London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the UK’s busiest airport and one of the world’s largest international hubs, handling over 80 million passengers annually across four terminals (T2, T3, T4, T5). Navigating Heathrow’s baggage services can be overwhelming, from storage and lost property to the new 2026 liquid rules.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about baggage at London Heathrow in 2026: storage prices and locations, lost and found procedures, the new CT scanner liquid rules, terminal-specific baggage facilities, customs allowances, and tips to make your journey smoother.
Source: All information in this article is sourced from the official Heathrow Airport website (heathrow.com) and verified service providers as of August 2026. Prices and policies can change without notice.
Quick Answer
- Baggage storage: 10 (3 hrs), 15 (24 hrs) — all terminals, 05:00–23:00
- No self-service lockers: All storage is staffed (Excess Baggage Company)
- Baggage wrapping: From 21 (basic) to 25 (ultra with 3,000 cover)
- Lost property: lhr.lostandfoundsoftware.com, 0–25 fee, held 3 months
- Hand baggage limit: 2 items, max 56 x 45 x 25 cm each
- Liquids (2026): Up to 2 litres per container (100ml limit scrapped January 2026)
- Laptops: No need to remove at security (new CT scanners)
- Power banks: Cabin only, never in hold, max 100 Wh
- Porter service: 35 per trolley (up to 8 bags), all terminals 06:00–21:00
- Baggage reclaim wait: 20–30 min (short-haul), 35–50 min (long-haul)
- UK customs (non-EU): 390 of goods, 200 cigarettes, 4L spirits
- Minimum connection: 60 min same terminal, 90 min inter-terminal (single ticket)
Disclaimer: Prices and policies are subject to change. This guide was last verified on August 28, 2026. Always confirm current information before travel.
London Heathrow Baggage Storage Services
Heathrow offers staffed baggage storage in all four terminals, operated by the Excess Baggage Company. There are no self-service lockers at Heathrow.
Source: Heathrow Left Luggage
Storage Prices
| Duration | Price Per Item |
| 0–3 hours | 10 |
| 3–24 hours | 15 |
| 24–48 hours | 27.50 |
| 48–72 hours | 40 |
| After 72 hours | 12.50 per additional day |
| After 7 days | 10 per day |
Storage Locations and Hours
| Terminal | Location | Hours |
| T2 | Arrivals main concourse | 05:00–23:00 |
| T3 | Arrivals main concourse (near car hire desks) | 05:00–23:00 |
| T4 | Arrivals main concourse (mezzanine level available) | 05:00–23:00 |
| T5 | Arrivals (UK arrivals end) | 05:00–23:00 |
Key Details
- No self-service lockers at Heathrow — all storage is staffed
- Maximum storage period: 90 days
- 32 kg weight limit per bag (same as airline check-in)
- Bags are security-screened before storage
- Photo ID may be required for collection
- Pre-booking available through Excess Baggage Company website (saves time at peak hours)
- Peak times: 05:00–09:00 (morning arrivals wave) and 16:00–19:00 (afternoon peak)
Third-Party Alternatives (Near Airport)
| Provider | Price | Locations |
| Bounce | From 1.95/day | 570+ locations |
| LuggageHero | From 1.49/hour or 4.90/day | 250+ locations |
| Stasher | From 1.49/day | 640+ locations |
| Radical Storage | From 1.90/day | 800+ locations |
| Nannybag | From 2.50/day | 400+ locations |
Note: Third-party providers are located at hotels and shops near the airport perimeter (bus/taxi ride from terminals), but offer significantly lower rates for multi-day storage.
Baggage Wrapping Services
Baggage wrapping is available in all terminals at both departures (before security) and arrivals.
| Service | Price | Includes |
| Basic Wrap | 21 | Tamper-proof protection only |
| Classic Wrap | 23 | 1,500 baggage liability protection + luggage tracking |
| Ultra Wrap | 25 | 3,000 baggage liability protection + luggage tracking |
| 2 items wrapped together | 35 | No baggage liability protection |
- Protects against germs and bacteria
- Ultra-resistant shield for enhanced travel hygiene
- Tamper-proof material deters theft
- Packing services for oversized items also available
Lost and Found Baggage at Heathrow
For Checked Luggage (Delayed/Lost by Airline)
1. Report immediately at airline deskin baggage reclaim hall. Request a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) — this is your reference number.
