Introduction
So, you just got off your cruise and have hours and hours until your scheduled flight. You might have ideas of things to do in “Mobile,” but how do you manage your luggage for several hours without being stuck in the airport?
Over the past few years, we’ve done quite a bit of flying and cruising, and we’ve learned a few tricks. The only thing I despise more than a long airport wait is a red-eye flight—sitting around the airport for hours is torture!
Here are simple solutions on what to do with your luggage after your cruise, especially if you have a late flight.
The Golden Rule: Book Your Flight Wisely
You might think you can leave the cruise at 8 or 9 AM and catch a flight by 10 AM. You may be able to pull off that early flight if you choose self-assist/self-carry-off (which comes with a price—stress!), but for us, that’s too much anxiety.
To avoid added stress, follow the cruise line’s directions when booking your post-cruise flight: generally, book flights after 1:30 PM.
For long-haul trips (like traveling to the Northwest, Southwest, or Desert Southwest from Florida), the only non-stop flight might not leave until 9:30 PM. We’ve been on that 9:30 PM flight, so getting creative to avoid hours of waiting is essential.
Option 1: Check Your Bags and Explore
Checking in your luggage with your airline seems like a no-brainer. However, keep in mind that some airlines only accept bags two to four hours before a flight (looking at you, Southwest!).
The Airport Bag Check Drawback
Here’s an example we had after sailing on Carnival from Long Beach (LGB):
My sister and her husband were flying out after 4 PM, and they were forced to wait outside the terminal until they were within the two-hour window to check their luggage. We, flying out earlier, were already through security, sitting comfortably on the patio eating lunch.
Checking Bags, Then Leaving (The Cost)
To check your luggage and then venture off to sightsee, you will need transportation to the airport, then transportation to your destination, and then back to the airport. If you use rideshare, the cost adds up quickly.
Example: Miami Exploration From one cruise, we cabbed to Miami Airport (MIA). We checked our bags for our scheduled flight (we just missed the cutoff for an earlier standby option) and heeded the agent’s advice to leave the airport.
We explored South Point Park. For the most direct route, set your drop-off point to Haagen Dazs, 40 South Point Dr, Miami, FL.
- Uber from MIA to South Point Park: $26.99
- Uber return from Burger King/Target area to MIA: $24.29
- Total transportation cost: $51.28
We still had seven hours to spend at the airport after we got back! Argh!
Option 2: Paid Baggage Storage
If you can’t check your bags with the airline or don’t want the hassle, paying to store your luggage is a great options.
Some airports offer baggage storage services where you pay a fee and drop off your bags. Be sure to check hours of operation and storage limits, as these services may not be 24/7.
Miami International Airport (MIA): Communitel is located at Central Terminal “E.” Daily rates are $11–$22 per bag (based on size). Hours are 5 AM to 9 PM. Call +1305-869-1163 or check out [Communitel Baggage Storage for info].
Off-Airport Luggage Storage
If you want to head directly to a tourist area like Miami Beach, consider off-site storage companies:
Luggage Lounge: Located at 835 Washington Ave, Miami Beach. Prices start at just $5 per bag. They also offer weekly rates for extended trips. [ Luggage Lounge]
Other Services: Companies like [use bounce dot com] list many businesses that will store your luggage for a fee, and insurance is often included in the cost of service
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Benefits of a Day Room
- Secure Luggage Storage: Drop your bags securely while you go out.
- Privacy: Take a nap, watch TV, or do some work in peace.
- Amenities: Use the pool, workout facilities, and if you arrive early enough, grab free breakfast (if offered).
- Showers: Go back to the room, shower, and head to the airport feeling refreshed.
Example: I had the Courtyard Miami Beach reserved for around $69.
Referral Link: [Referral link for Hotels by Day] (Note: Book early, as many hotels reserve only a few rooms for day use.)
Resort Day Passes
Companies like Resort for the day, Resort Pass, and Daycation are offered in many larger tourist cities.
The main difference from a day room is you get the use of the room room in addition to certain amenities:
- Use of the pool, lazy river, and other facilities.
- Access to beach chairs, loungers, and towels.
- Potential discounts on food and drinks.
Smart Cruiser Tip: Use a resort pass as your shore excursion! We used [Resort for a day] during a cruise stop in Jamaica—we ate, had drinks, and enjoyed motorized water sports (sometimes included).
Referral Link: [Daycation referral link] and [Resort For a day affiliate link].
Option 4: Rent a Car For The Day
Renting a car allows you to create your own itinerary and avoid being stuck at the airport.
Benefits of Renting a Car:
- Transportation: Immediate ride from the cruise port.
- Secure Storage: Your luggage stays locked securely in the trunk.
- Freedom: Enjoy a self-guided city tour, sightsee, shop, or try that restaurant you wanted to visit.
Rent Tips
Book Ahead: It is always better (less expensive) to rent your vehicle ahead of time. Last-minute reservations can be outrageous or unavailable.
Price Monitoring: Check prices on sites like Auto Slash or Costco Travel (if you are a member). No matter who you book with, go back to Auto Slash and have them monitor prices—if they find a lower rate, you can book a new reservation and cancel the old one.
