Unclaimed Baggage, a store that buys lost items from airlines, has released its first “Found Report: A Look Inside America’s Lost Luggage.” This report details the most fascinating items found in lost luggage in 2023, including live snakes, a mounted ram head, and a Halloween card signed by Richard Nixon. The company, which has long-term contracts with airlines, hotels, trains, and rental car companies, processes tens of thousands of items per week, with about one third selling, another third being donated, and the rest recycled. Among the most expensive items found this year are a diamond ring, a Cartier Panthère watch, and a Hermès Birkin 25 bag.
Unclaimed Baggage was founded by Doyle Owens in 1970 after he heard about a local bus company struggling with unclaimed bags left behind by passengers. Since then, the company has grown to employ more than 250 people and has a retail store in Scottsboro, Alabama, that is larger than a city block. The company attracts customers from all over the world who come in search of unique treasures at discounted prices ranging from 20-80%. Electronics and fine jewelry are among the fastest-selling items, with some finds such as Rolexes and a 40-carat emerald standing out as favorites.
Authentication is a crucial part of the business at Unclaimed Baggage, ensuring that items are genuine and accurately priced. Some items even find their way back to their rightful owners, as in the case of a man who found his girlfriend’s lost skiing boots at the store. While lost items may occasionally end up back where they belong, the majority are sold to new owners who are eager to find unique items at discounted prices. The company also deals with lost claims from travelers who believe their misplaced items are in the store, ensuring that all items have gone through a thorough search process.
The company advises travelers to make sure their luggage is properly identified with a durable luggage tag and contains a sheet of paper or business card with their contact information and travel itinerary inside. According to SITA’s Baggage IT Insights 2023 report, for every 1,000 passengers, 7.6 bags are mishandled, with only a fraction of those ultimately being lost. While lost luggage can be a hassle for travelers, Unclaimed Baggage provides a second chance for these items to find new homes with eager shoppers looking for unique and discounted treasures. The company’s annual report sheds light on the fascinating and valuable items left behind in lost luggage and the process of finding new owners for these lost treasures.
