Every month, airports are filled with forgotten items, ranging from everyday essentials to valuable possessions. Passengers forget items at airports, leaving behind belongings such as wallets wallets, laptops, jackets and many more items. This trend raises questions about why it happens and how travelers can avoid such costly mistakes while traveling?.
Passengers at the Mumbai airport leave behind an average of 5,000 goods per month, and these items are not limited to cash, jewellery, or daily necessities. At the security checkpoint, the soon-to-be bride left her bridal lehenga behind, and it was eventually given to a relative who boarded the next flight. Another passenger misplaced a handbag containing an engagement ring and heirloom jewellery, which was promptly returned to its rightful owner. Here’s a look at the processes followed for the lost and found belongings at the city airport
Where Do Items Go Missing? Boarding Gates and Lounges Lead the Way
- Lost items are systematically identified, listed, and kept in storage. High-value items, like jewellery and foreign and Indian currency, are kept in special lockers under strict safety protocols.
- Approximately 30% of the 64,000 lost items were determined to be valuable. After 90 days, unclaimed items were turned over to Customs; 80% of these were returned to their rightful owners.
- 70% of lost items were non-valuables given to NGOs after the holding period.
- After 90 days, unclaimed valuables and electronic equipment are turned over to Customs, where they are tagged and stored to minimize the possibility of damage during the holding period.
- Lounges, boarding gates, security checkpoints, and hotspots for misplaced belongings
Top most frequent lost items on airport:
How travelers can avoid such costly mistakes while traveling?
To avoid costly mistakes, travelers should create a checklist of essential items before heading to the airport. Double-check your belongings at each stage at check-in, through security, and before boarding. Using organized travel bags with compartments helps keep smaller items like wallets and electronics in check. Additionally, set phone reminders to ensure nothing is forgotten. By staying mindful and organized, travelers can avoid the frustration and expense of leaving important items behind.
With thousands of items lost monthly, Mumbai Airport’s Lost & Found team works tirelessly to reunite passengers with their valuables. From essentials to priceless heirlooms, the variety is vast, highlighting just how often passengers forget items at airports. This serves as a reminder for travelers to double-check their belongings before departure.
So, what do you think about this? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
