What do airports do with lost items?

What Happens to Lost Items at Airports?

Losing an item at an airport can be a stressful experience, but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a process in place to help reunite lost items with their owners.

According to TSA guidelines, lost property found at airport checkpoints is held for 30 days in the hope that the owner will come back for it. During this time, the TSA makes every effort to contact the owner if possible. This may be done through announcements over the airport loudspeaker, emails, or phone calls.

If an item is not claimed within 30 days, the TSA has three options for disposing of it:

1. Destruction: Some items, such as food, liquids, and hazardous materials, are immediately destroyed for safety reasons.

2. Transfer to State Surplus Agencies: Items that are still in good condition may be transferred to state surplus agencies, which distribute them to schools, non-profit organizations, and other government entities.

3. Sale as Excess Property: Items that are not claimed or transferred to surplus agencies may be sold as excess property by the TSA. This typically happens through online auctions or sales to government contractors.

It’s important to note that the TSA does not have the resources to store lost items indefinitely. Unclaimed items that are not disposed of within 30 days may be donated or sold to offset the cost of handling and storage.

If you lose an item at an airport, it’s crucial to report it to the TSA immediately. You can do this by:

• Visiting the TSA’s Lost and Found website: https://www.tsa.gov/lost-and-found
• Calling the TSA Lost and Found hotline: 1-866-289-9673
• Submitting a report online: https://apps.tsa.dhs.gov/tsa-lost-and-found/

The TSA will ask you to provide a detailed description of the item and the location where it was lost. If the item is eventually found, the TSA will contact you to arrange for its return.

To minimize the chances of losing an item at the airport, it’s a good idea to pack carefully and keep track of your belongings at all times. Consider using TSA-approved clear bags for liquids and gels, and make sure to remove all prohibited items from your luggage before going through security.