Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Lost and Found
Losing a personal item while traveling through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is stressful, but there are clear steps you can take to recover your belongings. LAX serves over 88 million passengers each year across nine passenger terminals (Terminals 1–8 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal), making it one of the busiest airports in the United States.
LAX’s horseshoe-shaped layout means items can end up in any of nine terminals. The LAX-it ride share lot and the automated people mover (APM) also have their own lost and found procedures. Items found in public areas are typically collected by the Airport Police Division.
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 LAX Airport
Follow these steps to report a lost item at Los Angeles 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 LAX Lost and Found office directly. Call the Airport Police Division at (424) 646-5678 during business hours (Monday – Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST). You can also submit a claim through the official LAX 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 from the airport.
- Contact TSA. Items left at security screening checkpoints are held by TSA. Call TSA Lost and Found at (310) 242-9047 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. LAX holds items for 30 to 90 days.
LAX Airport Lost and Found Contact Information
- Phone: (424) 646-5678
- Location: Airport Police Division, 5600 W. Century Blvd.
- Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST (Closed Sundays and holidays)
- TSA Lost and Found: (310) 242-9047
- Official Website: flylax.com/lost-and-found
Common Items Lost at Los Angeles International Airport
Every day, travelers leave behind personal belongings at LAX. 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 LAX
- 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 number (1–8 or TBIT), gate, 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. With nine terminals, your item may have been collected by the airport police, your airline, TSA, or a shop or restaurant in a specific terminal.
- 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 Los Angeles, 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 LAX 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.
- Tom Bradley International Terminal: High volume of international travelers leaving items at gates and shops.
- Restrooms: Phones, wallets, and jackets placed on counters or hooks.
- Restaurants and Shops: Bags placed under tables or on adjacent chairs.
- LAX-it and Ground Transportation: Items left in ride-share pickup areas or shuttle buses.
What Happens After You File a Report?
- Your report enters our system and is cross-referenced against items currently in the LAX 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 LAX Airport Lost and Found
How do I contact the lost and found at Los Angeles International Airport?
You can call the LAX Airport Lost and Found at (424) 646-5678 during business hours (Monday – Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST). You can also file a report online through our website for the fastest response.
How long does LAX Airport keep lost items?
LAX 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 LAX. 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 LAX. What should I do?
Items left at TSA screening checkpoints are held by TSA, not the airport’s general lost and found. Call TSA Lost and Found at (310) 242-9047 or file a claim online at tsa.gov.
Can lost items be shipped to me from LAX 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 (1–8 or TBIT), gate or location, a detailed physical description (brand, color, size, distinguishing marks), and your contact information. Photos are extremely helpful if available.
Recent Lost Items Reported at LAX Airport
| Property Lost | Airport | Country | Date Lost | Date Reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SID(Seaman’s ID) | LAX | United States | February 26, 2026 | February 27, 2026 at 8:30 pm |
| Wallet | LAX | United States | February 26, 2026 | February 27, 2026 at 5:42 pm |
| Tan wool jacket | LAX | United States | February 26, 2026 | February 27, 2026 at 3:22 pm |
| Prescription sunglasses | LAX | United States | February 27, 2026 | February 27, 2026 at 2:43 pm |
| Wireless headphones | LAX | United States | February 27, 2026 | February 27, 2026 at 1:46 pm |
| violin with one bow in the dark silver hard case | LAX | United States | February 25, 2026 | February 26, 2026 at 7:04 pm |
