It’s surprisingly easy to leave things behind while traveling. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reports that about 90,000 to 100,000 objects are left behind at security checkpoints every single month. That means more than a million belongings get misplaced each year.

The good news is that there are systems in place to help return them. The only problem is that it’s not one single system. Terminals, airlines, and the TSA all handle lost property separately. Because of this, the most important step is realizing who to contact and acting quickly.

Let’s take a closer look at how the system works and what you need to do to get your belongings back.

Who Handles Unclaimed Property in Airports?

In the United States, there is no single lost and found authority. Instead, responsibility is divided among three main entities:

TSA (Security Checkpoints):

If you lose an item at a security checkpoint, it is usually handled by the TSA. People often misplace items such as phones, laptops, IDs, belts, and jewelry at airports. These items are typically held for at least 30 days, after which they may be destroyed, donated, or sold if unclaimed.

Also Read: TSA Enforces Real ID Fees and Rolls Out Face Scan IDs: Check Details Here

Airlines (Planes and Gates):

If you leave something on the aircraft, at the boarding gate, or during the flight, the carrier is usually responsible for handling misplaced items. In such cases, you should contact the specific airline (such as American Airlines, Delta, or United) to report and recover your possessions.

Facility Authorities (Terminals and Public Areas):

If a personal article is misplaced in restrooms, seating areas, parking lots, or security lines (outside screening checkpoints), it is typically handled by the facility’s own recovery office. This includes public zones not under airline or security agency control.

How to Claim Your Lost Item

Step 1: Immediate Action

If you are still at the location, return right away and inform nearby staff or security. If you have already left, file a missing item report within 24 hours if possible, as reporting sooner increases the chances of recovery.

Step 2: Contact the Right Authority

To report a missing item, contact the relevant authority based on where it was left behind. For screening points, use the official Lost and Found directory and submit relevant details. For airlines, file a request using your flight information. For public zones, check the facility’s Lost Property or Passenger Services section.

Step 3: Provide Detailed Information

When reporting a lost item, provide detailed information so authorities can identify it, including brand, color, unique features, exact location (e.g., “Terminal 4 security lane”), date and time, and flight number if applicable. TSA recommends giving as much detail as possible to avoid delays.

Step 4: Choose Retrieval Method

If your item is found, you can either pick it up in person or request shipment at your own expense, as shipping costs are not covered. You may also authorize someone else to collect it on your behalf with written permission and valid ID verification.

Step 5: Track and Follow Up

Some carriers and facilities offer tracking systems to check the status of your lost item. If you do not receive an update within a few days, follow up with the relevant authority. In complex cases, recovery may take several weeks or even months.

Also Read: TSA Banned Items 2026: What Not to Pack in Your India-USA Flight Journey

What Happens If You Don’t Claim Your Item

If you don’t claim your item, it will not be stored indefinitely. TSA generally holds lost items for at least 30 days, after which unclaimed items may be destroyed, donated, or sold through state agencies. For electronic devices, data is typically wiped or the device is destroyed to protect privacy. Interestingly, even cash is sometimes left behind; in one reported year, passengers left a significant amount of money at security checkpoints, with major hubs such as John F. Kennedy International and San Francisco International among the top locations.

If you act quickly and contact the right people, you have a good chance of getting your lost item back.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long do airports typically keep lost items?
Airports typically keep lost items for 30–90 days. Valuables may be held longer, perishables are discarded quickly, and unclaimed items are auctioned, donated, or destroyed.

Can someone else claim my lost item on my behalf?
Yes, someone else can claim it for you, but they usually need a signed authorization letter, a copy of your ID, their own ID, and sometimes proof of ownership.

Are there fees to retrieve lost items?
Yes, sometimes. Filing a claim is free, but you may pay shipping or handling fees. Picking it up in person is usually free.

What happens if I lose my item during a connecting flight?
You need to figure out where you lost it. If it was on the first flight, contact that airline; during the layover, contact the airport; and on the second flight, contact the second airline.

Can I track my lost item status online?
Yes, many airports and airlines offer online tracking with a reference number and email updates, but not all systems update in real time.

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