Loading data...

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Lost and Found

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Lost and Found

Losing a personal item while traveling through San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is stressful, but there are clear steps you can take to recover your belongings. SFO serves over 57 million passengers each year across four terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and the International Terminal) connected by the AirTrain.

SFO’s lost and found is managed by the San Francisco Police Department. Items found in terminals, garages, or on the AirTrain are collected at the central office. For items left on the bus to long-term parking or the rental car center, contact the SFO Shuttle Bus Company at (415) 915-9760.

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.

Report Lost Property at SFO

 

How to Report a Lost Item at SFO Airport

Follow these steps to report a lost item at San Francisco 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, and a detailed description of the item.
  2. Contact the SFO Lost and Found office directly. Call (650) 821-7014 during office hours (Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM PST) or email [email protected]. Visit in person at Terminal 1, Arrivals Level, near Domestic Garage Core C Tunnel. You can also report through the official SFO 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 (650) 821-5023 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. SFO holds items for 30 to 90 days.

SFO Airport Lost and Found Contact Information

Common Items Lost at San Francisco International Airport

Every day, travelers leave behind personal belongings at SFO. 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 SFO

  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 (1, 2, 3, or International), boarding area, gate number, 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. Depending on where you lost the item, it may have been collected by the airport police, your airline, TSA, the shuttle bus company, or a shop or restaurant.
  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 San Francisco, 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 SFO 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.
  • AirTrain: Items left on SFO’s inter-terminal train system.
  • Restrooms: Phones, wallets, and jackets placed on counters or hooks.
  • Restaurants and Shops: Bags placed under tables or on adjacent chairs.
  • Parking Garages and Shuttle Buses: Items left in vehicles or at transit stops.

What Happens After You File a Report?

  1. Your report enters our system and is cross-referenced against items currently in the SFO 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 SFO Airport Lost and Found

How do I contact the lost and found at San Francisco International Airport?

You can call the SFO Airport Lost and Found at (650) 821-7014 (Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM PST) or email [email protected]. Visit in person at Terminal 1, Arrivals Level, or file a report online for the fastest response.

How long does SFO Airport keep lost items?

SFO 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 SFO. 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 SFO. What should I do?

Items left at TSA screening checkpoints are held by TSA. Call TSA Lost and Found at (650) 821-5023 or file a claim online at tsa.gov.

Can lost items be shipped to me from SFO 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, 2, 3, or International), boarding area, gate or location, a detailed physical description (brand, color, size, distinguishing marks), and your contact information. Photos are extremely helpful.

Report Lost Property at SFO Airport