Every year, millions of items are left behind at airports worldwide. From the security checkpoint scramble to the gate-change sprint, there are countless moments when travelers accidentally leave something important behind. Understanding what items are most commonly lost can help you stay vigilant—and know exactly what to do if it happens to you.
The Top 15 Items Left Behind at Airports
Based on data from major airports and airlines, here are the items that travelers lose most frequently—along with tips for each.
1. Electronics (Phones, Tablets, Laptops)
Electronics top the list every single year. The chaos of removing devices at security, charging at the gate, or using them on the plane creates multiple opportunities for them to get left behind.
Prevention tip: Use a brightly colored case and always do a “seat sweep” before deplaning. Set a phone alarm to remind you to unplug from charging stations.
2. Chargers and Cables
Where there are electronics, there are forgotten chargers. Airport outlets become graveyards for charging cables, especially at crowded gate areas.
Prevention tip: Keep a backup charger in your carry-on and use a cable clip that attaches to your bag.
3. Wallets and Purses
Often placed in security bins and forgotten during the repacking rush, wallets are among the most stressful items to lose.
Prevention tip: Designate one specific pocket for your wallet and always return it there immediately after security.
4. Keys
House keys, car keys, and hotel room keys frequently end up in security bins or fall between airplane seats.
Prevention tip: Attach keys to a carabiner clipped inside your bag so they have a “home.”
5. Jewelry and Watches
Rings, watches, and bracelets removed at security checkpoints are easily forgotten in the bin shuffle.
Prevention tip: Put jewelry in your bag’s front pocket before reaching security—never place it in the bin loose.
6. Passports and IDs
Despite being essential for travel, passports get left at check-in counters, gate podiums, and even airplane seat pockets.
Prevention tip: Use a passport holder that’s too bulky to forget. Return your passport to your bag immediately after each use.
7. Glasses and Sunglasses
Reading glasses used for in-flight entertainment and sunglasses taken off indoors are frequently left in seat-back pockets.
Prevention tip: Use a glasses case that clips to your bag, making the storage location automatic.
8. Medications
Prescription medications left in seatback pockets or at security can create genuine emergencies for travelers.
Prevention tip: Keep medications in a clearly labeled pouch and include them in your pre-flight checklist.
9. Headphones and Earbuds
Wireless earbuds are particularly easy to lose—they’re small, often removed before landing announcements, and easily forgotten.
Prevention tip: Use a case that attaches to your keychain or bag. Never set them on the tray table.
10. Jackets and Sweaters
The temperature difference between security (warm from walking) and flights (cold from AC) means layers come on and off constantly.
Prevention tip: Stuff your jacket into your bag before reaching security to keep everything together.
11. Hats and Scarves
Similar to jackets, headwear removed for security or comfort often doesn’t make it to the final destination.
Prevention tip: Thread scarves through bag handles; clip hats to your bag with a carabiner.
12. Books and Magazines
Entertainment items used during waits get left behind when boarding is called suddenly.
Prevention tip: Use a bookmark that’s an actual strap attached to your bag—it makes the book harder to forget.
13. Children’s Items (Toys, Comfort Objects)
Stuffed animals, tablets, and toys are frequently lost, causing major distress for little travelers.
Prevention tip: Photograph special items before travel. Label everything with contact information.
14. Food and Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles emptied for security and snacks purchased for the flight often stay behind.
Prevention tip: Use bottles that clip to your bag. Make finishing your snack part of your pre-deplaning routine.
15. Umbrellas
Stored in seat pockets or under seats, umbrellas are forgotten until the rain hits at your destination.
Prevention tip: Use a travel umbrella small enough to fit inside your bag, not beside it.
What to Do If You’ve Lost Something at an Airport
If you’ve already left something behind, don’t panic. Most airports have robust lost and found systems, and many items are recovered.
Immediate Steps
1. Retrace your steps mentally — Identify where you likely left the item
2. Contact the airport lost and found — Call or visit their office as soon as possible
3. File a formal report — Include detailed descriptions, photos if available, and your contact information
4. Check with the airline — If lost on the plane, contact the airline directly
5. File with TSA — Items left at security have a separate recovery process
For a faster process, you can [file a lost property report online][LINK: /report-lost-property/] and let us help coordinate the search on your behalf.
Understanding Airport Lost and Found Timelines
Items recovered at airports follow specific processes. Security finds go to TSA. Gate area items go to the airport’s lost and found. Airplane items stay with the airline. Knowing who has your item is half the battle.
Most airports retain items for 30-90 days before disposal or donation. Acting quickly increases your chances of recovery significantly.
Learn more about [how airport lost and found actually works][LINK: /how-it-works/] to understand the process and timeline.
Prevention Is the Best Strategy
While this list might seem overwhelming, most lost items share a common cause: disruption to routine. Security lines, gate changes, boarding chaos—these moments break your normal patterns and create opportunities for forgetfulness.
The best strategy is developing systems that don’t rely on memory. Designated pockets, attached accessories, and pre-departure checklists take the pressure off your brain during stressful travel moments.
Check out our complete guide on [preventing lost belongings while traveling][LINK: /prevention-tips/] for more strategies.
You’re Not Alone
If you’ve lost something at an airport, remember that you’re in good company—millions of items are left behind every year. The good news? A surprising percentage are recovered and returned to their owners. The key is acting quickly, providing detailed information, and knowing the right channels to contact.
[Report your lost item now][LINK: /report-lost-property/] and increase your chances of getting it back.