Your stomach just dropped. You’re at the gate — or worse, already on the plane — and your phone is gone. Maybe you left it at the TSA checkpoint, set it down at a restaurant, or it slipped out of your pocket at the gate. Whatever happened, you’re panicking, and that’s completely normal.

Take a breath. Thousands of phones are lost at airports every single day, and a surprising number of them are recovered. But speed matters. Here’s exactly what you need to do right now.

Step 1: Retrace Your Steps (Mentally)

Before you start running through the terminal, take 30 seconds to think. Where did you last have your phone? Common spots where people lose phones at the airport include:

• TSA security checkpoints — The #1 spot. You put your phone in the bin, grabbed your laptop and shoes, and walked right past it.
• Restrooms — Left on the counter, on top of the toilet paper holder, or on the shelf by the sink.
• Gate seating areas — Slipped between seats or left on the armrest when boarding was called.
• Restaurants and bars — Set it on the table or counter and walked away.
• Charging stations — Plugged it in, got distracted, left it behind.

Knowing where you likely lost it determines who you need to contact first.

Step 2: If You Left Your Phone at TSA Security

This is the most common scenario, and there’s good news — TSA has its own lost and found system, separate from the airport and the airline. Here’s what most people don’t realize: TSA officers collect items left at checkpoints and log them into a system.

What to do:

• Go back to the checkpoint immediately if you’re still in the terminal. Tell a TSA officer you left your phone. They may still have it right there.
• If you’ve already left the airport, file a claim on the TSA Lost & Found website.
• Call the TSA Lost & Found office at the specific airport. Each airport has its own contact number — a quick Google search for “[airport name] TSA lost and found phone number” will get you there.
• File your claim within 24 hours. The sooner you report it, the higher your chances of recovery.

Important: TSA lost and found is NOT the same as the airport’s general lost and found. If you only file with one, file with both.

Step 3: Contact the Airport’s Lost and Found

Every major airport has a centralized lost and found office. Items found anywhere in the terminal — restrooms, gate areas, restaurants, baggage claim — typically end up here. Most airports hold items for 30 to 90 days before disposing of them or sending them to auction.

How to reach them:

• Check the airport’s official website for their lost and found page.
• Call the airport’s main number and ask to be transferred.
• Some airports use third-party services like Chargerback or NotLost to manage claims online.

Step 4: Use Find My iPhone or Find My Device

If your phone is still powered on and connected to a network, you might be able to locate it.

• iPhone users: Go to iCloud.com/find from any browser. Sign in with your Apple ID. You can see your phone’s last known location, play a sound, put it in Lost Mode, or erase it remotely.
• Android users: Go to google.com/android/find. Sign in with your Google account. Similar options to locate, ring, lock, or erase.

Pro tip: Put your phone in Lost Mode right away. This locks the screen and displays a custom message with a phone number where you can be reached. Even if someone finds it and can’t unlock it, they’ll know how to return it to you.

Step 5: Contact the Airline

If you think you left your phone on the plane, that’s a different situation entirely. Items left on aircraft are handled by the airline, not the airport.

• Call the airline’s customer service or baggage office at your arrival airport.
• Flight crews do sweep the cabin between flights, and found items are turned in to the airline’s lost and found.
• Give them your flight number, seat number, and a description of the phone.

Step 6: File an Online Claim

Don’t just make a phone call and hope for the best. Get your claim in writing. Filing an official lost property report creates a record that can be matched against found items for days or weeks to come.

Many airports and airlines have online forms you can fill out. The more detail you provide — phone model, color, case description, last known location — the better your chances.

👉 File a claim at airportslostandfound.com — We help connect you with the right airport lost and found department and streamline the recovery process.

Step 7: Check Back Regularly

Items don’t always get logged immediately. Airport staff are busy, and it can take 24-72 hours for a found item to appear in the system. Don’t give up if your first inquiry comes up empty.

• Check back every few days for at least two weeks.
• Ask if the airport’s lost and found has an online inventory you can browse.
• Be persistent but polite — the people handling these claims deal with hundreds of items daily.

How to Prevent Losing Your Phone at the Airport Next Time

• Designate one pocket or bag compartment that your phone always goes in.
• At TSA, put your phone inside your bag instead of in a separate bin. It goes through the X-ray just fine inside a bag.
• Set up Find My iPhone or Find My Device before you travel.
• Use a phone lanyard or case clip that physically attaches to you.
• Do a pocket pat-down every time you stand up — phone, wallet, keys, passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do airports keep lost phones?

Most airports hold unclaimed items for 30 to 90 days. After that, items may be donated, auctioned, or disposed of. TSA typically holds items for 30 days at the local level before transferring them. File your claim as soon as possible.

Can I get my phone back if I’m already in another city?

Yes. Most airports and TSA offices will ship recovered items to you, though you may need to pay for shipping. Some airports use third-party services that handle mailing for a small fee.

What if someone stole my phone at the airport?

If you believe your phone was stolen rather than lost, file a police report with the airport police department in addition to contacting lost and found. Use Find My iPhone or Find My Device to track its location. If it shows up at a different location outside the airport, share that information with police.

Should I file a claim with TSA or the airport lost and found?

Both. TSA has its own separate lost and found specifically for items left at security checkpoints. The airport’s general lost and found handles everything else. If you’re not sure where you lost your phone, file with both to maximize your chances.

What information do I need to file a lost phone claim?

Have the following ready: your phone’s make and model, color, any distinguishing features (case, stickers, cracks), the date and approximate time you lost it, the terminal and area where you last had it, and your contact information.

Don’t Give Up

Losing your phone at the airport feels like a disaster, but recovery rates are better than you’d think — especially at larger airports with dedicated lost and found departments. The key is acting fast, filing claims with every relevant party, and following up persistently.

Need help recovering your lost phone? File a lost property claim here and we’ll help connect you with the right department.