Avoid Pay-Now Rates: Unless your plans are set in stone or the rate is significantly lower, avoid the pay-now rate to maintain flexibility.
More Info: Check out the [Ultimate Guide to Miami Cruise Port Car Rentals] for location advice.
Option 5: Book a Post-Cruise Cruise Tour
If you don’t want the hassle of renting a car or booking a day room, a pre-arranged tour is an easy solution.
Many larger cities have tours you can book that include luggage storage and transportation to the airport afterward.
Cruise Line Excursions: Check with your cruise line (on the HUB app for Carnival, or the shore excursions desk) for post-cruise tours. [ Find out more about tours though your ship]
Online Search: Search for city tours online. Look for options like: City half-day tours, Millionaire’s Row Cruises, Hop On Hop Off tours, or combo packages (like Miami City and Boat Tours).
Option 6: Airport Lounges
If you are already checking your bags and are inside the terminal, using an airline club or lounge can turn hours of waiting into a pleasant experience.
Lounge Benefits:
Comfort: Comfortable, quiet seating.
Amenities: Most offer food and drinks (often complimentary). Some may have nap rooms, showers, or a gym.
How to Access Lounges
Status/Class: Free or discounted passes if you have airline status or are flying First Class.
Purchase: Many lounges allow any traveler to purchase a day pass (usually $25 to $75 per person).
Credit Cards: Certain premium credit cards (such as American Express, Chase, or [Capital One]) may grant you access.
My Card: I have a Capital One Venture credit card and have been very satisfied. If you decide to apply, use this link [https://capital.one/42IgrFZ].
You can check which airports have lounges and clubs at [Lounge Review], the authority on airport lounges worldwide.
Option 7: The Budget Option (Stay at The Terminal)
My least favorite option, but sometimes the only way to go, is to simply embrace hanging out at the airport. This is the most budget-friendly option, as renting a car, day rooms, or resorts cost additional money.
Making the Wait Comfortable
Check Bags First: If your airline will accept your bags, check them immediately. The only thing worse than waiting is dragging your luggage around.
Go Through Security: Head through security (hopefully with TSA PreCheck or Global Entry) and consult the airport map for hidden amenities.
Find Peace: If you are spending time at a large international airport, consider heading to the international terminal. Flights are infrequent, making it a much more peaceful area for waiting time.
Stay Busy: Keep yourself entertained!
- Start planning your next cruise.
- Leave a ship or tour review.
- Find a less busy area, like a public piano or a gallery area.
My Favorite Gadgets for Passing Time
If you know you will be spending hours at the airport, come prepared!
All these handy gizmos and gadgets are available on Amazon through my storefront:
Noise Cancelling Headphones: [Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones…]
Portable Power Bank: [INIU Portable Charger, Ultra Slim 10000mAh 45W PD Power Bank]
Long Charging Cord: [Anker USB C to USB C Cable, Type-C 60W Fast Charging Cable ]
Reusable Water Bottle: [Vapur Solid Flexible Water Bottle – with Carabiner] (Also consider a [Bodysurf Wet Dry Bag] for carrying wet items from beach days!)
✅ Final Thoughts: Cruise Bliss to Flight Bliss
Conclusion: Cruise Bliss to Flight Bliss
Your cruise may be over, but the pre-flight adventure is just beginning! Don’t let those suitcases weigh you down—with a little planning, you can turn those hours of waiting into a fun, productive, or relaxing continuation of your vacation. You’ve got this!
Want more guides about flying?
Read our guide on avoiding Jet Lag
What do you do with your luggage & late ✈️
Let’s help each other. Drop your thoughts and tips in the comments!
Post-Cruise Luggage FAQs
1. What is the recommended time frame for booking my return flight after the cruise ends
To avoid unnecessary stress or missing your flight, cruise lines generally recommend booking flights after 1:30 PM at the port city. Booking earlier requires you to choose the riskier self-assist disembarkation and may leave you rushing.
2. Can I check my bags with my airline as soon as I get to the airport?
Not always. Many airlines, including Southwest, only allow you to check bags two to four hours before your scheduled flight time. If you arrive too early, you’ll be stuck waiting with your luggage outside the terminal until the check-in window opens.
3. What are the best options for securely storing my luggage for several hours?
Your best options for secure storage are:
Paid Storage: Use airport baggage storage services (check if your specific airport offers this) or book off-site services like Luggage Lounge or [use bounce dot com].
Day Room: Book a day room through services like [Hotels by day], which gives you private, secure storage plus a place to rest and shower.
Rent a Car: Rent a car for the day. This provides immediate transportation and a secure trunk for storage while you sightsee.
4. What is the difference between booking a "Day Room" and a "Resort Pass"?
A Day Room (via Hotels by Day) gives you access to a private hotel room for several hours (e.g., 9 AM–5 PM) at a reduced rate, allowing you to nap, shower, and use the amenities. A Resort Pass (via Resort Pass or Daycation) only grants you access to the resort’s amenities (pool, beach, chairs) but does not include a private room for storage or napping.
5. Is renting a car a practical option just for storing luggage?
Yes, absolutely. Renting a car allows you to create your own itinerary for the day and eliminates costly rideshare fees between the port, your activity, and the airport. It also provides the most secure and flexible place to store your luggage while you explore the city.