Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Lost and Found
Losing a personal item while traveling through Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is stressful, but there are clear steps you can take to recover your belongings. ORD serves over 83 million passengers each year across four terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5) connected by the Airport Transit System, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.
O’Hare is a major connecting hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines. Items left on the Airport Transit System (ATS) train between terminals are handled separately — contact OATS at (773) 462-0400 or email [email protected]. Terminal 5 handles all international arrivals and has its own lost and found procedures.
Whether you left a phone at a gate, a laptop at security, or a bag at baggage claim, this guide walks you through exactly how to file a lost item report and gives you the best chance of getting your property back.
How to Report a Lost Item at O’Hare Airport
Follow these steps to report a lost item at Chicago O’Hare International Airport:
- File an online report immediately. The fastest way to start your search is to submit a lost property report through our system. Include as many details as possible — the date, time, terminal, and a detailed description of the item.
- Contact the ORD Lost and Found office directly. Call (773) 462-0400 during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST) or visit the office at Terminal 2, Lower Level, near baggage claim. You can also report through the official Chicago airport website.
- Check with your airline. If you lost an item onboard an aircraft or at a gate area, contact your airline’s lost and found department directly. United and American manage their own in-flight lost property separately from the airport.
- Contact TSA. Items left at security screening checkpoints are held by TSA. Call TSA Lost and Found at (773) 377-1210 or file a claim at tsa.gov/contact/lost-and-found.
- Follow up regularly. New items are logged daily. If your item isn’t found immediately, check back every few days. O’Hare holds items for 30 to 90 days.
ORD Airport Lost and Found Contact Information
- Phone: (773) 462-0400
- Location: Terminal 2, Lower Level, near baggage claim
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
- Airport Transit System (ATS): (773) 462-0400 or email [email protected]
- TSA Lost and Found: (773) 377-1210
- Official Website: flychicago.com/ohare/lost-and-found
Common Items Lost at O’Hare Airport
Every day, travelers leave behind personal belongings at ORD. The most commonly reported lost items include:
- Electronics: Cell phones, laptops, tablets, chargers, AirPods, headphones, and power banks
- Travel Documents: Passports, boarding passes, driver’s licenses, credit cards, and ID cards
- Personal Accessories: Wallets, keys, sunglasses, prescription eyeglasses, jewelry, and watches
- Bags and Clothing: Carry-on bags, backpacks, laptop sleeves, jackets, hats, and scarves
- Medications: Prescription medications, inhalers, and medical devices
- Children’s Items: Stuffed animals, toys, strollers, and car seats
Tips for Faster Recovery of Lost Items at ORD
- Act immediately. The sooner you file a report, the better your chances. Items reported within 24 hours have significantly higher recovery rates.
- Be as specific as possible. Include the exact terminal (1, 2, 3, or 5), concourse, gate number, restaurant name, or restroom location. Mention the brand, color, size, and any unique identifying features.
- Attach a photo. If you have a photo of the lost item, include it with your report. Visual references dramatically improve matching accuracy.
- Check multiple departments. Depending on where you lost the item, it may have been collected by the airport, your airline, TSA, the ATS train system, or a restaurant or shop.
- Keep your claim number. After filing a report, save your confirmation and claim number for status checks and ownership verification.
- Use our tracking tools. You can check the status of your claim through our online tracking system at any time.
- Consider shipping. If you’ve already left Chicago, the lost and found office can often arrange to ship recovered items to your home address for a fee.
Where Items Are Found Most Often at O’Hare Airport
- TSA Security Checkpoints: Bins at screening are the number one spot — phones, laptops, belts, jackets, and jewelry.
- Gate Areas: Charging stations and seats near boarding gates are frequent spots for chargers, phones, and personal bags.
- Airport Transit System (ATS): Items left on the automated train connecting terminals.
- Restrooms: Phones, wallets, and jackets placed on counters or hooks.
- Restaurants and Shops: Bags placed under tables or on adjacent chairs.
- Terminal 5 International Arrivals: Items left in customs and immigration areas or baggage claim.
What Happens After You File a Report?
- Your report enters our system and is cross-referenced against items currently in the ORD lost and found inventory.
- You receive a confirmation email with your claim number and details.
- We continue matching as new items are turned in. The database is updated daily.
- If a match is found, you’ll be contacted with instructions for pickup or shipping.
- You can check your claim status anytime through our online tracking system.
Frequently Asked Questions About O’Hare Airport Lost and Found
How do I contact the lost and found at Chicago O’Hare Airport?
You can call the ORD Airport Lost and Found at (773) 462-0400 during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST). You can also visit the office at Terminal 2, Lower Level, or file a report online for the fastest response.
How long does O’Hare Airport keep lost items?
O’Hare holds unclaimed items for approximately 30 to 90 days. After that period, items may be donated or disposed of. Filing your report promptly gives you the best chance of recovery.
I lost something on the plane at O’Hare. Who do I contact?
Items left onboard an aircraft are managed by the airline, not the airport. Contact United, American, or your carrier’s lost and found department directly. Have your flight number, seat number, and a description of the item ready.
I left something at the TSA security checkpoint at ORD. What should I do?
Items left at TSA screening checkpoints are held by TSA. Call TSA Lost and Found at (773) 377-1210 or file a claim online at tsa.gov.
Can lost items be shipped to me from O’Hare Airport?
Yes, in many cases recovered items can be shipped to your address. Shipping fees and arrangements vary. Ask about shipping options when you’re notified of a match.
What information should I include in my lost item report?
Include the date and approximate time, the specific terminal (1, 2, 3, or 5), gate or location, a detailed physical description (brand, color, size, distinguishing marks), and your contact information. Photos are extremely helpful if available.