That sinking feeling when you realize your laptop is still at security. Don’t panic—here’s exactly how to recover your lost item airport officials might already have.

We’ve all been there. You’re settling into your seat, the plane is boarding, and suddenly it hits you: your jacket is still hanging on that chair at the gate. Or worse—you’re already home when you realize your iPad never made it back into your bag after the security screening.

Losing something at the airport is stressful, but it’s not hopeless. Every year, millions of items pass through airport lost and found departments, and many are successfully reunited with their owners. Here’s your complete guide to recovering your lost items.

Step 1: Retrace Your Steps (Mentally)

Before making any calls, take a breath and think carefully:

• Where did you last definitely have it? Security? The gate? A restaurant?
• What were you doing? Charging your phone? Removing items for screening?
• What time was it? This helps lost and found narrow the search

The more specific details you can provide, the better your chances of recovery.

Step 2: Act Fast If You’re Still at the Airport

If you’re still in the terminal and realize something’s missing:

Check the Immediate Area

Return to where you last had the item. Ask nearby staff—gate agents, restaurant workers, cleaning crews—if anything was turned in.

Go to the Airport Lost and Found

Most major airports have a centralized airport lost and found office, often located near baggage claim. Bring:

• Your ID
• Your boarding pass
• A detailed description of the item

Report to TSA If Lost at Security

Items left at security checkpoints are handled separately by TSA. Visit the TSA office (usually near security) or file a claim at tsa.gov.

Step 3: File an Official Report

Whether you’re still at the airport or already home, file a formal lost item report:

With the Airport

• Most airports have online lost and found portals
• Include photos if possible
• Be extremely detailed in your description
• Provide multiple contact methods

With TSA (If Lost at Security)

• File online at the TSA website
• Include your screening location, date, and time
• Describe the item in detail

With the Airline (If Lost on the Plane)

• Contact your airline’s lost and found directly
• Provide your flight number and seat
• Note that airlines often contract with third parties for lost items

Step 4: Follow Up Persistently

Here’s the frustrating truth about airport lost and found departments: they’re overwhelmed. Major airports process thousands of lost items monthly, and the systems aren’t always efficient.

Tips for Successful Follow-Up:

• Call during off-peak hours — Early morning often has shorter hold times
• File duplicate reports — If there’s both an online and phone system, use both
• Check back regularly — Items sometimes take days to be processed
• Be specific and patient — Staff are doing their best with high volume

Step 5: Know Your Recovery Options

Airport Storage Policies

Most airports hold items for 30-90 days before auctioning or disposing of them. After that window, recovery becomes nearly impossible.

Shipping Your Item

If your item is found, most airports will ship it to you—for a fee. Have a credit card ready and confirm:

• Shipping costs
• Insurance options
• Estimated delivery time

When Self-Recovery Isn’t Working

Let’s be honest: airport lost and found systems are notoriously difficult to navigate. Long hold times, automated systems, multiple departments, strict hours—it’s designed for the airport’s convenience, not yours.

This is exactly why Airport Lost and Found exists. We specialize in recovering lost airport items when the standard process fails. Our team:

• Knows exactly who to contact at major airports
• Follows up persistently on your behalf
• Navigates the bureaucracy so you don’t have to
• Coordinates shipping directly to your door

When your valuable item is on the line and you don’t have time to spend hours on hold, professional recovery services can make the difference between getting your property back and losing it forever.

Prevention Tips for Next Time

At Security

• Use bins strategically—small items in one, easy to track
• Do a bin count before walking away
• Check the rollers and collection area thoroughly
• Take a mental photo: “Phone, wallet, laptop, watch”

At the Gate

• Keep valuables in your personal item, not loose
• Don’t drape jackets over chairs
• Set a phone alarm 10 minutes before boarding to gather belongings

On the Plane

• Check your seat pocket before deplaning
• Do a final sweep: above, below, beside
• Wait for the aisle to clear if you need extra time

Don’t Give Up

Every day, people recover items they thought were gone forever. Your lost item story doesn’t have to end in disappointment—with quick action, detailed reporting, and persistent follow-up, the odds are better than you think.

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Lost something at the airport? Don’t navigate the frustrating recovery process alone. Airport Lost and Found helps travelers recover their belongings from airports nationwide. File a claim today and let our experts handle the rest.

Airport Lost and Found — We find what airports lose.

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Lost something at the airport? File a lost item report and we'll help connect you with the right airport or airline lost and found.

From laptops left at security to phones abandoned at gates, here’s what travelers lose most—and smart strategies to keep your belongings safe.

Airports are chaotic by design. You’re juggling boarding passes, removing shoes, answering texts, and keeping track of carry-ons while thousands of strangers do the same around you. It’s no wonder that millions of items end up in airport lost and found departments every year.

But here’s the thing: most lost items travelers leave behind fall into predictable categories. By knowing what’s most likely to go missing—and why—you can take simple precautions to keep your belongings safe.

The Top 10 Most Commonly Lost Items at Airports

1. Electronics (Phones, Tablets, Laptops)

The #1 most lost category—by far.

• Laptops left in security bins
• Phones forgotten at charging stations
• Tablets abandoned in seat-back pockets
• Chargers left plugged into outlets

Why it happens: You’re required to remove electronics at security, creating separation from your other belongings. Charging stations are everywhere, but your gate isn’t where you plugged in. And seat-back pockets? They’re black holes for devices.

Prevention: Create a “pocket check” habit. Before leaving ANY location—security, gate, seat—physically pat your pockets and check your bag for your devices.

2. Jewelry and Watches

Rings, watches, and earrings lost at security are heartbreakingly common. That family heirloom or expensive Apple Watch can vanish in seconds.

Why it happens: Security requires removing watches and sometimes jewelry. You’re rushed, stressed, and thinking about liquids and laptops—not the ring you dropped in a bin.

Prevention: Put jewelry INSIDE your carry-on before getting in the security line, not in the open bins. Watches go in jacket pockets, which go in your bag.

