Luggage Storage at Manchester Airport (MAN)

Whether you have a long layover and want to explore Manchester city centre, you simply need to store your bags for a few hours before a connecting flight, or you are arriving early and your hotel check-in is not until the afternoon, Manchester Airport offers convenient and secure luggage storage facilities right inside its terminals. Known in the UK as 'Left Baggage', this service allows you to travel hands-free with complete peace of mind, knowing your belongings are safely stored under professional supervision.

This guide covers everything you need to know about using luggage storage at Manchester Airport, including where the facilities are, how much they cost, what the security procedures involve, and how to find cheaper alternatives if you are on a budget.

Official Luggage Storage at Manchester Airport

The official left baggage service at Manchester Airport is operated by the Excess Baggage Company, one of the largest baggage service providers in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1983, the company manages luggage storage, bag wrapping, and shipping services at major airports across the UK and Europe, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and London Stansted.

At Manchester Airport, the Excess Baggage Company operates staffed counters where trained personnel handle your bags directly. Unlike simple self-service lockers, this is a fully manned operation. Every item you hand over is X-ray screened and given a security tag before being placed into a monitored storage area. This process is the same standard of security used at all major UK airports.

Terminal Locations

The Excess Baggage Company has luggage storage counters in two of Manchester Airport's three terminals:

What about Terminal 3? There is no dedicated luggage storage counter inside Terminal 3 at the time of writing. However, Terminal 3 is connected to Terminal 1 by internal walkways, and the walk between the two takes only a few minutes. If you are departing from or arriving at Terminal 3, simply follow the signs to Terminal 1 to use the left baggage service there.

How the Service Works

Using the left baggage service at Manchester Airport is straightforward. When you arrive at the Excess Baggage Company counter, a member of staff will take your bag, pass it through an X-ray scanner, and attach a barcoded security tag. You will receive a receipt that serves as your collection ticket. When you are ready to retrieve your luggage, simply return to the counter with your receipt, and staff will locate and return your items.

The process typically takes no more than five minutes for drop-off and a similar time for collection, making it a quick and hassle-free experience even if you are short on time.

Manchester Airport Luggage Storage Prices

Pricing for luggage storage at Manchester Airport is based on the number of items and the duration of storage. You can store your bags for a few hours, an entire day, or even several weeks if needed. Below is a general guide to the current pricing structure.

While you can walk up and pay on arrival, it is often cheaper and more convenient to pre-book your luggage storage online through the Excess Baggage Company website at left-baggage.co.uk. Online booking also gives you access to a priority queue at the counter, which can save valuable time during busy travel periods such as school holidays and bank holiday weekends.

What Can You Store?

The Excess Baggage Company at Manchester Airport accepts a wide range of items for storage. This includes standard suitcases and rucksacks, cabin bags, pushchairs and strollers, musical instruments, sports equipment such as golf clubs and skis, and shopping bags. Essentially, if it can fit through the X-ray machine and is not a prohibited item, it can be stored.

Items that cannot be stored include anything flammable, explosive, or otherwise classified as a dangerous good. Perishable food items and live animals are also not accepted. If you are unsure whether a particular item can be stored, contact the Excess Baggage Company directly before arriving at the airport.

Security and Safety

Security is taken very seriously at the Manchester Airport luggage storage facilities. The process follows strict UK aviation security standards:

Every bag is passed through an X-ray scanner before acceptance. Each item receives a unique barcoded security tag for tracking. All stored luggage is kept in a secure, access-controlled area that is not open to the public. The storage area is monitored by CCTV cameras around the clock. Staff are trained in aviation security procedures and are present throughout operating hours.

This level of security means that Manchester Airport luggage storage is significantly more secure than a standard locker system, giving travellers genuine peace of mind when leaving valuable belongings behind.

Are There Luggage Lockers at Manchester Airport?

This is one of the most common questions travellers ask. The short answer is no — Manchester Airport does not have traditional self-service luggage lockers. Self-service lockers were removed from British transport hubs many years ago as a security precaution. The staffed left baggage service operated by the Excess Baggage Company has replaced them, offering a higher standard of security with X-ray screening and personal supervision of all stored items.

If you specifically need locker-style storage, some third-party services in Manchester city centre do offer locker options (see the alternatives section below).

Additional Services from the Excess Baggage Company

Beyond basic luggage storage, the Excess Baggage Company at Manchester Airport also provides several other useful services that travellers should be aware of:

Bag Wrapping: For an additional fee, you can have your suitcase professionally wrapped in protective film. This protects against scratches, tampering, and spillages during transit. The service is available at Terminals 1 and 2.

Bag Weighing: If you are worried about exceeding your airline's weight limit, you can have your bag weighed at the counter before you check in. This allows you to redistribute weight between bags or transfer items into your carry-on, potentially saving you from expensive excess baggage fees at the airline desk.

Shipping and Forwarding: If you have too much luggage to take with you, the Excess Baggage Company can arrange to ship your bags to any address worldwide. This is available from the Terminal 2 counter.

Confiscated Item Return (Post & Fly): If a prohibited item is confiscated at security — for example, a pocket knife or an oversized bottle of perfume — you do not have to throw it away. Through the Post & Fly service, the Excess Baggage Company can either send the item to a UK or European address, or hold it at the left baggage counter until you return to the airport.

Luggage Shop: The Excess Baggage Company outlet at Manchester Airport also sells a range of suitcases and travel accessories, which is useful if you need a last-minute bag or travel essential.

Cheaper Alternatives: Third-Party Luggage Storage Near Manchester Airport

While the official airport left baggage service is the most convenient option, it is not always the cheapest. If you are budget-conscious, or if you are storing multiple bags for several days, third-party luggage storage platforms can offer significant savings. These services work by partnering with local businesses — hotels, shops, restaurants, and convenience stores — that have spare space to securely hold your bags.

