2024 has been a busy year for airlines. According to the Bureau of Transportation, US airlines handled 45.6 million bags in July 2024 alone and some of those never made it back to their owners. Lost luggage retailer Unclaimed Baggage lists some of the weirdest and most wonderful items found in lost luggage.
Have you ever wondered what happens to luggage that never makes it back to its owner? Well, according to Unclaimed Baggage, luggage that remains lost after a 90-day search in the US is sent to Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro, Alabama. Travellers are compensated for their loss and the contents of their lost luggage are “reshined for retail, repurposed for charity or recycled responsibly”. About 0.05% per cent of the luggage handled in the US ends up at Unclaimed Baggage.
“Since 1970, we’ve unpacked more than just belongings—we’ve discovered the unique stories behind travelers’ journeys. Each narrative sparks curiosity, evokes laughter and invites conversation. From the most valuable to the trendy, the ‘Found Report’ gives readers a first-class seat to the most compelling tales uncovered from the previous year,” said Unclaimed Baggage CEO & President Bryan Owens.
In total, over 2 million items were handled by the lost luggage retailer. In their now yearly Found Report, the company lists some of the most remarkable items found inside the misplaced suitcases.
Some of the most remarkable finds listed include a freeze-dried chicken foot, a full sheet of uncut $ 2 bills, a medieval larping suit of armour, and an antique French book on performing exorcisms. A steel Roman soldier helmet and a silicone pregnancy belly were also worthy of a mention in the 40-item counting list.
As far as valuables go, you better keep them close to you while travelling – if not, they may end up in next year’s Found Report. The most expensive piece found by the company was an 18K white gold solitaire diamond ring worth around $ 39,000 (€ 34,000). Next up on the list are a Rolex 18K gold president Oyster perpetual day-date watch ($ 20,000 or € 17,500) and a M11 Rangefinder camera ($ 14,000 or € 12,000).
Of course, the most frequently found items weren’t nearly as interesting. Undies, pants, books, shoes, and iPhones were the main items found inside lost luggage.
“Left behind luggage gives us a snapshot of passengers’ lives. Each year, the ‘Found Report’ connects those snapshots into a bigger picture—capturing unique insights into how we move, what we value most and how packing habits evolve and change over time,” said Sonni Hood, Senior Manager of PR and Communications.
How not to lose your luggage
Unclaimed Baggage also gives some pro tips to travellers who don’t want to lose their luggage ever again. Firstly, opt for a suitcase that stands out from the crowd. Whether you choose a brightly-coloured version or stickers, anything to avoid the hard-shelled black lookalike suitcase. Secondly, add an AirTag to your bag to make sure you can track where it is located at any moment. Lastly, make sure to always check your seat and seatback pocket when leaving the plane, so as not to forget your hat, bag or even a wedding ring you took off mid-flight because of swollen fingers.
