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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cell | LAX | United States | June 15, 2026 | June 15, 2026 at 1:17 am |
| iPad Air | LAX | United States | June 14, 2026 | June 14, 2026 at 9:17 am |
| Bottom denture | LAX | United States | May 25, 2026 | June 13, 2026 at 3:01 pm |
| Apple Watch with pink strap | LAX | United States | June 12, 2026 | June 13, 2026 at 12:19 am |
| Sweater | LAX | United States | June 10, 2026 | June 11, 2026 at 10:45 am |
| Bouquet of six e red roses with a butterfly on top | LAX | United States | June 10, 2026 | June 11, 2026 at 2:21 am |
| Blue lapis lazuli 6 attached stones | LAX | United States | March 28, 2026 | June 10, 2026 at 3:41 pm |
| Blue hand knitted shawl | LAX | United States | June 8, 2026 | June 10, 2026 at 2:18 pm |
| Apple laptop comi | LAX | United States | June 9, 2026 | June 9, 2026 at 6:27 pm |
| passport | LAX | United States | June 8, 2026 | June 9, 2026 at 10:02 am |
| gray fleece jacket | LAX | United States | June 5, 2026 | June 9, 2026 at 3:40 am |
| Silver ACER 11.6 inch touch screen chromebook | LAX | United States | June 6, 2026 | June 8, 2026 at 11:26 pm |
| Light reddish small pouch with zipper | LAX | United States | June 7, 2026 | June 8, 2026 at 10:49 pm |
| iPad | LAX | United States | June 8, 2026 | June 8, 2026 at 5:15 pm |
| iPad 12.9 mit rote Tasche mit Zipper | LAX | United States | June 6, 2026 | June 8, 2026 at 9:11 am |
| Black Sony headphones WH 1000 XM4 | LAX | United States | May 30, 2026 | June 8, 2026 at 3:26 am |
| iPhone 17 charger , apple | LAX | United States | June 7, 2026 | June 8, 2026 at 12:10 am |
| Luggage | LAX | United States | June 7, 2026 | June 7, 2026 at 5:57 pm |
| bookmark | LAX | United States | June 1, 2026 | June 6, 2026 at 3:08 pm |
| Luggage. Dark Grey hard shell. with waves | LAX | United States | June 5, 2026 | June 6, 2026 at 1:10 pm |
| Small blue and white zippered purse/ wallet | LAX | United States | June 6, 2026 | June 6, 2026 at 12:48 pm |
| wallet | LAX | United States | June 4, 2026 | June 6, 2026 at 11:08 am |
| Blue fluffy neck pillow | LAX | United States | June 5, 2026 | June 5, 2026 at 8:19 pm |
| 携帯電話とざぶとん | LAX | United States | June 3, 2026 | June 5, 2026 at 3:18 am |
| AirPod case and left earbud | LAX | United States | May 26, 2026 | June 4, 2026 at 7:17 pm |
| Jean Jacket | LAX | United States | June 2, 2026 | June 3, 2026 at 7:57 pm |
| Black Mcm wallet | LAX | United States | June 2, 2026 | June 3, 2026 at 10:59 am |
| Dark blue pending luggage | LAX | United States | May 5, 2026 | June 3, 2026 at 3:43 am |
| Earphone charging case(buds3 pro white) | LAX | United States | June 2, 2026 | June 2, 2026 at 3:23 pm |
| Laptop | LAX | United States | May 28, 2026 | June 2, 2026 at 11:46 am |
| Samsung Galxy S Tablet | LAX | United States | June 1, 2026 | June 2, 2026 at 9:16 am |
| Iphone | LAX | United States | June 1, 2026 | June 1, 2026 at 7:25 pm |
| Jewelry, bracelet, rings , necklace | LAX | United States | April 19, 2026 | June 1, 2026 at 3:17 pm |
| Retainer with single tooth | LAX | United States | May 31, 2026 | May 31, 2026 at 5:45 pm |
| lost 2 suits, and long sleeves shirts | LAX | United States | May 24, 2026 | May 30, 2026 at 11:14 am |
| HP laptop computer (radio sticker on the front) | LAX | United States | May 29, 2026 | May 29, 2026 at 10:40 pm |
| Apple ipad | LAX | United States | May 28, 2026 | May 29, 2026 at 1:14 am |
| Clear plastic back pack with stuffed animals, | LAX | United States | May 28, 2026 | May 28, 2026 at 7:08 pm |
| 4 bags | LAX | United States | May 25, 2026 | May 27, 2026 at 8:44 pm |
| Cell Phone | LAX | United States | May 27, 2026 | May 27, 2026 at 5:09 pm |
| Cell phone | LAX | United States | May 27, 2026 | May 27, 2026 at 5:05 pm |
| Wedding Ring | LAX | United States | May 21, 2026 | May 26, 2026 at 5:38 pm |
| Laptop | LAX | United States | May 25, 2026 | May 26, 2026 at 1:06 pm |
| Maleta negra samsonite | LAX | United States | May 26, 2026 | May 26, 2026 at 8:31 am |
| Ipad | LAX | United States | May 17, 2026 | May 25, 2026 at 10:45 pm |
| Apple laptop computer | LAX | United States | May 24, 2026 | May 25, 2026 at 7:38 am |
| Luggage bag. Black approx 70 pounds | LAX | United States | May 23, 2026 | May 25, 2026 at 7:29 am |
| a BOOK Called weight less by rocio salas whalen | LAX | United States | May 24, 2026 | May 24, 2026 at 8:17 pm |
| Oura ring | LAX | United States | May 20, 2026 | May 24, 2026 at 3:59 pm |
| Gold bangle bracelet | LAX | United States | May 22, 2026 | May 23, 2026 at 5:23 pm |