Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Lost and Found
Losing a personal item while traveling through Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is stressful, but there are clear steps you can take to recover your belongings. DFW serves over 81 million passengers each year across five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) connected by the Skylink automated people mover, making it one of the largest airports in the United States by land area.
DFW is the largest hub for American Airlines and one of the biggest airports in the country. The Skylink people mover connects all five terminals, and items left aboard Skylink are routed to the main Lost and Found office. DFW maintains two lost and found areas depending on where your item was left.
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 DFW Airport
Follow these steps to report a lost item at Dallas/Fort Worth 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 DFW Lost and Found office directly. Call (972) 973-4420 during business hours (Monday – Saturday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM CST) or visit the office at Terminal E, Arrivals/Baggage Claim area. You can also report through the official DFW 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. American Airlines and other carriers 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 (972) 973-5100 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. DFW holds items for 30 to 90 days.
DFW Airport Lost and Found Contact Information
- Phone: (972) 973-4420
- Location: Terminal E, Arrivals/Baggage Claim area
- Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM CST
- TSA Lost and Found: (972) 973-5100
- Official Website: dfwairport.com/lostandfound
Common Items Lost at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport
Every day, travelers leave behind personal belongings at DFW. 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 DFW
- 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 (A, B, C, D, or E), 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, 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 the Dallas/Fort Worth area, 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 DFW 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.
- Skylink Train: Items left on DFW’s automated people mover connecting all five terminals.
- Restrooms: Phones, wallets, and jackets placed on counters or hooks.
- Restaurants and Shops: Bags placed under tables or on adjacent chairs.
- Baggage Claim: Personal items left on or near carousels.
What Happens After You File a Report?
- Your report enters our system and is cross-referenced against items currently in the DFW 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 DFW Airport Lost and Found
How do I contact the lost and found at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport?
You can call the DFW Airport Lost and Found at (972) 973-4420 during business hours (Monday – Saturday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM CST). You can also visit the office at Terminal E, Arrivals/Baggage Claim, or file a report online for the fastest response.
How long does DFW Airport keep lost items?
DFW holds unclaimed items for approximately 30 to 90 days. After that period, items may be donated, auctioned, or disposed of. Filing your report promptly gives you the best chance of recovery.
I lost something on the plane at DFW. Who do I contact?
Items left onboard an aircraft are managed by the airline, not the airport. Contact American Airlines 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 DFW. What should I do?
Items left at TSA screening checkpoints are held by TSA. Call TSA Lost and Found at (972) 973-5100 or file a claim online at tsa.gov.
Can lost items be shipped to me from DFW 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 (A, B, C, D, or E), gate or location, a detailed physical description (brand, color, size, distinguishing marks), and your contact information. Photos are extremely helpful if available.