3. Clothing and Jackets

Sweaters, blazers, hoodies—anything you take off ends up draped over chairs and forgotten.

Why it happens: Airports swing between freezing (AC) and warm (crowds). You shed layers, then leave without them.

Prevention: When you remove a layer, immediately put it IN your bag, not on a chair. No exceptions.

4. Eyeglasses and Sunglasses

Glasses switch between “on face” and “somewhere else” constantly, and “somewhere else” often becomes “airport lost and found.”

Why it happens: You put them down to rub your eyes, switch to reading glasses, or store them during security. They’re small and easy to overlook.

Prevention: Have a designated case that always lives in the same bag pocket. Glasses off face = glasses in case. Always.

5. Travel Documents and Wallets

Passports, IDs, boarding passes, and wallets. The stuff you actually need to travel.

Why it happens: You’re constantly pulling them out—ID check, security, boarding, customs—creating countless opportunities to set them down.

Prevention: Use a dedicated travel wallet or passport holder. It goes in ONE pocket or bag location. Never varies. Practice “put it back immediately” until it’s muscle memory.

6. Headphones and Earbuds

AirPods in particular are lost at epidemic levels. Those tiny white cases are airport lost and found regulars.

Why it happens: Small size, easy to miss in bins or seats. Wireless means no cord to remind you they exist.

Prevention: AirPods go in your bag, not your pocket. The case is too small to track otherwise. Consider a bright-colored case cover.

7. Keys

House keys, car keys, office keys—all commonly lost in security bins or fallen from pockets.

Why it happens: You empty pockets at security, toss keys in a bin with other items, and don’t notice when one thing doesn’t make it back.

Prevention: Attach keys to your bag with a carabiner or lanyard. They never go in open bins—they go inside your carry-on.

8. Medications

Prescription medications left in seat-back pockets or lost at security are a genuine emergency for some travelers.

Why it happens: You take meds on the plane, store them in that convenient pocket, and forget during deplaning chaos.

Prevention: Keep medications in your personal item, never in seat-back pockets. Set a phone reminder for before landing: “Check for belongings.”

9. Children’s Items

Stuffed animals, tablets, favorite toys—the items kids can’t live without are also the ones they don’t track.

Why it happens: Kids. Also, you’re managing multiple humans, strollers, car seats, and your own belongings simultaneously.

Prevention: Assign each child one small bag for their essentials. Do a verbal inventory with them: “Do you have Bear? Do you have your tablet?”

10. Food and Drinks

Water bottles, snacks, that expensive coffee you just bought.

Why it happens: Liquids can’t go through security (usually), so you set them down and forget. Water bottles get left everywhere.

Prevention: Buy a water bottle you don’t mind losing, and expect to forget coffee at least once. For nice bottles, clip them to your bag.

The Ultimate Airport Belonging Checklist

Before leaving any airport zone, run through “PKEW”:

• Phone
• Keys
• Electronics (laptop, tablet, charger)
• Wallet (and travel documents)

Four items. Ten seconds. Could save you hours of lost-item recovery headaches.

When Prevention Fails

Even careful travelers lose things. If it happens to you:

1. Report immediately to airport lost and found
2. File claims with TSA (if lost at security) and your airline
3. Follow up persistently—items can take days to be processed
4. For valuable items, consider professional recovery help

Airport Lost and Found specializes in recovering lost items that airport departments are holding. When you don’t have hours to spend on hold navigating bureaucratic systems, our team handles the recovery process for you—from filing claims to coordinating shipping.

Travel Smarter

The best lost item is the one you never lose. Build simple habits, run quick checklists, and treat high-stakes items (passport, medications, expensive electronics) with extra care.

And when things go wrong despite your best efforts? Help is available.

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Already lost something at the airport? File a claim with Airport Lost and Found and let our experts navigate the recovery process. We’ve helped travelers recover thousands of items from airports nationwide.

Airport Lost and Found — Because what happens at the airport shouldn’t stay at the airport.

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Lost something at the airport? File a lost item report and we'll help connect you with the right airport or airline lost and found.

That sinking feeling hits the moment you realize it: your phone, your headphones, your jacket—something important is still on the plane. Maybe you’re in the terminal, maybe you’re already home, but one thing is clear: you need to act fast.

Items left on airplanes can be recovered, but the window is narrow and the process requires knowing exactly what to do. This guide walks you through every step, from immediate actions to claim filing.

Take These Steps Immediately

Time is critical when recovering items left on planes. The faster you act, the better your chances.

If You’re Still at the Airport

Within minutes of deplaning:
1. Return to the gate immediately — Security may still let you re-board for a quick retrieval
2. Find a gate agent — They can radio the cleaning crew before they clear the plane
3. Provide specific location details — “Seat 23A, front seat pocket” is much more helpful than “somewhere in the back”

If the plane has left or been cleaned:
1. Visit the airline’s baggage service office — Usually near baggage claim
2. File a lost item report — Get a reference number and confirmation
3. Ask about the item routing process — Where do found items go? How long are they kept?

If You’ve Left the Airport

1. Call the airline’s lost item line immediately — Don’t wait until you get home
2. File an online report — Most airlines have dedicated portals (see contacts below)
3. Provide flight details — Flight number, date, seat assignment, and item description
4. Include photos if possible — Pictures make identification much easier

Understanding How Airline Lost and Found Works

When items are left on planes, they enter a surprisingly complex system. Knowing the process helps you navigate it.

The typical timeline:

| Time After Flight | What Happens |
|——————|————–|
| 0-4 hours | Cleaning crew finds items during turnaround |
| 4-24 hours | Items transported to lost and found office |
| 24-48 hours | Items logged into airline’s system |
| 48-72 hours | Items searchable in online databases |
| 30-90 days | Items retained before disposition |

Key insight: The 24-48 hour gap explains why you can’t immediately find your item online. It hasn’t been logged yet—but that doesn’t mean it’s gone.

