You made it to your gate, sat down, opened your bag — and realized your laptop isn’t there. It’s still sitting in a gray bin at the TSA security checkpoint, along with your charger and maybe your dignity. Your heart is racing, your flight boards in 20 minutes, and you don’t know what to do.
First: breathe. You’re not the first person to leave a laptop at security, and you won’t be the last. TSA screens over 2.5 million passengers per day, and laptops are one of the most commonly left-behind items. Here’s exactly how to get yours back.
Why Laptops Get Left at Security So Often
It’s actually by design — or rather, bad design. TSA requires you to remove laptops from your bag and place them in a separate bin. You’re juggling your shoes, belt, jacket, liquids bag, and carry-on, all while a line of impatient travelers pushes behind you. The laptop goes in the bin, the bin goes through the X-ray, and when you come out the other side, you grab your bag and shoes and walk away.
The laptop is still in the bin.
This happens thousands of times a day at airports across the country. If you have TSA PreCheck, you don’t have to remove your laptop, which significantly reduces this risk. But for standard screening, it’s a trap that catches even frequent flyers.
Step 1: Go Back to the Checkpoint Immediately
If you’re still in the airport and you realize your laptop is missing, go back to the security checkpoint right now. Don’t wait. Don’t finish your coffee. Go.
- Find a TSA officer and explain that you left your laptop in a bin.
- They’ll check the area around the conveyor belt and the bin return area.
- If another passenger accidentally grabbed it, TSA may be able to identify who was behind you in line using camera footage.
Note: You typically cannot go back through the checkpoint in the wrong direction. You may need to exit the secure area and go back through screening again to reach the checkpoint. At some airports, a TSA supervisor can retrieve the item for you without you leaving the secure side. Ask first.
Step 2: If You’re Still at the Airport but It’s Been a While
If it’s been more than 30 minutes since you went through security, your laptop has likely been collected by TSA staff. Here’s what happens to it:
- A TSA officer notices an unclaimed item in the bin area.
- It gets flagged and may go through additional screening (since it’s an unattended item in a security area).
- It’s logged and stored at the TSA Lost and Found office at that airport.
Ask any TSA officer where the lost and found office is located. At larger airports, it may be at a specific terminal or administrative office. At smaller airports, the checkpoint supervisor may handle it directly.
Step 3: If You’ve Already Left the Airport
This is the most common scenario — you don’t realize the laptop is missing until you’re in your Uber, at your hotel, or at your destination city. Don’t panic. The laptop is almost certainly in TSA’s possession, and they have a process for getting it back to you.
File a claim with TSA online:
- Go to the TSA Lost and Found claim form.
- Fill out the form with as much detail as possible: airport, date, approximate time, checkpoint location, and a detailed description of the laptop (brand, model, color, stickers, case, etc.).
- Include your contact information and the best way to reach you.
- Submit the form and save your confirmation number.
Call the TSA Lost and Found office directly:
Each airport has a local TSA office with a phone number. Search for “[airport code] TSA lost and found phone number” or check the airport’s website. Calling can sometimes be faster than the online form, especially if it’s the same day.
Step 4: Also File with the Airport’s General Lost and Found
While TSA handles security checkpoint items, it’s worth also filing a claim with the airport’s own lost and found department. Sometimes items move between departments, or a Good Samaritan turned your laptop in to an information desk or gate agent instead of TSA.
👉 File a claim at airportslostandfound.com to start the process and connect with the right department at your airport.
Step 5: Use Tracking and Remote Features
Modern laptops have features that can help you locate and protect your device:
- MacBooks: Use Find My Mac on iCloud.com. You can see the laptop’s last known location, lock it, display a message, or erase it remotely.
- Windows laptops: Use Find My Device through your Microsoft account (must have been set up beforehand).
- Chromebooks: Sign in to your Google account and check your device list. You can remotely sign out to protect your data.
Immediately lock your laptop remotely if you can. Even if someone finds it with good intentions, locking it protects your data and displays a recovery message with your phone number.
Step 6: Protect Your Data
A lost laptop isn’t just about the hardware — it’s about everything stored on it. While you’re waiting for recovery, take these precautions:
- Change passwords for any accounts that auto-login on the laptop (email, banking, social media, cloud services).
- Enable two-factor authentication on critical accounts if you haven’t already.
- Check for suspicious activity on your accounts over the next few days.
- Notify your employer if it’s a work laptop. Your IT department may need to take action to protect company data.
How Long Does TSA Hold Lost Laptops?
TSA typically holds items at the local airport for approximately 30 days. After that, unclaimed items may be transferred to a centralized facility or disposed of according to federal property regulations. Some high-value items like laptops may be held longer, but don’t count on it.
The 24-hour rule: File your claim within 24 hours for the best chance of recovery. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to match your claim with the right item.
Can TSA Ship My Laptop to Me?
Yes. If your laptop is found and you’re no longer in the area, TSA can arrange to have it shipped to you. You’ll typically need to:
- Verify your identity and ownership (serial number, description of the device, proof of purchase if available).
- Provide a shipping address.
- Pay for shipping costs (usually via a prepaid shipping label you send them).
The process varies by airport, so ask the local TSA office about their specific procedure.
Prevention: How to Never Leave Your Laptop at TSA Again
- Get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. PreCheck passengers don’t need to remove laptops from their bags, eliminating this problem entirely. It costs $78 for five years.
- Use a TSA-approved laptop bag. Some bags are designed to lay flat and let TSA scan your laptop without removing it (check current TSA guidelines, as rules evolve).
- Count your bins. If you used three bins going through, make sure you grab three bins on the other side.
- Put your laptop in last and grab it first. Make it the last thing on the belt so it’s the last through the scanner, which means you’ll be standing there waiting for it specifically.
- Use a Bluetooth tracker. Stick an AirTag or Tile on your laptop bag. If you walk away from it, your phone will alert you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if someone stole my laptop at TSA?
Unfortunately, theft at security checkpoints does happen, though it’s rare. If you suspect theft rather than accidental loss, file a report with the airport police in addition to TSA lost and found. Provide your laptop’s serial number, and check Find My Mac/Device for its location.
Does TSA reimburse me if they lose my laptop?
TSA is generally not liable for items you leave behind — that’s considered your responsibility. However, if TSA personnel damaged or improperly handled your property during screening, you can file a tort claim with the TSA Claims Management Branch.
Can I go back through security without a boarding pass?
No. You need a valid boarding pass to go through TSA security. If you’ve already exited the secure area and don’t have a same-day boarding pass, you’ll need to work with TSA staff or the airport’s lost and found from the public side.
How common is it to leave a laptop at TSA?
Extremely common. TSA collects thousands of items daily at checkpoints nationwide. Laptops, phones, wallets, and watches are among the most frequently left items. You’re in good company.
Should I file a police report for a lost laptop?
If you believe it was stolen, yes — file a report with airport police. For a laptop you simply left behind, a police report isn’t necessary, but it can be useful for insurance claims if the laptop isn’t recovered.
Get Help Recovering Your Laptop
Leaving your laptop at security is one of the most stressful travel experiences, but the recovery process is well-established. Act quickly, file claims with both TSA and the airport, secure your data remotely, and follow up regularly.
Need help navigating the process? File a lost property claim here and we’ll guide you through recovering your laptop.