Stuck with Bags at LAX? Here’s Your Lifesaver
You know that feeling when you’ve just landed at LAX with hours to kill before your connection, or maybe you checked out of your Airbnb but don’t fly until tonight? There you are, dragging your suitcase around like a ball and chain, unable to properly enjoy those precious hours in sunny Los Angeles.
Been there, done that. And let me tell you—figuring out where to stash your bags at one of America’s busiest airports shouldn’t require a detective’s license.
Last summer, my flight landed at 7 AM, but I couldn’t check into my hotel until 3 PM. Did I want to drag my massive suitcase around Santa Monica for 8 hours? Hard pass. That’s when I discovered the luggage storage solutions at LAX that literally saved my day—and my back!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about storing luggage at LAX in 2025, including prices, locations, alternatives, and some insider tips that’ll make your LAX experience significantly smoother.
Quick Takeaways:
- LAX offers both in-terminal luggage storage and nearby third-party options
- Prices typically range from $12-20 per bag for 24 hours
- You can book most storage options in advance online
- Some hotels near LAX will store bags even if you’re not a guest (I’ll share which ones!)
LAX Luggage Storage Options: What’s Available in 2025
1. LAX Luggage Storage Center (Terminal B)
The official LAX Luggage Storage facility is located in Terminal B (International Terminal) on the Lower/Arrivals Level. It’s open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM, which covers most flight schedules.
Pricing:
- Small items (backpacks, carry-ons): $12 for 24 hours
- Medium suitcases: $15 for 24 hours
- Large luggage: $18 for 24 hours
- Oversized items: $25 for 24 hours
What I love about this option is that they accept walk-ins, but here’s a pro tip: book ahead online. During peak travel seasons (summer and holidays), this place fills up fast. I’ve seen the disappointment on travelers’ faces when they arrive with bags only to find “no vacancy” signs.
The staff here is surprisingly friendly for airport employees—they’ve seen it all and can help you figure out the best storage option for your specific needs.
2. Luggage Heroes (Multiple Locations Near LAX)
If you’re planning to explore areas around LAX, Luggage Heroes has partnered with local shops and hotels to offer convenient drop-off points.
I used their Century Boulevard location last year when I had a 9-hour layover and wanted to visit Venice Beach. The drop-off process took literally 3 minutes, and pickup was just as simple.
Pricing:
- Hourly rate: $1.25 per hour per bag
- Daily maximum: $8.50 per bag
- Insurance included up to $3,000
Their pricing model is perfect for shorter layovers since you only pay for the exact time your bags are stored. You can book through their website or app, which shows you real-time availability at each location.
3. Bounce Luggage Storage
Bounce has several partner locations within a mile radius of LAX, including some that offer 24/7 service—a lifesaver for those red-eye flights.
What sets Bounce apart is their straightforward pricing:
Pricing:
- Flat rate: $5.90 per item per 24 hours
Their app includes photos of each location, so you know exactly where you’re going. I found this particularly helpful when navigating the maze of businesses around LAX. Last time I used them, I stored my bags at a hotel lobby near the airport—didn’t even have to be a guest!
For larger items like sports equipment, you’ll want to check the specific location’s size limitations in advance.
A Real-Life LAX Luggage Storage Story (That Could Be You)
Last September, my flight from Denver landed at LAX at 10:30 AM, but my connecting international flight to Tokyo wasn’t until 11:45 PM. Thirteen hours of layover time—a nightmare with luggage, but potentially amazing without it!
I’d done my research (much like you’re doing now) and pre-booked storage with Bounce. After landing, I took the free shuttle to the LAX City Bus Center, walked two blocks to my storage location (a small business center), and dropped off my two checked bags and carry-on.
The whole process took maybe 20 minutes, including the shuttle ride. Suddenly, I was free! Instead of being tethered to the airport, I hopped on the Flyaway bus to Santa Monica, spent the day at the beach, grabbed dinner at In-N-Out (a must!), and still made it back with plenty of time for my flight.
The cost? About $18 for all three bags—less than what I would have spent on airport food if I’d stayed put. That day went from being a dreaded long layover to becoming one of my favorite parts of the trip!
What About Hotel Luggage Storage?
If you’re staying at a hotel near LAX before or after your flight, most will store your luggage for free on your check-in or check-out day. But what about if you’re not a guest?
Here’s a little-known secret: some LAX-area hotels will store your bags for a small fee even if you’re not staying there. These currently include:
- Hyatt Regency LAX: $10 per bag for non-guests
- Crowne Plaza LAX: $5-8 per bag depending on size
- H Hotel Los Angeles: $15 flat fee for up to 2 bags
Always call ahead to confirm their current policy and availability, as these can change.
DIY Storage Lockers at LAX?
Unlike some international airports, LAX doesn’t currently offer self-service storage lockers within the terminals. This is primarily due to security concerns following 9/11, when many US airports removed storage lockers.
