I've got a horrible trip coming up at the end of October which will cause me similar baggage problems:

LHR(T2)-MAD(T4) on 24 October
MAD(T4S)-LHR(T1) on 25 October (arrive 19:50)
LHR(T4)-DXB(T1) on 25 October (depart 21:40)
DXB(T1)-LHR(T4) on 31 October

The problem is in the flights in red. I don't really want to take my DXB bag with me to MAD, primarily because the things I want to take would be too big to fit in the hand luggage, which would delay me four times during the trip to check them in and to wait for the baggage baggage handlers at LHR to decide whether to lose it or not.

Options seem to be:

- check-in the bag at LHR T4 in the morning before my LHR-MAD flight (only problem is that I'm travelling out of T1, but I'll be less rushed for time in the morning, so could make a quick journey to T4 if I need to); or

- have PA meet me at T4 with the bag (no overtime costs, but I think some a box of something from La Maison du Chocolat will need to change hands...)

- find somewhere to store the bag at LHR, for me to pick it up and then check it in (but am concerned about the time - I have 1hr 50mins from time first flight lands in T1 to time second flight takes off from T4, which means I cannot afford to queue for long) - but have no idea where to store it (any ideas would be most welcome!)

What do folks think is the best option?

Cheers
/MHL