John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Lost and Found
Losing a personal item while traveling through John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is stressful, but there are clear steps you can take to recover your belongings. JFK serves over 62 million passengers each year across six terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8), making it one of the busiest international gateways in the United States.
JFK is unique in that each terminal is operated independently by different entities. Terminal 4 (managed by JFKIAT) has its own dedicated lost and found. Terminal 1 is operated by a consortium of international airlines. For items lost in common areas, parking lots, or the AirTrain, contact the Port Authority at (347) 684-3604.
Whether you left a phone at a gate, a laptop at security, or a bag in the terminal, 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 JFK Airport
Follow these steps to report a lost item at John F. Kennedy 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 number, and a detailed description of the item.
- Contact the JFK Lost and Found. For items lost in common areas, parking, or the AirTrain, call the Port Authority at (347) 684-3604 (available 24 hours). For Terminal 4 specifically, contact JFKIAT’s lost and found. You can also report through the Port Authority 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. Airlines manage their own in-flight lost property separately.
- Contact TSA. Items left at security screening checkpoints are held by TSA. Call TSA Lost and Found at (718) 917-3999 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. JFK terminals hold items for 30 to 90 days.
JFK Airport Lost and Found Contact Information
- Port Authority Phone (24 hours): (347) 684-3604
- Location: Port Authority Police, Building 269; Terminal 4 has a separate office
- Hours: Phone available 24 hours; office hours vary by terminal
- TSA Lost and Found: (718) 917-3999
- Official Website: panynj.gov/lost-and-found
JFK Terminal-Specific Lost and Found Information
Because each JFK terminal is operated independently, knowing which terminal you were in is critical:
- Terminal 1: Operated by a consortium of airlines including Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Lufthansa. Contact your specific airline for items left at gates.
- Terminal 4: Operated by JFKIAT. Has its own dedicated lost and found — visit jfkt4.nyc/lost-found.
- Terminal 5: JetBlue’s home terminal. Contact JetBlue directly for items left at gates or on planes.
- Terminal 7: Used by various international carriers. Contact the airline directly.
- Terminal 8: American Airlines hub. Contact American Airlines lost and found.
- Common Areas, AirTrain, Parking: Contact Port Authority at (347) 684-3604.
Common Items Lost at JFK Airport
Every day, travelers leave behind personal belongings at JFK. 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 visas
- 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
Tips for Faster Recovery of Lost Items at JFK
- Act immediately. The sooner you file a report, the better your chances. Items reported within 24 hours have significantly higher recovery rates.
- Know your terminal. JFK has six separately operated terminals. Identifying the correct terminal is the single most important factor in recovering your item.
- Be as specific as possible. Include the exact terminal, gate number, shop 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.
- 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 New York, many terminal lost and found offices can arrange shipping for a fee.
What Happens After You File a Report?
- Your report enters our system and is cross-referenced against items currently in JFK’s 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 JFK Airport Lost and Found
How do I contact the lost and found at JFK Airport?
For items in common areas, parking, or the AirTrain, call the Port Authority at (347) 684-3604 (24 hours). For terminal-specific items, contact the terminal operator or your airline directly. You can also file a report online for the fastest response.
How long does JFK Airport keep lost items?
JFK terminals hold unclaimed items for approximately 30 to 90 days, though retention periods may vary by terminal operator. Filing your report promptly gives you the best chance of recovery.
I lost something on the plane at JFK. Who do I contact?
Items left onboard an aircraft are managed by the airline, not the airport. Contact your airline’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 JFK. What should I do?
Items left at TSA screening checkpoints are held by TSA. Call TSA Lost and Found at (718) 917-3999 or file a claim online at tsa.gov.
Can lost items be shipped to me from JFK Airport?
Yes, in many cases recovered items can be shipped to your address. Shipping fees and arrangements vary by terminal. Ask about options when notified of a match.
What information should I include in my lost item report?
Include the date, approximate time, specific terminal number (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, or 8), gate or location, a detailed physical description, and your contact information. Photos are extremely helpful.
