John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the main airport in NYC and one of the most important and busiest aviation hubs in the U.S. and the world. Welcoming millions of passengers, JFK features all the necessary services and amenities to ensure a smooth and pleasant travel experience, including luggage storage facilities. Baggage storage is essential for travelers with long layovers who want to leave the airport, business travelers who have to attend meetings, and passengers with early morning or late night flights. Are you looking for the available JFK airport luggage storage options? Looking for a safe place to keep your bags? Check out the various JFK bag storage services to make your travel hassle-free.
The JFK Bag Storage Options
New York Airport features six terminals. However, only two of them house baggage storage facilities. Hence, if you are looking for the available JFK airport bag storage options, you’ll find two services, one located at terminal 1 and the other situated at the vast terminal 4. That being said, there are no lockers inside the JFK complex.
JFK Luggage Storage at Terminal 1
A Smarte Carte Baggage Storage facility can be found at terminal 1. It is located on the Arrivals level, on the terminal’s ground floor. It is open from 07:00 am to 10:00 pm, providing safe and efficient services to passengers arriving or departing from that JFK terminal.
JFK Luggage Storage at Terminal 4
Terminal 4 also houses a JFK bag storage service. The Smarte Carte Baggage Storage lies at the Arrivals hall of terminal 4 and offers its services around the clock. Thus, no matter the hour of the day or the day of the week, travelers can securely store their luggage at terminal 4.
Both options provide side amenities. Thus, the Smarte Carte JFK bag storage facilities sell various items, which can be highly convenient during travel. In detail, passengers can purchase boxes, bags, tape, and locks. Moreover, bubble wrap and bag wrap are also available.
Luggage Storage at JFK: Fares and Prices
The luggage storage fees vary depending on the size of the item. A bag with a size between 0” and 32” (81cm) comes with a $25/€23,80 fee while storing luggage larger than 32″ (81 cm) costs $35/€33,40. Please note that prices are per item and for 24 hours. Therefore, reservations can’t be made by the hour.
You can store your luggage at JFK Airport for up to 48 hours.
You can pay for your storage fees using cash or debit/credit cards. Mobile payments are also accepted. Passengers must pay the full storage rate when dropping off their bags at either of the JFK airport luggage storage facilities.
Our Tip: If you want to ensure availability, you can make a reservation before arriving at New York Airport. If you plan to book your luggage storage services in advance, you should keep in mind that reservations can be made up to 72 hours before your arrival.
JFK Bag Storage: Restrictions and Guidelines
If you want to drop off your luggage at JFK Airport, you should pack it properly. Indeed, the facility’s staff will search your baggage for any prohibited or dangerous items. Therefore, you can’t store your bags if they contain firearms, any kind of alcohol, flammable materials, or easily spoiled items. Moreover, all bags submitted must be locked, and you’ll be required to present an identification document (ID or passport), along with a valid boarding pass.
Luggage Storage Options Beyond JFK
Aren’t you interested in using the Smarte Carte facilities at JFK Airport? While they are known for their quality, they are available only at terminals 1 and 4, making them somewhat inconvenient for passengers arriving or departing from other terminals. So, what other alternatives are there for JFK airport baggage storage?
To begin with, you’ll find several off-airport baggage storage facilities within proximity to the JFK premises. Although this option isn’t completely hassle-free, as you’ll need to leave the airport and head to the storage facility, it offers flexibility and often lower rates. On the other hand, the JFK airport hotel (TWA Hotel), located adjacent to terminal 5, also provides bag storage services. Lastly, if you’re visiting New York and don’t mind carrying your luggage during your ride from the airport, you’ll find numerous lockers across the city where you can conveniently store your bags.
Stella Dimitriadou
Travel Blogger
Hi, I’m Stella, a travel enthusiast, airport aficionado, and a proud mom of twins, writing from the beautiful city of Thessaloniki, Greece. My love for exploring the world starts right at the airport — where every journey begins!