in advance of your trip and re-confirm hours, pricing and location.
Info (718) 751-2947 (Terminal 1), (718) 995-9292 (Terminal 8), (718) 751-4020 (Terminal 4).
Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Where: Train station level, in front of the Sheraton Hotel
How much: $8.13 per piece for 6 hours, $16.26 for 12 hours, $20.32 for 24 hours
Good to know: Open 6am-9:30pm only. Luggage will be screened. Allow plenty of time to pick up and drop off; this is a very popular service.
Phoenix (PHX)
There are no luggage storage services available.
San Francisco (SFO)
Where: Airport Travel Agency, International Terminal, pre-security
How much: $12-$20 per day, larger items will cost more
Good to know: This is not a 24-hour service – check hours to make sure they're open when you return. All bags are screened prior to acceptance.
Info www.airporttravelagency.org
Singapore Changi (SIN)
Where: Multiple locations pre- and post-security in Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
How much: $0.85-$6.59 for first 24 hours, $1.71-$8.54 each 24 hours thereafter
Good to know: Available 24 hours daily.
Tokyo-Narita (NRT)
Where: Terminal 1 Arrivals, Terminal 2 Arrivals and Departure
How much: $2.95-$7.89 per day
Good to know: All locations close at 10pm daily.
Images of Atlanta, Bangkok, Beijing, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Phoenix, San Francisco, Singapore, and Tokyo via Shutterstock
