The present invention relates to a device for handling items of luggage, comprising a storage system for temporary storage therein of items of luggage, which system comprises at a front side thereof a plurality of compartments for items of luggage with a buffer zone behind each compartment, and for each of the compartments a displacement element for moving an item of luggage from a compartment to the buffer zone associated with that compartment, input means designed for the input of identification information by a passenger for the purpose of placing an item of luggage in a compartment of the storage system, and control means. The invention further relates to a method of handling items of luggage.