Where found items go:

High-value items (electronics, jewelry): Secured storage, often at hub locations

General items: Local airport lost and found

Documents (passports, IDs): Often sent to airline security or returned via mail

For a deeper dive, read about [how airport lost and found actually works][LINK: /how-it-works/].

Major Airline Lost Item Contacts

Here’s how to reach lost and found for major carriers:

US Airlines

American Airlines

Online: aa.com/lostandfound

Phone: 1-800-371-4771

Timeline: Items held 30 days

Delta Air Lines

Online: delta.com/lostfound

Phone: 1-800-325-8224

Timeline: Items held 30 days

United Airlines

Online: united.com/lostandfound

Phone: 1-800-335-2247

Timeline: Items held 30 days

Southwest Airlines

Online: southwest.com/lostandfound

Phone: 1-888-202-1024

Timeline: Items held 30 days

JetBlue Airways

Online: jetblue.com/lostandfound

Phone: 1-800-538-2583

Timeline: Items held 30 days

Alaska Airlines

Online: alaskaair.com/lostandfound

Phone: 1-800-252-7522

Timeline: Items held 30 days

International Airlines

British Airways

Online: ba.com/lostandfound

Phone: +44 344 493 0787

Lufthansa

Online: lufthansa.com/lostandfound

Phone: +49 69 86 799 799

Air Canada

Online: aircanada.com/lostandfound

Phone: 1-888-247-2262

Emirates

Online: emirates.com/contactus

Phone: +971 600 555 555

Qantas

Online: qantas.com/lostandfound

Phone: +61 2 9691 3636

Tips for a Successful Recovery

Having helped thousands of travelers recover lost items, here’s what works:

Be Specific in Your Description

“Black backpack” could match dozens of items. “Black North Face Jester backpack with a red luggage tag and a small tear on the front pocket” gets results.

Include:

Brand and model

Color and size

Distinctive marks (stickers, scratches, accessories)

Exact contents (for bags)

Photos if you have them

Follow Up Strategically

Day 1: File initial report

Day 3: Check online portal and call for update

Day 5: If no progress, escalate via social media or email

Day 7: Request supervisor review if item is valuable

Day 14: Consider filing with us for extended search

Use Multiple Channels

File online AND call

Tweet at the airline’s help account

Email for documentation

Each channel creates a record and increases visibility

Check the Right Location

Items from your flight might end up at:

Your departure airport

Your arrival airport

The airline’s central lost and found (often at hubs)

A third-party service the airline contracts with

Ask specifically where items from your flight route are typically sent.

Common Items Left on Planes (And Special Considerations)

Electronics

Phones, tablets, and laptops are most commonly left in seat-back pockets or charging ports. For phones:

Use “Find My” or equivalent to confirm location

Include IMEI number in your report

Password protection actually helps—it proves ownership

Glasses and Sunglasses

Often fall into seat gaps or get left in the overhead bin. Describe the case as well as the glasses.

Medications

Flag these as urgent—airlines often prioritize medical items. Provide pharmacy information if prescription.

Documents

Passports and important documents sometimes get expedited handling. Ask about special procedures.

Jewelry

For valuable items, request secure handling and consider asking for photos of recovered items before shipping.

What If the Item Isn’t Found?

Sometimes, despite best efforts, items aren’t recovered. Here’s what to know:

Possible explanations:

Item taken by another passenger (accidentally or otherwise)

Item fell into an inaccessible area

Item not discovered during cleaning

Item logged with incomplete description

Next steps:

File a formal claim with the airline if valuable

Check if travel insurance covers lost items

For electronics, report to police for insurance purposes

Use remote wipe features if device contains sensitive data

Our extended search service

If you’ve hit dead ends, [file a report with us][LINK: /report-lost-property/]. We can search multiple databases, contact the right departments directly, and often find items that travelers couldn’t locate on their own.

Prevention for Future Flights

The best recovery is prevention. Before deplaning:

The “Seat Sweep”:
1. Check your seat pocket (front and back of seat ahead)
2. Check under your seat
3. Check between seats
4. Check the overhead bin directly above you
5. Check power outlets and tray tables

Make it routine: Do this on every flight, not just when you think you might have left something. Muscle memory beats momentary memory.

For more strategies, see our complete guide on [preventing lost belongings while traveling][LINK: /prevention-tips/].

Don’t Give Up

Airlines receive thousands of lost item inquiries daily, and the recovery process can feel impersonal and slow. But items are recovered every day—even weeks or months after they were lost.

File your report, follow up persistently, and know that most found items do get returned to their owners. Your phone might already be sitting in a secure facility, waiting for you to claim it.

[Start your recovery now][LINK: /report-lost-property/] — we’re here to help.

You’ve landed at your destination, made your way to baggage claim, and watched every bag come through—except yours. Your heart sinks as the carousel stops and reality sets in: your luggage is missing.

Take a breath. Delayed and lost luggage is frustrating, but it’s also surprisingly common—and most bags are recovered within 24-48 hours. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step.

Step 1: Confirm Your Luggage Isn’t Just Delayed

Before you panic, rule out simple explanations. Bags sometimes come on later carousels or get held up for additional security screening.

What to check first:

Wait for the full carousel cycle — Sometimes bags arrive late in the rotation

Check nearby carousels — Bags occasionally end up on the wrong belt

Look in the oversized luggage area — Strollers, sports equipment, and oddly-shaped bags often go here

Ask an airport agent — They can check if your bag was pulled for additional screening

If your bag truly isn’t there after 20-30 minutes, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: File a Report at the Baggage Service Office

This is the most critical step. You must file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the airport to protect your rights and initiate the tracking process.

