Travelling and left a belonging behind at an airport? While it can be incredibly frustrating and annoying to leave something behind, many airports now have easily acccessible lost and found programs that may allow you to retrieve your belongings again if someone hands them in.
Alternatively, if you’re still at the airport when you realise you’ve misplaced an item most airports have lost and found offices that you can visit to lodge a claim.
Will my lost item be handed to my airline?
It depends on where you lost the item. If you misplaced the item while on an aircraft or in a lounge then the item will likely be handed to your airline and you’ll need to coordinate the return of the item with them.
If you misplaced the item while in a public airport terminal, it’ll likely be handed in to the airport. In this case, you’ll need to contact the airport directly, via the links below.
If you’re unsure about where you lost your belongings, then it’s best to raise an enquiry with both the airport and your airline.
Are all items kept by airport lost and found services?
While most items will be kept by airport lost and found services, there are some items that won’t be kept for health and safety reasons. If the item wouldn’t get through airport security, then it won’t be kept by airport lost and found services.
For example, Denver Airport won’t keep soiled items, abandoned items, blankets, hats, pillows, water bottles (except name brand), food items (except alcohol) or hazardous materials.
Who do I contact about my lost belongings at an airport?
Many major airports now publish details about their lost and found programs online. Some airports, such as Heathrow, even go so far as to list found items online where you can reclaim them and have them sent to your door.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol - This page details the location of the onsite lost and found offices, or depending on the lost items you can call or fill in the online form instead
Atlanta Airport - A form can be filled in where you provide details about misplaced items
Charles de Gaulle Airport - You can fill in this form and someone will reach out to you if your item is handed in to authorities
Dallas Fort Worth Airport - This page walks you through filing a report for your lost and found property, and how to retrieve it if handed in
Denver International Airport - Provides a page outlining what items will be accepted, and the process for filing a free claim for any missing items
Dubai International Airport - A form can be filled in outlining your missing items and the team will reach out to you if the item is handed in
Heathrow Airport - Provides an online database you can search and claim property from
Indira Gandhi International Airport - Provides an online database from which you can browse and lodge claims against items
Istanbul Airport - Provides an in-person office where claims can be lodged, or you can complete the online form
Los Angeles International Airport - The LAX lost and found service is operated by the Airport police division. More information about submitting a claim can be found on this web page
Melbourne Airport - Provides an online form you can fill in, outlining the details of your lost property
Singapore (Changi) Airport - Provides an online form that can be filled in, with details of the items that have been misplaced
Sydney Airport - Provides a list of email addresses you can contact, depending on which terminal you visited