From forgotten laptops to cherished stuffed animals, thousands of personal items go missing in the frenzy of air travel every year. But don’t panic: whether you left your earbuds under a seat or your passport at security, there are clear steps you can take to reunite with your belongings. Here’s your comprehensive guide to navigating airline and TSA lost-and-found systems—before your vacation gets sidetracked by a missing phone charger.
The airplane aisle oops
That sinking realization when you step off a plane and remember your laptop is still tucked into the seat-back pocket? You’re not alone. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), nearly 100,000 lost items are recovered annually in U.S. airports. Fortunately, most airlines have systems in place to help you retrieve them—though timing is everything.
If you catch your mistake immediately after deplaning, act fast. A Delta Airlines spokesperson told Afar that flight attendants and gate agents are often able to assist if passengers are still within the gate area. Alerting airline staff right away increases your odds of recovery dramatically, as crews can check the cabin before cleaning or other passengers board. However, once you’ve exited the secured gate area—or if you’re already en route to your next destination—you’ll need to take a more formal route.
Reporting a lost item: Airline by airline
Most major U.S. airlines, including Delta, American, United, JetBlue, and Southwest, follow a standard protocol: submit an online lost item report as soon as possible. For Delta, American, United, and JetBlue, the process is relatively streamlined. Each airline provides a digital form on its website where you can list what you lost, where and when it was lost, and detailed identifying information. Once submitted, your report will remain active for up to 30 days, during which time the airline will attempt to locate your item.
Southwest Airlines encourages passengers to first notify an airport customer service agent before leaving the terminal. Once you’re home or at your final destination, you should then complete the online form to initiate the search.
If your item is recovered, you’ll be contacted via email. United Airlines specifies that while passengers are responsible for shipping fees, some items may be eligible for pickup at the airport at no extra cost. The key? Act quickly and provide as much descriptive detail as possible—from the model and color to any unique features or markings that could set your item apart from others.
Lost at security? TSA has a process too
Not everything goes missing on the plane—plenty of belongings are left behind at TSA checkpoints. If you realize your mistake before boarding, you may be able to return to security and speak with a supervisor. TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein explains, “If the item has been found, it can easily be returned.” But if you’re already in the air when the panic sets in, head to the TSA Lost and Found page online. There, you’ll be asked to enter the name or three-letter code of the airport where your item went missing. Many airports offer a direct phone number, while others require you to fill out an online form.
Take New York’s JFK Airport for example. Travelers must submit a form that includes the date, estimated time of loss, and a detailed item description. Farbstein emphasizes the importance of specificity—especially for electronics. “For a phone or laptop, list the make, model, case details, and even your lock-screen photo if applicable. The more specific you are, the more likely it is we can find your item.”
How long will they hold it?
The TSA will hold recovered items for a minimum of 30 days, though many items—especially high-value electronics or identification documents—may be held for longer in hopes of reuniting them with their rightful owners. There’s no strict maximum holding time, but if no one claims an item, its fate depends on its perceived value.
Low-value items may be discarded or recycled, but high-value items could be sold through government surplus auctions. According to the TSA, proceeds from the sale of unclaimed items go to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and contribute to the national debt. So while your missing Kindle might end up funding public debt repayment, you have at least a month to make your claim before that happens.
Tips to avoid losing belongings in the first place
Of course, the best way to deal with lost items is not to lose them at all. Farbstein recommends the following preventative measures:
Do a seat sweep: Before deplaning, take a few extra seconds to check under your seat, in the seat-back pocket, and around the floor area.
Keep valuables in one secure bag: Use a designated pouch for essentials like electronics, passports, and chargers—and make sure it’s always zipped.
Tag your items: Label electronics and personal belongings with your name, phone number, or email. A simple luggage tag on your laptop sleeve can make a big difference.
Take a photo: Before leaving for the airport, snap a photo of what’s in your carry-on. That way, if you do lose something, you’ll have a visual inventory to help jog your memory.
Final boarding call
Losing a personal item while traveling can feel devastating—especially when it’s something expensive or sentimental. But with the right steps, and a little speed, there’s a good chance you’ll be reunited. Whether you left your phone at a checkpoint or forgot your book mid-flight, today’s airlines and security agencies are more equipped than ever to help. Just remember: the faster you act, the better your chances. And next time you hear the final boarding call, take one last look around—you’ll thank yourself later.