2. Track through WorldTracersystem on your airline’s website.
3. Most delayed bags reunited within 24–72 hours.
4. After 21 days, bag is formally classed as lost under Montreal Convention.
5. Airlines liableup to approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (~1,300).
For Items Lost in Terminal
| Detail | Information |
| Operator | Smarte Carte UK Ltd |
| Online database | lhr.lostandfoundsoftware.com |
| Phone (UK) | +44 (0)844 824 3115 (7p/min) |
| Phone (international) | +44 (0)20 3761 1800 |
| Main office | Underground walkway by Heathrow Express station (between T2 and T3) |
| Second office | Terminal 5 arrivals |
| Phone hours | 7 days/week, 09:30–16:30 |
| Items held for | 3 months from date found |
| Service fee | 0–25 per item (no charge for children’s soft toys) |
Important: Items left ON THE AIRCRAFT must be reported to your airline directly, not Heathrow lost property.
Baggage Reclaim Information
Terminal-Specific Reclaim Halls
| Terminal | Location | Notable Features |
| T2 | Landside arrivals, signposted from immigration | T2A and T2B passengers both clear in main T2 hall |
| T3 | Landside arrivals, signposted from immigration | Shares central terminal area with T2; separate halls |
| T4 | Landside arrivals, signposted from immigration | South side of airport, own site |
| T5 | Landside arrivals in T5A | Longest gate-to-hall walk (10–15 min including transit train from T5B/T5C) |
Expected Wait Times
| Flight Type | First Bags | Last Bags |
| Short-haul European | 20–30 min | 40–50 min |
| Long-haul international | 35–50 min | 60+ min |
| UK domestic | 15–25 min | 30–40 min |
| Long-haul at peak (full wide-body) | 45–60 min | 75+ min |
- Information screens above carousels show flight numbers and assigned carousel
- Some large long-haul flights split across two carousels at peak
- Oversized items (skis, golf bags, surfboards, mobility equipment) come out at separate oversized belt
- Pushchairs tagged at gate usually come out at main carousel (not aircraft door)
- Free trolleys available throughout baggage reclaim halls
Baggage Trolleys
- Free baggage trolleys available throughout baggage reclaim halls
- Available at all four terminals
- Used to move luggage from reclaim to customs and exit
- No deposit required
- Available near carousels and throughout arrivals areas
Transit Baggage Rules at Heathrow
Single-Ticket Connections (Protected)
- Bags are through-checked to final destination as default
- Stay airside following purple Flight Connections signs
- No need to collect bags at Heathrow (unless final destination)
- All connecting passengers must go through security again
- Large electrical items and liquids (up to 2 litres) can remain in cabin baggage
Separate Tickets (Self-Transfer)
- Must clear UK Border Force
- Must collect checked bags at baggage reclaim
- Must exit landside
- Must re-check bags and clear security for next flight
- BA recommends minimum 4 hours between separate tickets
- No airline protection if you miss connection
Minimum Connection Times
| Connection Type | Official MCT | Recommended |
| Same terminal (single ticket) | 60 minutes | 90+ minutes |
| Inter-terminal (single ticket) | 90 minutes | 2+ hours |
| Separate tickets | None (3–4 hours practical) | 4+ hours |
Heathrow Security Baggage Rules (2026 Update)
Heathrow completed a 1 billion CT scanner upgrade across all terminals in January 2026. This is a major change for travellers.
Source: Heathrow Hand Baggage
New Liquids Rules (January 2026)
| Rule | Old | New (2026) |
| Liquid container size | 100 ml maximum | 2 litres maximum |
| Plastic bag required | Yes | No |
| Remove laptops from bag | Yes | No |
| Remove liquids from bag | Yes | No |
Important note: These new rules apply only to flights departing from Heathrow. If connecting through other airports, those airports’ rules apply (many still enforce 100 ml limit).