There have been rumors about self-service lockers coming back to LAX as part of their ongoing modernization efforts, but as of April 2025, none have been installed.
Storing Special Items: What About Surfboards, Bikes, or Oversized Luggage?
Coming to LA for the waves or planning to bike around the city? Specialized equipment often comes with specialized storage needs.
Most standard luggage storage services can accommodate surfboards under 7 feet, but you’ll pay a premium. For example, the LAX Luggage Storage Center charges $30 for surfboards, while Bounce has specific partner locations that accept sports equipment.
For bicycle storage, your best bet is Bikes & Hikes LA, located about 15 minutes from LAX. They offer daily bike storage for $10 and can even arrange rentals if you’re looking to explore LA on two wheels.
Key Considerations When Choosing LAX Luggage Storage
When deciding where to store your bags, ask yourself:
- How long do you need storage? For short periods, hourly rates might be cheaper.
- Will you need to access your bags during storage? Some services allow multiple access, others don’t.
- How far are you willing to travel from the airport? On-site is convenient but typically more expensive.
- What’s your budget? Prices can vary significantly between services.
- What time will you need to pick up your items? Not all storage options are 24/7.
Security Concerns: Is Your Stuff Safe?
It’s natural to worry about leaving your belongings with strangers. All the storage options I’ve listed use security measures like tamper-proof seals, CCTV monitoring, and secure storage areas.
That said, there are a few precautions I always take:
- Never store valuables like jewelry, expensive electronics, or important documents.
- Take photos of your bags before dropping them off.
- Keep your receipt in a safe place (and take a photo of it too).
- Make sure the storage provider offers insurance (most do, but coverage limits vary).
In my dozen-plus times using luggage storage services around the world, I’ve never had an issue. These businesses rely on their reputation, and a single theft could destroy them in this age of online reviews.
Planning Ahead: Booking Your LAX Luggage Storage
While most services accept walk-ins, I strongly recommend booking in advance, especially during:
- Summer months (June-August)
- Major holidays
- Weekends
- Special events in LA
Booking ahead not only guarantees availability but often comes with discounts. For example, Bounce offers 10% off when you book 24+ hours in advance.
Most services have easy-to-use apps or websites where you can make reservations, see exact locations, and read reviews from other travelers.
Essential Luggage Storage Tips for LAX Travelers
- Factor in travel time – If you’re storing bags off-site, remember to account for LA traffic when planning your return to the airport.
- Check operating hours – Not all storage locations operate 24/7, so confirm their hours align with your flight schedule.
- Consider package deals – Some storage providers offer packages that include airport transfers or city tours.
- Look for promo codes – Search online for current discount codes before booking.
- Bring ID – Most luggage storage services require photo identification.
Popular Activities During LAX Layovers (Once You’re Luggage-Free!)
Now that you’re not lugging around your suitcase, what can you do during your layover? Here are some popular options based on layover length:
3-4 Hour Layover:
- Manhattan Beach (15 min Uber)
- In-N-Out Burger plane spotting location (5 min shuttle)
- Dockweiler Beach (10 min Uber)
5-8 Hour Layover:
- Santa Monica Pier (25-40 min, depending on traffic)
- Venice Beach (30-45 min)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame (35-50 min)
8+ Hour Layover:
- Disneyland (45-60 min)
- Universal Studios (30-50 min)
- Downtown LA Arts District (25-40 min)
Just remember to give yourself at least 2 hours to get back to LAX, retrieve your luggage, and clear security before your next flight. LA traffic is notoriously unpredictable!
The Future of Luggage Storage at LAX
As part of LAX’s ongoing $14 billion modernization program, there are plans to improve luggage storage options throughout the airport. The new automated people mover (scheduled to be fully operational by late 2025) will connect all terminals to a central facility that may include expanded luggage storage services.
For now, though, the options I’ve outlined are your best bet for hassle-free luggage storage at LAX.
Useful Travel Accessories for Luggage Storage
If you regularly find yourself needing luggage storage during travels, these accessories from Amazon might be worth considering:
- Portable luggage scale – Avoid surprise overweight fees when reclaiming your stored luggage
- TSA-approved luggage locks – Add extra security to your stored bags
- Packable daypack – Keep essentials with you while your main luggage is in storage
Final Thoughts: Storing Luggage at LAX Doesn’t Have to Be a Headache
LAX may be massive and sometimes overwhelming, but luggage storage doesn’t have to add to your stress. With options ranging from official airport facilities to app-based services and hotel storage, there’s a solution for every budget and schedule.
My personal recommendation? Book something in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons. The peace of mind is worth it, and the freedom to explore LA without dragging your bags around is priceless.
Have you used luggage storage at LAX? Or do you have questions about a specific luggage situation? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your experiences or help you plan your LAX layover!
Safe travels and enjoy those luggage-free hours in the City of Angels!
This guide was last updated in April 2025. Prices and details may change, so it’s always good to double-check with service providers before your trip.
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