While I am not an every-week road warrior as many of you likely are, I do travel a fair amount, and most of my travel does involve staying at airport lounges, at least for a period of time. And since I am also on “Team Carryon“, I usually have a rollaboard suitcase with me when I am in an airport lounge. Since lounge spaces can sometimes be cramped and/or small, it brings up the question of should you leave your bags unattended when you’re in an airport lounge? I saw a debate on this over at One Mile at a Time, and I thought it was an interesting topic, so I thought I would talk about some background, share what I personally do, and ask for opinions / comments / thoughts from you guys on the subject.
Can You Leave Bags Unattended at the Airport?
We are taught over and over again that we should not leave our bags unattended at the airport. I suppose that nominally it is to prevent someone from somehow slipping something “dangerous” into your bag. Though thinking about that a bit, I wonder how realistic such a threat really is. Especially in an airport lounge (post-security) – someone has managed to slip contraband past TSA, and also finds your unattended bags at the lounge while you’re grabbing some food? As Ben from OMAAT points out, technically your bags are “unattended” and out of your possession when you go through security.
Should You Leave Bags Unattended At Airport Lounges – My Thoughts
Here are some of my thoughts on the matter
- If I have just a backpack with me, I will usually wear it with me when I go to get food, and take it with me if I go to the restroom
- If I have my rollaboard suitcase, I might leave it at my table, especially if I can keep an eye on it while I’m up getting food. I’m more likely to do this at smaller lounges like The Club CVG than at bigger lounges like the Emirates First Class lounge or the Doha Al Mourjan Business Class lounge
- But if I’m going to be gone for awhile, like at a spa treatment, or in the restroom, I will take my suitcase with me.
- If I have my laptop out, I’ll usually take that with me while I walk around. I also always have my phone, wallet and passport (if applicable) on my person at all times.
- Of course, if I’m traveling with someone, we will usually take turns where one of us gets food / goes to the bathroom while the other stays at the table with the bags
- Generally I do not ask my neighbors (strangers) to watch my things while I’m up, though I have been asked the same by others occasionally
The Bottom Line – Should You Leave Bags Unattended At Airport Lounges?
So now that I’ve shared what I typically do, I’m curious to hear your thoughts. Do you leave your bags and belongings unattended at airport lounges? Or do you always take them with you when you’re going to get food, drinks or use the restroom? I can see some valid arguments in both directions, so I am curious to hear the perspectives of other travelers.
Do you leave your bags unattended at airport lounges? Or always keep them with you? Leave your thoughts in the comments below
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Dan Miller travels with his wife and 6 (SIX!) children. He loves to help families travel for free / cheap, especially larger families. If you are looking for help, drop him an email at
At the airport bathroom stalls at SJC, even a modest sized bag will not fit (placed on the floor) in a way that you can close the door. Most women leave their bags just outside the stall. I place the bag on my lap, which is cumbersome. Airports always announce on their speakers to not leave bags unattended; however, the stalls are too short to close the door with the bag inside.
Man – that is super frustrating!