How to file your report:

1. Locate the baggage service office — Usually near baggage claim, look for your airline’s signage
2. Bring your baggage claim ticket — The sticker attached to your boarding pass
3. Provide detailed bag description — Color, brand, size, distinctive features
4. Get your PIR reference number — This is essential for tracking and claims
5. Provide delivery address — Where should the bag be delivered when found?
6. Get contact information — Ask for direct phone numbers and email addresses

Important: Most airlines require claims to be filed within 4-21 days of arrival. Filing at the airport protects you regardless of the specific deadline.

Step 3: Set Up Tracking for Your Missing Bag

Once you’ve filed your PIR, you’ll be given access to online tracking. Most major airlines use similar systems, though the interfaces vary.

Popular airline baggage tracking portals:

American Airlines: aa.com/baggage

Delta: delta.com/baggage

United: united.com/bagtracing

Southwest: southwest.com/baggage

JetBlue: jetblue.com/baggage

British Airways: ba.com/baggage

Lufthansa: lufthansa.com/baggage

Enter your PIR number to see real-time updates on your bag’s location and status.

Understanding tracking status messages:

| Status | What It Means |
|——–|————–|
| Tracing | Active search in progress |
| Located | Bag found, arranging delivery |
| In Transit | Bag on its way to you |
| Delivered | Bag should have arrived |
| Claim | Unable to locate, claim process initiated |

Step 4: Follow Up Strategically

If you don’t see progress within 24 hours, proactive follow-up is essential.

Effective follow-up strategies:

Call during off-peak hours — Early morning typically has shorter wait times

Use social media — Many airlines respond faster to Twitter/X DMs than phone calls

Email for documentation — Creates a paper trail for potential compensation claims

Reference your PIR number — Always include this in every communication

What to ask about:

Last known location of your bag

Expected delivery timeframe

Process if the bag isn’t found within 5 days

Reimbursement process for essential purchases

Step 5: Document Everything for Potential Claims

From the moment your bag goes missing, start building documentation. This protects you whether the bag is found or permanently lost.

Keep records of:

PIR number and filing time

All receipts for essential purchases — Toiletries, underwear, medication, necessary clothing

Communication logs — Dates, times, names of representatives

Photos of your bag — If you have them from before your trip

List of contents with approximate values

Most airlines allow claims for essential purchases while waiting for delayed bags. Keep receipts and be reasonable—a new suit for a business meeting is justifiable; a designer handbag is not.

Step 6: Understand Your Rights and Compensation

Your rights depend on your route and the applicable regulations.

For flights within the US:

Airlines must compensate for lost bags up to $3,800 (DOT maximum)

No automatic compensation for delays

Some airlines offer per-day allowances for essentials

For international flights (Montreal Convention):

Compensation up to approximately $1,700 for delayed/lost bags

Carriers liable for delay unless they took all reasonable measures

Claims must typically be filed within 21 days

Credit card protections:

Many travel credit cards offer baggage delay insurance that kicks in after 6-12 hours. Check your card benefits—you may be entitled to $300-500 for essential purchases.

Step 7: When Delayed Becomes Lost

If your bag hasn’t been found after 5-14 days (varies by airline), it’s typically reclassified from “delayed” to “lost.”

What happens next:

1. Claim form sent — The airline will send official claim paperwork
2. Inventory required — You’ll need to list all contents with values
3. Documentation requested — Receipts, photos, and proof of ownership
4. Settlement offered — Usually within 4-6 weeks of claim submission
5. Negotiation possible — Initial offers are often negotiable

Pro tip: Don’t lowball your inventory. Airlines expect some items won’t have receipts—reasonable estimates for clothing, toiletries, and personal items are standard.

Prevention for Next Time

While you can’t prevent airline baggage mishandling entirely, you can reduce risk and improve recovery odds.

Smart packing strategies:

Use AirTags or GPS trackers — Know where your bag is, even when the airline doesn’t

Take photos of packed contents — Useful for claims and proving ownership

Remove old baggage tags — These can confuse automated systems

Use distinctive identifiers — Bright luggage tags, colorful straps, unique cases

Pack essentials in carry-on — Medications, one change of clothes, chargers, valuables

Learn more about [preventing lost belongings while traveling][LINK: /prevention-tips/] to protect yourself on future trips.

When to File With Us

If your bag has been missing for more than 48 hours, or if you’re struggling to get responses from the airline, we can help coordinate the search across multiple databases and contact points.

[File a lost property report][LINK: /report-lost-property/] and let us help navigate the system on your behalf.

Most Bags Are Found

Here’s the good news: according to SITA’s annual baggage report, 99.5% of mishandled bags are eventually returned to their owners. The vast majority arrive within 48 hours.

Your luggage journey might have taken an unexpected detour, but with the right steps and a little patience, reunion is likely. Follow this guide, stay proactive, and you’ll be unpacking your own clothes soon.

The average traveler passes through an airport carrying electronics, documents, clothing, and personal items worth thousands of dollars. Yet something about the stress and chaos of travel makes us forget things we’d never leave behind in daily life.

The good news? Most losses are preventable. With the right systems, habits, and tools, you can dramatically reduce your chances of leaving something important behind. Here’s everything you need to know.

Understanding Why We Lose Things While Traveling

Before diving into prevention strategies, it’s worth understanding why travel makes us so forgetful:

Disrupted Routines

At home, your keys, wallet, and phone have places they “live.” At airports, everything is in flux. There’s no muscle memory to rely on.

Stress and Distraction

Security lines, flight announcements, gate changes—airports are designed to keep you moving and alert. That heightened state actually impairs memory formation for routine actions.

Context Switching

Removing shoes at security, taking off jackets on planes, pulling out laptops for screening—each change creates an opportunity to forget the item you just set down.

Time Pressure

Nothing triggers forgetfulness like a “now boarding” announcement when you’re still at the coffee shop three gates away.

Understanding these triggers helps you design systems that work despite them.

The Foundation: Organize Before You Go

Prevention starts at home, before you even reach the airport.