The three most popular third-party luggage storage services available near Manchester Airport are:

Stasher

Stasher is the UK's most widely used luggage storage platform, with over 5,000 partner locations worldwide, including around 20 in the Manchester area. The nearest Stashpoint to Manchester Airport is typically a Premier Inn Hotel located on the airport grounds itself. Prices start from approximately £2.99 per bag per day, and every item is covered by a guarantee of up to £2,500. Booking is done entirely online through the Stasher website or mobile app, and you simply drop your bags at the chosen location when you arrive.

Radical Storage

Radical Storage operates a similar model, partnering with local businesses across Manchester to offer luggage storage from approximately £5.00 per bag per day, with no size restrictions and coverage for loss or damage. They have multiple locations across the city, including near Manchester Piccadilly Station and in the city centre.

Nannybag

Nannybag partners with hotels, restaurants, and shops near Manchester Airport and throughout the city. Prices start from around £3.70 per bag per day, with no hidden fees and insurance coverage of up to £10,000 per bag. Their booking process is handled through their website or app.

Luggage Storage in Manchester City Centre

If you have a long layover at Manchester Airport — six hours or more — and plan to take the train into the city, storing your luggage in the city centre can be a more practical choice than using the airport service. This way, you avoid having to travel back to the airport to collect your bags before heading into town, and you can explore Manchester completely unencumbered.

Manchester Piccadilly Station

Manchester Piccadilly is the city's main railway station and sits just 15 to 20 minutes from the airport by train. The Excess Baggage Company operates a left baggage counter on Platform 10 of the station. Opening hours are typically Monday to Saturday from 07:00 to 23:00 and Sunday from 08:00 to 23:00, with prices starting at around £6.00 for up to 3 hours and £9.00 for 3–24 hours.

In addition to the official station counter, all three major third-party services (Stasher, Radical Storage, and Nannybag) have multiple storage locations in the Piccadilly area and throughout Manchester city centre.

Things to Do in Manchester After Storing Your Luggage

With your bags safely stored, Manchester offers plenty to keep you occupied during a layover. The city is compact and walkable from Piccadilly Station, so you can fit in a surprising amount in just a few hours. Some popular options include visiting the National Football Museum at Cathedral Gardens, exploring the independent shops, cafés, and street art of the Northern Quarter, or browsing the historic John Rylands Library on Deansgate. Football fans may want to visit Old Trafford (home to Manchester United) or the Etihad Stadium (home to Manchester City), both of which offer stadium tours on most days. For shopping, the Arndale Centre is a short walk from Piccadilly, and the Trafford Centre is accessible by bus.

Tips for Using Manchester Airport Luggage Storage

Manchester Airport Luggage Storage vs. Other UK Airports

If you are choosing between connecting through Manchester or another UK airport and luggage storage is a factor in your decision, it helps to know how MAN compares. Manchester Airport's left baggage service is on par with those at London Heathrow and London Gatwick in terms of security standards and service quality, as all three are operated by the Excess Baggage Company. However, pricing can vary between airports, so it is worth checking the specific rates at each location if cost is a concern.

One advantage Manchester has over some London airports is that the city centre is easily accessible by direct train in under 20 minutes, making it practical to store bags in town and explore the city even during a relatively short layover. At Heathrow, for instance, getting into central London takes considerably longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does luggage storage cost at Manchester Airport?

The Excess Baggage Company charges approximately £7.50 per item for up to 3 hours and £15.00 per item for 3–24 hours. Multi-day discounts are available. Third-party services such as Stasher offer rates starting from around £2.99 per bag per day.

Which terminals at Manchester Airport have luggage storage?

Staffed left baggage counters are available in Terminal 1 (Departures) and Terminal 2 (Departures). Terminal 3 does not have its own counter, but it is connected to Terminal 1 by a short walkway.

What are the opening hours for luggage storage at Manchester Airport?

The Terminal 1 counter is open from 06:00 to 21:00, seven days a week. Terminal 2 hours are similar but may vary seasonally. Always confirm hours before travelling, especially for very early or late flights.

Can I store luggage at Manchester Airport for several days or weeks?

Yes. The left baggage service accepts items for storage ranging from a few hours up to several weeks. Discounted rates apply for longer storage periods, and you can pre-book online to secure your spot.

Is luggage storage at Manchester Airport secure?

Yes. Every item is X-ray screened, given a unique barcoded security tag, and stored in a monitored, access-controlled area. The facilities are staffed during operating hours and covered by CCTV surveillance.

Are there luggage lockers at Manchester Airport?

No. Self-service luggage lockers were removed from UK airports and transport hubs as a security measure. Manchester Airport offers a staffed left baggage service instead, which provides a higher level of security.

Are there cheaper luggage storage options near Manchester Airport?

Yes. Third-party platforms like Stasher, Radical Storage, and Nannybag partner with local businesses near the airport and in Manchester city centre to offer storage from around £2.99–£6.00 per bag per day. These can be significantly cheaper than the official airport service, especially for multi-day storage.

Can I store luggage at Manchester Piccadilly Station?

Yes. The Excess Baggage Company operates a left baggage counter at Manchester Piccadilly Station on Platform 10. This is a convenient option if you are travelling into the city centre during a layover and want to explore Manchester bag-free.

What items cannot be stored at Manchester Airport?

You cannot store flammable, explosive, or hazardous materials, perishable food items, or live animals. If in doubt about a specific item, contact the Excess Baggage Company before arriving at the airport.

Do I need to book Manchester Airport luggage storage in advance?

Advance booking is not required, but it is recommended. Pre-booking through the Excess Baggage Company website often secures a lower price and gives you access to a priority queue, which can save time during busy periods.