Current Hand Baggage Policy
- Maximum 2 items of hand baggage
- Size limit: 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (22 in x 18 in x 10 in)
- Items larger must be checked as hold luggage
- Size gauges available at check-in
Liquids Still Restricted
- Explosive or flammable liquids: Prohibited entirely
- Toxic liquids: Prohibited entirely
- Metal/double-walled containers: Must be emptied before security (can refill after)
- Refillable metal flasks/insulated cups: Must be emptied
Liquids Allowed in Cabin
- Containers up to 2 litres
- Baby food/breast milk: Up to 2 litres, clear transparent container
- Liquid medication: Over 2 litres if needed during flight (with prescription/doctor’s letter)
At Security
- Coats must go in tray
- Belts with buckles must be removed
- Pockets emptied (coins, keys, phones in tray)
- Electronic devices must be charged and able to switch on
- Food and powders: Recommended for hold luggage (can trigger additional checks)
Smart Bag Policy
- Smart luggage with non-removable battery may not be accepted by airline
- Check with airline before travelling if case has built-in battery
- If hand luggage gate-checked, remove all power banks, spare batteries, and lithium devices first
Battery and Power Bank Rules
| Item | Hand Luggage | Hold Luggage |
| Devices with built-in batteries (phones, laptops, tablets) | YES | YES |
| Power banks up to 100 Wh | YES | NO (strict rule) |
| Power banks 100–160 Wh | With airline approval | NO |
| Power banks over 160 Wh | NOT PERMITTED | NOT PERMITTED |
| Spare lithium batteries | YES | NO |
Tip: Protect loose batteries by keeping in original packaging or covering terminals with tape.
Porter Services at Heathrow
Available at all terminals, 06:00–21:00 daily.
| Service | Price |
| Porter service (1–8 bags) | 35 per trolley |
| Additional trolley | 35 |
| Hotel/other terminal transfer | Double charge (70 per trolley) |
How to Use
- Departing: Hail porter at drop-off zone, they take bags to check-in
- Arriving: Porters in baggage halls assist to onward transport
- No pre-booking needed for solo travellers
- Large groups: Email to pre-book
- Accepts cash and credit/debit cards
- Look for staff in high-vis jackets
Baggage Delivery Services
Excess Baggage Company Door-to-Door
- Price: From 45 for first bag, +10 for each subsequent bag
- Delivery to hotels, offices, and residences
- Same-day luggage transfer between Heathrow and London available
Airportr Service
- Typical price: 40–50 for two bags to/from central London
- Full service: From 44 (door-to-door)
- Departure service: From 22 (collect from address, check in to flight)
- Arrival service: From 22 (collect from carousel, deliver to address)
- Features: Live tracking, digital receipts, 1,300 baggage protection, AirTag tracking
Terminal-Specific Baggage Facilities
Terminal 2 (The Queen’s Terminal — Star Alliance Hub)
- Airlines: Lufthansa, United Airlines, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, ANA, EVA Air, Turkish Airlines, Aer Lingus, Icelandair, El Al
- Baggage reclaim: Level 0 (Ground Floor), belts numbered up to 10
- Left luggage: Arrivals main concourse
- 2026: New dedicated baggage system under construction
Terminal 3 (Oeworld + Virgin Atlantic)
- Airlines: American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan, Virgin Atlantic, Delta
- Busiest morning long-haul arrival window
- Baggage reclaim: Lower ground floor arrivals
- Left luggage: Arrivals near car hire desks
Terminal 4 (SkyTeam Hub + Middle East Carriers)
- Airlines: Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Brunei
- Southern side of airport, own access road
- 2026: Major revamp underway (new multi-storey car park, upgraded check-in area) — part of 1.3 billion investment
- Baggage reclaim: Ground level, spacious hall