Create a Packing Checklist

Don’t rely on memory. Keep a reusable checklist (digital or printed) that includes:

Electronics and chargers

Documents (passport, ID, tickets)

Medications

Valuables (jewelry, watches)

Season-specific items

Use the checklist when packing AND when repacking before heading home.

Photograph Your Packed Bags

Take photos of:

Your packed suitcase contents

Your carry-on contents

Your checked bag (exterior)

Your valuables laid out

These photos serve dual purposes: helping identify lost items and proving contents for insurance claims.

Designate “Homes” for Critical Items

Decide in advance where each important item lives:

Passport: Front pocket of carry-on

Phone: Left pants pocket

Wallet: Right pants pocket

Keys: Inner jacket pocket or clipped inside bag

Consistency creates automatic behavior—even under stress.

Minimize What You Carry

The fewer items you bring, the fewer items you can lose. Ask yourself:

Do I really need this?

Can I buy it at my destination if needed?

Is there a lighter/smaller alternative?

Tech Solutions for Tracking Your Belongings

Technology can provide a safety net when memory fails.

AirTags and GPS Trackers

Small Bluetooth trackers have revolutionized lost item recovery:

For luggage:
Place an AirTag or Tile tracker inside each checked bag. If it’s delayed or lost, you’ll know exactly where it is—even when the airline doesn’t.

For carry-on essentials:
Consider trackers for:

Laptop bag

Camera gear

Passport wallet

Pro tip: Put a tracker in your checked bag AND your carry-on. If your carry-on gets gate-checked unexpectedly, you’ll still have visibility.

Phone Features to Enable

Before traveling, ensure these are set up:

Find My iPhone/Find My Device: Know your phone’s location if lost

Remote wipe capability: Protect your data if recovery isn’t possible

Medical ID on lock screen: Helps good Samaritans return your phone

Smart Luggage Options

Some newer luggage includes built-in tracking:

GPS-enabled suitcases

Bags with built-in tracker pockets

Smart locks with app notifications

High-Risk Moments (And How to Handle Them)

Certain airport scenarios are especially dangerous for losing items. Here’s how to navigate each:

The Security Checkpoint

This is the #1 loss location at airports. You’re removing items, placing them in bins, walking through scanners, and repacking—all while people behind you wait impatiently.

Strategies:

Remove jewelry and put it IN YOUR BAG before reaching the bins (not in the bin itself)

Use the same bin order every time: shoes, then bag, then electronics, then jacket

After screening, step aside and repack carefully—don’t rush

Count your bins: if you sent three through, you should receive three back

Do a pat-down self-check: phone, wallet, keys, watch

The Charging Station

Airport charging stations are graveyard for cables, phones, and tablets. You plug in, get distracted, and walk away.

Strategies:

Set a phone alarm when you plug in

Keep the cable short so it can’t rest on the counter if you stand up

Use a power bank instead when possible

Sit ON your bag while charging—you can’t leave without feeling it

The Gate Area

Gate changes, early boarding, bathroom runs—lots of opportunities to walk away from items.

Strategies:

Keep everything in or attached to your carry-on

When you leave your seat (bathroom, coffee), take your bag

Wear your jacket rather than draping it over a seat

Set a “final check” alarm for 10 minutes before boarding

Boarding the Plane

The overhead bin shuffle creates chaos. You’re focused on fitting your bag, finding your seat, and getting out of the aisle.

Strategies:

Put your carry-on directly above YOUR seat (not three rows back)

Keep your personal item at your feet, not in the bin

Avoid putting valuables in overhead bins—they’re too easy to forget

When you reach your row, take a mental snapshot of what you’re stowing

Deplaning

The rush to exit creates the biggest single opportunity for loss.

Strategies:

Stay seated until the aisle clears to your row—this gives you time to check

Do the “seat sweep”: front pocket, under seat, between seats, overhead bin

Check the charging port and seatback pocket

Look at your row as you leave, not just forward

Building Foolproof Habits

Systems beat willpower. Here are habits that become automatic over time:

The Pat-Down Check

Develop a physical checklist—touch each item:

Phone (tap left pocket)

Wallet (tap right pocket)

Keys (tap jacket pocket)

Passport (tap bag pocket)

Do this every time you stand up. It takes two seconds and catches 90% of potential losses.

The “Final Sweep” Ritual

Before leaving any location—seat, restaurant, lounge, plane—look back at where you were. Make eye contact with the space. This simple pause catches forgotten items.

The Buddy System

Traveling with others? Do mutual checks. “Got your phone?” “Got your passport?” A second set of eyes catches what you miss.

The “One Bag” Rule

Everything you’re not wearing should be attached to one bag. Don’t set things on seats, tables, or counters. If it’s not in/on your bag, you’re at risk.

Specific Strategies by Item Type

Electronics

Use brightly colored cases (easier to spot if left behind)

Charge before leaving home to reduce airport charging needs

Keep cables attached to a cable organizer, not loose in pockets

Never put phones in seatback pockets—they’re the top loss location

Documents

Use a travel wallet that’s too big to forget

Return passport to bag IMMEDIATELY after each use

Photograph all important documents as backup

Keep digital copies in secure cloud storage

Jewelry

Remove before security and store in bag

Consider leaving expensive pieces at home

Use a small zippered pouch to keep everything together

Put jewelry on last when dressing, so it’s not in a bag that could be forgotten

Jackets and Layers

Stuff them in your bag rather than carrying separately

Choose jackets with secure inner pockets for valuables

If you must drape, drape over your carry-on, not over a chair

Glasses

Use a neck strap for reading glasses

Keep sunglasses in a clip-on case attached to your bag

Put glasses ON (not in pocket) as soon as you remove them

When Prevention Fails

Even with perfect systems, things happen. Here’s what to do when they do:

React Immediately

If you realize you’ve lost something:

Stop and retrace mentally: where were you last using it?