| Asus laptop Silver/Grey tape on edge of screen | LAX | United States | January 27, 2026 | February 26, 2026 at 11:31 am |
| Black Backpack Purse | LAX | United States | February 24, 2026 | February 25, 2026 at 6:00 pm |
| Quilted Burgundy jacket, black trim | LAX | United States | February 24, 2026 | February 25, 2026 at 1:00 pm |
| Maleta negra chica | LAX | United States | November 2, 2027 | February 24, 2026 at 2:00 am |
| Small black suitcase | LAX | United States | February 14, 2026 | February 24, 2026 at 1:04 am |
| Electronics | LAX | United States | February 23, 2026 | February 23, 2026 at 8:03 pm |
| Samsung S10 lite Tablet | LAX | United States | February 8, 2026 | February 23, 2026 at 8:00 pm |
| Purple fanny pack with two purses and a cardholder | LAX | United States | February 13, 2026 | February 23, 2026 at 4:33 am |
| Somewhere at the chair | LAX | United States | February 23, 2026 | February 23, 2026 at 2:31 am |
| Iphone 17 pro max Blue Otter Case around the phone | LAX | United States | February 22, 2026 | February 22, 2026 at 9:57 pm |
| Prescription glasses | LAX | United States | February 22, 2026 | February 22, 2026 at 1:53 pm |
| 結婚指輪 | LAX | United States | February 11, 2026 | February 22, 2026 at 2:45 am |
| Headset | LAX | United States | February 17, 2026 | February 22, 2026 at 1:25 am |
| Black iphone | LAX | United States | February 20, 2026 | February 20, 2026 at 7:35 pm |
| AirPod Pros in case in the seat 1D Inside seat | LAX | United States | February 20, 2026 | February 20, 2026 at 10:04 am |
| Retainer | LAX | United States | February 19, 2026 | February 20, 2026 at 9:06 am |
| Baby Carseat | LAX | United States | February 10, 2026 | February 19, 2026 at 9:11 pm |
| iPad 10 | LAX | United States | February 19, 2026 | February 19, 2026 at 5:42 pm |
| Diamond ring, pandora bracelet and other jewelry | LAX | United States | January 4, 2026 | February 19, 2026 at 12:37 pm |
| Uma bolsa de remédios vermelha da Hugo boss | LAX | United States | February 18, 2026 | February 18, 2026 at 1:26 pm |
| Gold bracelet engraved south africa | LAX | United States | February 17, 2026 | February 17, 2026 at 6:34 pm |
| Apple watch charger and birth control pills | LAX | United States | February 15, 2026 | February 16, 2026 at 4:55 pm |
| Lap top hp y ipad olvidada en wl filtro de segurid | LAX | United States | February 15, 2026 | February 16, 2026 at 4:27 pm |
| Белая сумка,куртка синяя White bag and blue jacket | LAX | United States | February 15, 2026 | February 16, 2026 at 2:34 pm |
| Bolsa de mão de tecido | LAX | United States | February 8, 2026 | February 15, 2026 at 10:23 am |
| ResMed CPAP machine in soft black case | LAX | United States | January 8, 2026 | February 13, 2026 at 4:54 pm |
| Kindle 10th geration | LAX | United States | February 4, 2026 | February 13, 2026 at 8:18 am |
| Keys with blue speaker on it | LAX | United States | February 11, 2026 | February 11, 2026 at 8:53 pm |
| Long white cord in seat pocket | LAX | United States | February 11, 2026 | February 11, 2026 at 6:19 am |
| Tumi small hand bag | LAX | United States | February 9, 2026 | February 9, 2026 at 11:14 pm |
| Samsung S 10 lite Tablet | LAX | United States | February 8, 2026 | February 9, 2026 at 8:04 pm |
| Apple I pad with cloth cover | LAX | United States | February 5, 2026 | February 9, 2026 at 6:11 pm |
| Guitar | LAX | United States | January 17, 2026 | February 9, 2026 at 2:01 pm |
| Apple iPad on grey carrying case | LAX | United States | February 9, 2026 | February 9, 2026 at 5:08 am |
| 2 down jackets(1 navy blue TNF and 1 camouflage) | LAX | United States | February 7, 2026 | February 8, 2026 at 1:38 am |
| Wallet | LAX | United States | February 7, 2026 | February 7, 2026 at 12:47 am |
| Hand carry Silver luggage | LAX | United States | February 5, 2026 | February 5, 2026 at 2:44 pm |
| Black Jacket with hoody brand Tommy hillfiger | LAX | United States | February 4, 2026 | February 4, 2026 at 4:33 pm |
| Apple Watch | LAX | United States | February 2, 2026 | February 4, 2026 at 10:35 am |
| Black backpack with a tablet inside and clothes | LAX | United States | February 4, 2026 | February 4, 2026 at 9:59 am |
| Laptop | LAX | United States | December 12, 2025 | February 3, 2026 at 3:35 pm |
| green apple airpod max headphones | LAX | United States | February 3, 2026 | February 3, 2026 at 5:41 am |
| HP 1080 | LAX | United States | January 28, 2026 | February 2, 2026 at 10:53 pm |
| Passport | LAX | United States | February 2, 2026 | February 2, 2026 at 10:01 pm |