- Left luggage: Arrivals and mezzanine level
Terminal 5 (British Airways + Iberia Hub)
- Three buildings: main terminal (A Gates) + two satellites (B Gates, C Gates)
- Connected by underground transit train (every 3–4 minutes)
- T5B/T5C passengers clear immigration and baggage in main T5 building
- Busiest terminal at Heathrow
- Baggage reclaim: Main T5 building
- Left luggage: UK arrivals end
- BA check-in cutoff: International 60 min, Domestic/European 45 min before departure
UK Customs Allowances (Duty Free)
Arriving from Outside the UK/EU
| Item | Allowance |
| Tobacco | 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco |
| Alcohol | 42L beer OR 18L wine OR 4L spirits OR 9L fortified wine |
| Other goods | 390 value (goods for personal use or gifts) |
| Perfume | 50g |
| Eau de toilette | 250 ml |
Arriving from EU
| Item | Allowance |
| Tobacco | 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco |
| Alcohol | 42L beer OR 18L wine OR 4L spirits OR 9L fortified wine |
| Other goods | No limit (for personal use) |
Key rules:
- Limits per person (17+ years old)
- Gifts must be for personal use or recipients
- Excise duty and VAT may apply on goods exceeding limits
- Certain goods restricted or prohibited regardless of value
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Completely Banned (Cabin and Hold)
- Explosive or incendiary substances (ammunition, detonators, grenades, dynamite, gunpowder, plastic explosives)
- Dangerous goods (flammable gases, oxidisers, poisons, corrosives, hazardous biological/chemical material)
- Industrial adhesives, lighter fluid, firelighters
Prohibited from Cabin (May Be in Hold)
- Knives with blades over 6 cm
- Scissors with blades over 6 cm
- Razor blades, box cutters
- Axes, hatchets, cleavers, ice axes
- Swords, sabres
- Projectile-firing weapons (firearms, toy guns, replica guns)
- Stunning devices (stun guns, Tasers, pepper sprays)
- Tools with blade/shaft over 6 cm (crowbars, drills, saws)
- Blunt instruments (baseball bats, clubs, batons)
Banned from Hold (Must Be in Cabin)
- Power banks
- Spare lithium-ion batteries
- E-cigarettes and vapes
- Electronic devices with removable lithium batteries
Allowed with Restrictions
- Cigarette lighters: 1 per person, on person or in cabin baggage
- Matches: 1 book of safety matches
- E-cigarettes: Hand luggage only, no charging on board
Excess and Overweight Baggage Handling
Weight Categories
| Category | Weight | Notes |
| Standard checked bag | Up to 23 kg | Included in most economy tickets |
| Heavy bag | 23–32 kg | Surcharge applies |
| Absolute maximum | 32 kg | Hard ceiling — airlines refuse bags above this |
Size Standards
- Standard checked bag: Maximum 158 cm combined (L+W+H)
- Oversized items: 158–190 cm — oversize fee applies
- Items over 190 cm: May need 24 hours notice, may not be accepted
Special Baggage at Heathrow
Sports Equipment
- Skis/Snowboards: Count as one checked piece, combined with one boot bag and helmet bag (up to 23 kg standard)
- Bicycles: Must be boxed, pedals removed, handlebars turned, tyres deflated. Flat sports-item fee (e.g., BA charges ~60)
- Golf Clubs: Usually allowed within standard allowance on full-service carriers; hard case recommended
Musical Instruments
- Small (violin, flute, clarinet): Can travel as cabin baggage within two-bag rule
- Medium (guitar, viola): May need paid extra cabin seat
- Large (cello, double bass): Must be checked in hard flight case with sports-equipment fee
Medical Equipment
- CPAP devices: Allowed as additional cabin baggage beyond standard two-piece allowance with doctor’s letter/prescription
- Wheelchairs/mobility scooters: Usually transported free of charge
- Battery type restrictions apply (lithium-ion, dry cell, etc.)