Return immediately if possible

Contact lost and found within the hour

Have a Backup Plan

Keep copies of documents in email

Store emergency cash separately from wallet

Know your airline’s lost and found contact info

Have us bookmarked: [file a report][LINK: /report-lost-property/]

For a deep dive on recovery, see [what to do if you leave an item on a plane][LINK: /common-lost-items/] and [how airport lost and found actually works][LINK: /how-it-works/].

The Pre-Flight and Post-Flight Checklists

Before Leaving for the Airport

☐ All items packed (check your list)

☐ Tracker in checked bag

☐ Photos of packed contents

☐ Critical items in carry-on (meds, charger, one outfit)

☐ Documents in designated pocket

At Each Airport Stop

☐ Pat-down check (phone, wallet, keys)

☐ Visual sweep of seating area

☐ All items in/on one bag

Before Deplaning

☐ Check seatback pocket

☐ Check under seat

☐ Check between seats

☐ Check overhead bin

☐ Look back at row before walking away

Make It Automatic

The best prevention doesn’t require thinking—it requires habit. Start with one or two strategies from this guide and practice them until they’re automatic. Then add more.

Within a few trips, you’ll have a personal system that keeps your belongings with you, no matter how chaotic the travel day becomes.

Safe travels—and may you never need our [lost property services][LINK: /report-lost-property/].

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.

You left your laptop at the security checkpoint. Or your phone at the gate. Or your jacket on the plane. Now you’re wondering: what happens to it? Where does it go? Is there actually someone looking for it, or does it just disappear into a void?

The truth is that airport lost and found systems are more organized than most travelers realize—but they’re also more fragmented. Understanding how these systems actually work is the key to successfully recovering your lost items.

The Fragmented Reality of Airport Lost Property

Here’s the first thing most travelers don’t realize: there is no single “airport lost and found.” Items lost at airports can end up in at least four different systems:

1. TSA Lost and Found (Security Checkpoints)

Items left at security go to TSA, not the airport. TSA maintains its own lost and found inventory separate from everything else.

What ends up here: Items removed during screening and not retrieved (phones, laptops, jewelry, belts, liquids, IDs)

How to reclaim: File online at tsa.gov or call your airport’s TSA office

Retention period: Typically 30-90 days

2. Airport Lost and Found (Terminal Areas)

Items left in gate areas, restaurants, restrooms, and terminals go to the airport authority’s lost and found.

What ends up here: Items left on seats, at charging stations, in shops, in restrooms

How to reclaim: Contact the airport directly (usually via website or phone)

Retention period: Varies by airport, typically 30-90 days

3. Airline Lost and Found (On Aircraft)

Items left on planes stay with the airline—not the airport. Each airline maintains its own system.

What ends up here: Seat-back pocket items, overhead bin contents, under-seat items

How to reclaim: Contact your specific airline

Retention period: Typically 30 days

4. Vendor/Concessionaire Lost and Found

Items left in airport shops, restaurants, and lounges may be held by those individual businesses.

What ends up here: Items left in dining areas, shops, clubs

How to reclaim: Contact the specific vendor

Retention period: Varies widely

The challenge: A single walk through an airport might require checking four different systems to find a lost item. No wonder so many things go unclaimed.

The Journey of a Lost Item

Let’s follow a typical lost item—say, a phone left at a gate area—through the system:

Hour 0-4: Discovery

A cleaning crew member, airline employee, or fellow traveler finds the phone sitting on a charging station. In best-case scenarios, they turn it in immediately to a nearby airline agent or information desk.

Hour 4-24: Collection

The item is collected by airport operations. At larger airports, lost items from various locations are gathered and transported to a central lost and found office—often once or twice per day.

Hour 24-72: Logging

Staff catalog the item: description, location found, date, time, distinguishing features. For electronics, they may note brand and color. For bags, they might open them to look for identifying information.

This is when the item becomes “findable” in the system. Before this, it exists in limbo—physically at the airport, but not yet searchable.

Day 3-30: Storage and Matching

The item sits in storage while staff attempt to match incoming claims with inventory. This matching process is largely manual—staff compare descriptions from lost reports against what’s on the shelves.

Day 30-90: Retention Period

Most airports keep items for 30-90 days. During this window, the item can still be claimed. Some airports extend this for high-value items; others don’t.

After Retention: Disposition

Unclaimed items may be:

Donated to charity

Auctioned (some airports hold surplus auctions)

Disposed of if no value

Destroyed (for security-sensitive items like IDs)

Why Items Don’t Get Returned (Even When Found)

Understanding why recovery fails helps you avoid these pitfalls:

1. Wrong System Contacted

Travelers contact the airport when they should contact the airline, or vice versa. The item sits in one database while the claim sits in another.

2. Description Mismatch

The claim says “black laptop bag” but the item is logged as “dark gray computer case.” Close enough to be the same item, different enough that automated matching fails.

3. Timing Gap

Claims filed before items are logged won’t match. If you call immediately but the item isn’t cataloged until day three, the timing misalignment can cause missed connections.

4. Wrong Airport

Multi-stop itineraries complicate things. Travelers sometimes file claims at their destination when the item was left at their origin or layover airport.

5. Incomplete Contact Information

Claims with wrong phone numbers, outdated emails, or missing details can’t be connected to their owners even when the item is found.

How to Maximize Your Recovery Chances

Armed with this knowledge, here’s how to work the system effectively:

File Multiple Reports

Don’t just contact one entity. If you’re unsure where you lost the item, file with:

The airport’s lost and found

Your airline’s lost and found

TSA (if you visited security)

Any specific vendors where you spent time

Be Specific and Consistent

Use the same description across all reports. Include:

Brand, model, color

Size and distinguishing features

Contents (for bags)

Photos if available

Time Your Follow-Ups

Day 1: File initial reports

Day 3: Check online portals (items should be logged by now)

Day 5: Call for updates

Day 7: Escalate if needed

Day 14: Consider extended search options

Provide Quality Contact Information

Include phone AND email

Verify the email address is typed correctly

Include a backup contact if possible

Check spam folders for responses

Mention Willingness to Pay

Most airports charge shipping fees for returned items. Mentioning upfront that you’ll cover costs can expedite processing.

