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Checking and Storing an Empty Suitcase?

Hi All,

Has anyone checked an empty suitcase on the way to Europe, then had it stored at the Airport or at an Airport Hotel until your trip is over (and then checking it for the flight home)?

We'll be in Iceland and then Spain and finally France (we fly Charles De Gaulle to Keflavik before returning stateside). We're going to need some warmer layers for Iceland (and I have an eye out for a nice wool something for taking home), so I thought maybe we could just take an empty suitcase and leave it in Iceland with the warm clothes and fill it with any additional purchases when we return.

We're staying at the Aurora both the night before we leave for Spain (Barcelona), and the night before we fly home.

I'm sure someone has done this before and has a few lessons learned?!

Many thanks in advance!

Posted by
6713 posts

I've never done this, but here's what KEF offers on its website. Looks like you can rent a locker for up to 30 days at the airport, from a separate company. I didn't try to figure out the price in USD.

Wouldn't seem worthwhile to me unless I were staying awhile in Iceland instead of just connecting flights. Are you?

Posted by
9261 posts

A reminder that some European airports no longer have storage lockers. Terrorism precaution.

Check information for storage options at the airport.

Posted by
5298 posts

As Trotter has suggested, some hotels will hold your luggage, especially since you’ll be staying there before going to Spain & then again the night before you fly home.

It’s definitely with a try, enjoy your trip!

Posted by
207 posts

When is your trip? I haven't done the storage idea but stayed at the Aurora upon arrival and before departure from/to the US and traveled in the reverse, from the south of Spain to Iceland, in August about 5 years ago. I agree about asking the hotel- it is wonderful and the staff so efficient and friendly- but maybe the size of what you propose could be a factor, vs a set policy they may have.
That's why I asked about the season. I was SO poorly prepared for August in Iceland! I had a cashmere sweater and light rain jacket in the bottom of my carry on that I had hauled around in 100 F heat in southern Spain- as I walked around Reykyavik it was spitting rain sideways from the harbor and just freezing. I was a little more fortunate on my day tour but it was still really cold. If you are also going in summer you might be okay with just a mid-weight parka and warmish shoes- in other words, it could smush into a medium-size duffle if you find a storage option- caveat on the kind of activities you have planned.
I returned to Iceland only for tone day plus transit (Aurora Hotel again) this past July and having a mid-weight parka with hood (or hat) and gloves was perfect for walking around the area. I was able to roll it into a lumpy ball in my personal item.

Posted by
16403 posts

The only way you will know is to ask at the hotel.

I've stayed at the Aurora a few times but I've never had them store luggage.

Posted by
388 posts

Hi all that’s for the replies!

I haven’t asked the hotel yet, and definitely was concerned about the locker doors to 9-11.

We have 10 nights in Iceland, June 9-19

Boon voyage, i definitely appreciate your feedback on your experience there because I get cold easy! Trying to travel light, but the diversity of climates is to be considered.

Posted by
906 posts

Why not a foldable travel duffel bag? They aren't expensive and fold into a very compact size when not in use.

Posted by
8121 posts

While I have not left luggage, I have packed a foldable duffle or my old Rick Steves soft side backpack, then on the way home check that with soft durable items, freeing up my carry on bag for breakables. Taking a packable bag then filling it with jackets and clothes and boots would work, once you find a place to stash it. But agree with others, talk to your hotel.

Posted by
9261 posts

OP…. Regarding trying to stay warm….have you researched Merino Wool base layers? Unsure if there’s an REI near you but it’s where I got mine.

Of course these days you can buy on line. Not inexpensive but so comfy. Will help you fend off the cold.

Happy Travels.