Fragile Items
- Request fragile tags at check-in
- Separate screening may be required (allow extra time)
- Notify flight attendants for in-flight storage advice
- Report any damage immediately at destination baggage desk
VAT Refund on Goods
- Non-EU/UK residents can claim VAT refund on purchases over 100 (usually)
- Must be purchased within 3 months of leaving UK
- Use Tax-Free Shopping scheme at participating retailers
- Claim at airport before departure
- Collect on Return service: Buy goods when departing, collect from Excess Baggage shops in Arrivals when returning
EU Baggage Rules Post-Brexit
- Entering UK from EU: No goods limit for personal use, same tobacco/alcohol allowances
- Entering EU from UK: Now treated as non-EU country, same allowances as other non-EU countries
- Duty-free shopping available on UK-EU routes
- Personal allowances apply both directions
- Commercial goods may need customs declarations
Frequently Asked Questions About Heathrow Airport Baggage
1. Is there luggage storage at Heathrow?
Yes, in all terminals operated by Excess Baggage Company. Prices from 10 (3 hrs) to 15 (24 hrs).
2. Are there lockers at Heathrow?
No self-service lockers — all storage is staffed at Excess Baggage Company counters.
3. How much is luggage storage at Heathrow?
From 10 for up to 3 hours, 15 for 24 hours, 27.50 for 48 hours, 40 for 72 hours.
4. Can I store luggage for multiple days at Heathrow?
Yes, up to 90 days with daily charges after 72 hours (12.50/day, then 10/day after 7 days).
5. Where is left luggage at Terminal 5?
In Arrivals at UK arrivals end. Open 05:00–23:00 daily.
6. Do I need to pre-book storage at Heathrow?
No, walk-up available. Pre-booking saves time at peak hours (05:00–09:00 and 16:00–19:00).
7. What if my bag is delayed at Heathrow?
Report at airline desk in baggage reclaim, get PIR reference, track via WorldTracer. Most bags reunited within 24–72 hours.
8. How long does Heathrow lost property keep items?
3 months from date found. Service fee 0–25 per item plus postage if delivered.
9. What is the liquid limit at Heathrow in 2026?
Containers up to 2 litres (100 ml limit scrapped January 2026). New CT scanners across all terminals.
10. Do I need to remove laptop at Heathrow security?
No, thanks to new CT scanners installed in January 2026.
11. How do I connect between terminals at Heathrow?
Free shuttle buses (every 10 min) or trains. T2 and T3 connected airside by walkway. T5 has internal transit train.
12. What is the minimum connection time at Heathrow?
60 min same terminal, 90 min inter-terminal (single ticket). 4+ hours for separate tickets.
13. Can I get porter service at Heathrow?
Yes, 35 per trolley (up to 8 bags), all terminals 06:00–21:00.
14. How do I track my checked bag at Heathrow?
Use your airline’s WorldTracer system with PIR reference number.
15. What about power banks at Heathrow?
Hand luggage only, never in hold. Up to 100 Wh without approval. Using/charging during flight is prohibited.
16. Are e-cigarettes allowed at Heathrow?
Hand luggage only, never in hold. Cannot charge on board. Smoking and vaping prohibited.
17. What is the hand baggage size limit at Heathrow?
56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm, maximum 2 items.
18. Can I wrap my bag at Heathrow?
Yes, from 21 (basic) to 25 (ultra with 3,000 cover) in all terminals.
19. What about oversized items at Heathrow?
Notify airline 90+ minutes before departure, drop at oversize desk, pay fee.
20. How do I claim VAT refund at Heathrow?
Use Tax-Free Shopping at participating retailers, claim at airport before departure. Non-UK/EU residents only.
Official Sources and Further Reading
This article references the following official Heathrow Airport pages and trusted sources:
- Heathrow Airport Official — Main airport information
- Heathrow Left Luggage — Storage services
- Heathrow Hand Baggage — Security rules
- Heathrow Baggage Reclaim — Reclaim information
- Excess Baggage Company — Storage operator
- Smartef Carte Lost Property — Lost and found
- Airportr — Baggage delivery service
Conclusion
London Heathrow Airport offers comprehensive baggage services across all four terminals, from staffed storage and wrapping to lost property and porter assistance. The most significant change in 2026 is the new liquid rules — containers up to 2 litres are now permitted thanks to 1 billion CT scanner upgrades, eliminating the need to remove laptops and liquids at security.
For storage, the Excess Baggage Company operates all left luggage facilities with prices from 10 for 3 hours. For lost property, use the online database at lhr.lostandfoundsoftware.com. Always allow extra time for connections, especially when transferring between terminals.
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