Airport Lost and Found Statistics

The scale of lost property at airports is staggering:

Major airports receive 500-2,000+ lost items per week

Recovery rates range from 30-50% for properly reported items

Electronics account for roughly 40% of all lost items

Average time to catalog an item: 24-72 hours

Most items that aren’t claimed in 30 days are never claimed

These numbers highlight both the challenge and the opportunity. Half of all lost items go unclaimed—not because they weren’t found, but because their owners gave up or didn’t know how to navigate the system.

The Role of Third-Party Services

Given the fragmentation and complexity of airport lost and found systems, third-party services have emerged to help travelers navigate the process.

What we do at Airport Lost and Found:

Search across multiple databases simultaneously

Contact the right departments at airports and airlines

Track your claim through the entire process

Handle communication and follow-up on your behalf

Coordinate shipping and delivery

[File a lost property report][LINK: /report-lost-property/] and let us do the searching for you.

Pro Tips From Behind the Counter

Based on conversations with airport lost and found staff, here’s insider advice:

Early morning calls get more attention. Staff are fresher and queues are shorter before the day’s flights begin.

Physical descriptions beat brand names. Staff may not recognize “AirPods Pro” but will match “small white wireless earbuds in white case.”

Photos are incredibly helpful. A picture eliminates ambiguity and speeds matching.

Persistence pays off. The squeaky wheel really does get the grease. Polite, consistent follow-up signals that you’re serious about recovery.

Check the found list, not just your claim. Some airport websites publish found item lists. Browse them—you might spot your item before staff match it to your claim.

What Happens to Unclaimed Items?

Ever wonder where lost items go after the retention period?

Charity donation: Many airports partner with local charities. Clothes, books, and general items often find second lives.

Government auction: Some airports, particularly larger ones, hold periodic auctions of unclaimed property. Electronics, jewelry, and high-value items typically go this route.

Recycling: Electronic items without data security concerns may be recycled.

Destruction: Items with security implications (IDs, documents, some electronics) are securely destroyed.

Staff claims: Some airports allow staff to claim unclaimed items after a waiting period. That lost umbrella might be keeping someone dry on their commute.

The Bottom Line

Airport lost and found is a system designed for scale, not speed. It works—but it works slowly, and it requires travelers to understand its fragmented nature and navigate it accordingly.

The good news: items that are properly reported, with detailed descriptions and patient follow-up, have a strong chance of recovery. The system catches more than it loses; the real gap is in the communication between the found item and its owner.

Know the system. File thoroughly. Follow up consistently. And if you need help, [we’re here to assist][LINK: /report-lost-property/].

Have questions about the process? Check our [FAQ][LINK: /faq/] or [contact us directly][LINK: /contact/].

When a man opened fire at the Fort Lauderdale International Airport lost and found last week, a terrified little girl scrambled to get to safety with her family. But she left behind her best friend of 10 years — a teddy bear named Rufus.

Ten-year-old Courtney Gelinas had just returned from a Caribbean cruise with her family and was waiting to board a flight home when police say Esteban Santiago began firing his handgun at travelers near the baggage claim, CNN reported.

Courtney and her family were caught up in the chaos that ensued at the Fort Lauderdale Airport lost and found
Continue reading →

Karen O’Meara is Auckland Airports access systems administrator, who helps process lost property.

Just how do you lose your false teeth?

What about your mobility scooter, microwave or vacuum cleaner? They’re just some of the unusual items left behind at Auckland Airport.

The more travellers cross our borders, the bigger the airport’s lost property office becomes. It started off as one shelf – now it’s a large room with floor-to-ceiling custom-designed sliding shelves to optimise space.

It also has a safe for found money, licences and passports and lockable storage cupboards for electronics and jewellery in another room.

Skygate security manager Fia Tauvela says the false teeth are the most unusual thing he has seen come through the office.

“And we have had preserved snakes in a container left behind in check-in.There are some strange things that come through.”

The most common items are electronics, jewellery, neck cushions, keys, wallets, passports and hand luggage. They are found in the check-in areas, the arrivals hall, cafes, toilets, terminals, in trolleys or in the carparks.

The office must hold on to each item for three months regardless of what it is. The only exceptions are perishables which are disposed of.

“Even one shoe we have to keep because it may mean a lot to somebody,” Tauvela says.

“We had a case of an old teddy bear, which people would normally throw away but turned out the little girl that it belonged to couldn’t sleep because she had had it since she was a baby.

“The parents couldn’t believe that we had it stored away.”

But in reality there is a very low percentage of reconciliation with the owners, Tauvela says.

“I suppose when you have 16 million people passing through the airport every year, the potential to find owners is a lot harder.”

Once the three months are up, all valuable items are sent to the police and customs auctions and the money raised goes to charity.

“All the bags, clothes, walking sticks and umbrellas are giving to charity and are picked up every Friday.”

The airport selects a charity and keeps it for several years before changing. Currently it is Crosspower Ministries Trust in Otara.

Go to https://www.airpoairportslostandfound.com/report-lost-property if you have lost any items at the airport.

FROM FOUND TO LOGGED

Airport staff have a strict process to follow after finding an item.

“Everything that is left unattended, even a sleeping bag or anything like that, we don’t just say it’s a sleeping bag and pick it up,” Tauvela says.

It starts as an “unattended item” and staff call for the owner over the intercom. If the owner doesn’t respond, a detector dog is called in.

“We have to treat it as suspicious, it’s just the way the airport environment is. We have to call for an explosive detector dog to come and check it, to make sure it’s safe. Once cleared it becomes found property and then comes to us and is logged in system.”