Seat-back pockets, overhead bins and the space under the seat in front of you are some of the most common places travelers leave belongings behind. Items left on an aircraft are usually collected by the crew or cleaning teams after landing and passed to the airline's lost and found. This guide explains who to contact, what to include in your report and how the process differs from lost checked baggage.
Items left on the plane versus lost checked baggage
Airlines treat these as two different processes, so it helps to know which applies to you:
- Items left on board, such as phones, tablets, headphones, books, jackets or small bags, are handled by the airline's lost and found for items left in the cabin.
- Checked bags that did not arrive, or arrived damaged, are handled by the airline's baggage service office. Report these at the airport before you leave the baggage claim area if you can, and ask for a file reference (often called a Property Irregularity Report).
For delayed or damaged checked baggage, strict time limits can apply to written claims, particularly on international journeys. Check your airline's conditions of carriage and submit any claim as early as possible.
If you realize while still at the airport
If you have only just left the aircraft, speak to a gate agent or airline representative right away. The aircraft may still be at the gate, and staff can sometimes retrieve an item before the plane is cleaned or departs on its next flight. Once the aircraft has left, the item will normally follow the airline's lost and found process.
What to include in your report
- Airline, flight number and date of travel
- Your seat number, and whether the item was in the seat pocket, overhead bin or under the seat
- A detailed description: brand, model, color, case and any identifying features
- Serial numbers or IMEI numbers for electronics, if you have them
- Your booking reference, contact details and shipping address
If the lost item is a phone or tablet, consider using the device's location or lost mode feature and keep the device's lock screen showing a contact number, which makes it easier to identify.
Connecting flights and partner airlines
If your journey involved more than one flight, think carefully about which aircraft you left the item on. Each airline usually handles items found on its own aircraft, so a report to the wrong carrier can delay a match. For codeshare flights, the operating airline, meaning the one whose crew flew the aircraft, is typically the one that will hold the item.
How items are returned
When an item is matched, the airline will usually verify that it belongs to you and then arrange collection or shipping. Shipping is normally at the traveler's cost, and electronics with lithium batteries may need special handling. Holding periods vary by airline and item type, so report the loss quickly. See how long organizations keep lost items.
How to avoid leaving things on board
- Keep small items such as phones, earbuds and passports in one zipped bag instead of the seat pocket.
- Before you stand up, check the seat pocket, the floor, between the seats and the overhead bin.
- Set a reminder on your phone to check for your belongings just before landing.
- Label chargers, headphone cases and tablets with your email address or phone number.
- Turn on your device's location or "find my" feature before you travel.
Report your lost item
Select Aviation on our home page and search for the airline or airport. If it is part of the Official Lost Recovery Network℠, you will go straight to its official lost and found portal. If you cannot find it, our team can file the report on your behalf. A Lost Item Reporting Fee applies to that service.