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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Lost and Found

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.

Report Lost Property at LAX

 

How to Report a Lost Item at LAX Airport

Follow these steps to report a lost item at Los Angeles International Airport:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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

  1. Act immediately. The sooner you file a report, the better your chances. Items reported within 24 hours have significantly higher recovery rates.
  2. 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.
  3. Attach a photo. If you have a photo of the lost item, include it with your report. Visual references dramatically improve matching accuracy.
  4. 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.
  5. Keep your claim number. After filing a report, save your confirmation and claim number for status checks and ownership verification.
  6. Use our tracking tools. You can check the status of your claim through our online tracking system at any time.
  7. 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?

  1. Your report enters our system and is cross-referenced against items currently in the LAX lost and found inventory.
  2. You receive a confirmation email with your claim number and details.
  3. We continue matching as new items are turned in. The database is updated daily.
  4. If a match is found, you’ll be contacted with instructions for pickup or shipping.
  5. 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.

Report Lost Property at LAX Airport

 

Recent Lost Items Reported at LAX Airport

Property lost: Tan wool jacket

Airport: [70]

Airline: United Airlines

Flight number: UA5746

February 26, 2026

Lounge

I believe I left in the United Polaris Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Terminal 7.

Description of the item:
* Type: Jacket
* Brand: [Zara]
* Color: [Tan]
* Size: [M or L]
* Material: [wool]
* Distinguishing features: [Cropped type wool jacket with two big pockets in front .]
I believe I may have left it a lounge chair near the food service station