- Act quickly and go back to the gate if at all possible
- Tweet the airline
- If you have a tracker on your item, activate it so you can pinpoint its location
- Contact the airline
The first 30 minutes is key as that’s the average turnaround time. From disembarking the plane, it takes 30 minutes for the aircraft to be cleaned and the next lot of passengers to board for the next flight.
It’s also important to have the following information handy so you can make it as easy as possible for the airline to track down your lost property.
- Your flight number
- The terminal you arrived at and the gate number
- Your seat number on the plane, or the place you think you may have left it
- A detailed description of your missing items. If you have a photo, even better!
- If you have lost any electronics, the serial numbers will help
Step 1 – Go back to the gate
When you leave something on the plane, the quicker you act the better chance you have of getting it back. If you are still in arrivals, return to the gate and speak to the airline staff. If you have passed through security, go to the main airline desk and ask the staff for assistance. Even if you have left the airport, it’s better to return to the airport and speak to the airline staff in person.
Step 2 – Tweet
If you have a twitter account, use it! Twitter is the best way of getting the attention of the airlines. So, if you can’t get back to the airport right away, send them a tweet. As long as you are quick and the plane hasn’t left yet, this will increase the odds of you getting back your belongings from the plane.
Step 3 – Activate Trackers
If you have lost an electronic item that has a tracker, make sure you activate it. That way you can work out where in the world it is. This will help you when contacting the airline. The more information you can give the airline about your lost item the better chance you have of getting it back.
Step 4 – Contact the Airline
If you have already left the airport, call the airline immediately and ask them what they do with items left on the plane. They will hopefully check if your item is in their lost and found and tell you the process for you to get it back.
If you are unable to contact the airline at the airport directly or they are unable to help, you will need to check the airline’s website and follow the guidelines on how to recover your lost belongings.
Here are a list of some of the major airlines operating in the US with direct links to their lost and found pages and a few details about their policies
Alaska Airlines Left Onboard – They have an online form you will need to complete.
American Airlines Lost and Found – You will need to complete the online form.
Delta Air Lines Lost and Found – You will need to fill out a “lost Item” form.
Jet Blue Lost and Found – There is a form to fill out for lost items. They advise you to contact their baggage claim at your arrival airport and give you a list of all their operating airports and phone numbers.
British Airways Lost and Found – Any lost property is handed to the lost property team at the arrival airport. They have a list of contact numbers on their website.
Frontier Airlines Lost and Found – They have an online form you need to complete.
Southwest Airlines Lost and Found – You will need to file a lost item report on their website.
Spirit Airlines Customer Support – Advises you to contact the baggage office at your arrivals airport.
United Airlines Lost and Found – They have a form on their website you will need to complete.
Virgin America Lost Items – They advise customers who have left the airport to call them.
If you lost something on departure, TSA also has a Lost and Found database you can search.
About the Author | ||
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Claire Summers // Claire’s Itchy Feet
Dancer, artist, and street food connoisseur, Claire began her travels during her time in the Royal Navy, and is now a full time adventurer. Check out her travel blog to learn more about her adventures and travel tips.