Recent Lost Items Reported at JFK Airport
| Property Lost | Airport | Country | Date Lost | Date Reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fanny pack | JFK | United States | February 8, 2026 | February 9, 2026 at 12:57 am |
| Case with Laptop and cellphone inside | JFK | United States | February 9, 2026 | February 9, 2026 at 12:29 am |
| 🪪 id card 🪪 recidencia | JFK | United States | February 3, 2026 | February 8, 2026 at 10:30 pm |
| watch | JFK | United States | January 19, 2026 | February 8, 2026 at 4:59 pm |
| Brown poofy glove with black fur around wrist | JFK | United States | February 8, 2026 | February 8, 2026 at 2:29 pm |
| Pasaporte Mexicano | JFK | United States | February 5, 2026 | February 8, 2026 at 3:33 am |
| 2 belize sweatshirts | JFK | United States | February 4, 2026 | February 7, 2026 at 7:15 pm |
| Wallet | JFK | United States | February 6, 2026 | February 7, 2026 at 4:04 pm |
| Black duffle bag – Wildcraft bag | JFK | United States | February 7, 2026 | February 7, 2026 at 1:18 pm |
| Cash | JFK | United States | February 7, 2026 | February 7, 2026 at 7:45 am |
| Amazon Kindle with green cover | JFK | United States | February 6, 2026 | February 7, 2026 at 6:15 am |
| Fleece pullover sweatshirt | JFK | United States | February 6, 2026 | February 6, 2026 at 11:32 pm |
| GPS tracker- apple tag-the holder is grey as watch | JFK | United States | February 6, 2026 | February 6, 2026 at 6:38 pm |
| passport | JFK | United States | February 4, 2026 | February 6, 2026 at 3:08 pm |
| Eye glasses with clear tips and hat | JFK | United States | February 2, 2026 | February 6, 2026 at 10:48 am |
| Blue retainer case with two custom dental pieces | JFK | United States | February 6, 2026 | February 6, 2026 at 3:47 am |
| BLACK carry on | JFK | United States | February 5, 2026 | February 6, 2026 at 2:34 am |
| Checked baggage | JFK | United States | February 5, 2026 at 5:50 pm | |
| Reading glasses with brown case | JFK | United States | January 28, 2026 | February 5, 2026 at 5:09 pm |
| its a back pack | JFK | United States | January 27, 2026 | February 5, 2026 at 4:50 pm |
| baggage | JFK | United States | February 4, 2026 | February 5, 2026 at 12:50 pm |
| Sayky dark blue jacket and a 3 generation airpods | JFK | United States | February 4, 2026 | February 4, 2026 at 12:05 pm |
| Employee Nurse ID | JFK | United States | February 2, 2026 | February 4, 2026 at 8:04 am |
| Ring | JFK | United States | February 4, 2026 | February 4, 2026 at 1:30 am |
| Black canada goose jacket. Size medium. | JFK | United States | February 3, 2026 | February 3, 2026 at 2:41 pm |
| black backback with laptop in it | JFK | United States | February 2, 2026 | February 3, 2026 at 1:47 pm |
| Samsung Phone | JFK | United States | February 2, 2026 | February 2, 2026 at 11:53 pm |
| Black fleece jacket with patches on the sleeves. | JFK | United States | February 2, 2026 | February 2, 2026 at 1:36 pm |
| Bangels | JFK | United States | January 31, 2026 | January 31, 2026 at 9:46 pm |
| HP brand Laptop | JFK | United States | January 30, 2026 | January 31, 2026 at 10:31 am |
| I lost two pair of earrings. | JFK | United States | January 2, 2026 | January 30, 2026 at 7:14 pm |
| Zaino Arena Blu con oggetti di alto valore e docum | JFK | United States | January 30, 2026 | January 30, 2026 at 6:28 pm |
| Apple tablet | JFK | United States | January 30, 2026 | January 30, 2026 at 12:55 pm |
| Ear Muffs | JFK | United States | January 30, 2026 | January 30, 2026 at 9:34 am |
| White and blue hat with hair brush | JFK | United States | January 28, 2026 | January 30, 2026 at 8:50 am |
| Wallet | JFK | United States | January 29, 2026 | January 30, 2026 at 8:02 am |
| Backpack | JFK | United States | January 28, 2026 | January 29, 2026 at 8:15 pm |
| rose gold glasses (prescription) | JFK | United States | January 4, 2026 | January 29, 2026 at 3:36 pm |
| diamond bracelet | JFK | United States | January 28, 2026 | January 29, 2026 at 3:28 pm |
| Digital audio player | JFK | United States | January 28, 2026 | January 29, 2026 at 1:47 pm |
| Green Card | JFK | United States | January 29, 2026 | January 29, 2026 at 1:46 pm |
| Apple watch | JFK | United States | January 28, 2026 | January 28, 2026 at 3:25 pm |
| Luggage | JFK | United States | January 28, 2026 | January 28, 2026 at 2:59 pm |
| mauve prayer book with gold letterings on the top | JFK | United States | January 25, 2026 | January 28, 2026 at 10:32 am |
| iPhone charger with stickers | JFK | United States | January 27, 2026 | January 28, 2026 at 10:20 am |
| Brown Coach Wallet with strap | JFK | United States | January 26, 2026 | January 27, 2026 at 5:56 pm |
| golf case | JFK | United States | January 26, 2026 | January 27, 2026 at 4:38 pm |
| Hat in the case | JFK | United States | January 12, 2026 | January 27, 2026 at 1:54 pm |
| Dell Laptop | JFK | United States | January 26, 2026 | January 27, 2026 at 1:40 am |
| Big Blue Luggage | JFK | United States | January 26, 2026 | January 26, 2026 at 7:35 pm |