From NASA cameras to Rolex watches: What happens to lost luggage?

Every year, millions of bags take a detour from their owners. While airlines have drastically reduced baggage mishandling rates, some luggage never finds its way home. According to the SITA Global Baggage Report, 36.1 million bags were mishandled globally in 2023—a rate of 6.9 bags per 1,000 passengers, a significant improvement from 7.6 the year before.

Yet, less than 0.03% of all checked luggage remains unclaimed after three months, often finding its final destination in Scottsboro, Alabama, at the Unclaimed Baggage store—a quirky haven for forgotten belongings.

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A Second Life for Lost Luggage

Unclaimed Baggage, established in 1970, has turned abandoned suitcases into a thriving enterprise. “We receive thousands of items each week,” shared Bryan Owens, the store’s CEO. Inside its 50,000-square-foot space, visitors explore treasures ranging from books and clothes to rare finds like a NASA camera and even a platinum Rolex valued at $64,000.

The store’s most heartwarming moments include reuniting a woman with her lost ski boots—engraved with her name—years after she thought they were gone forever. Beyond sales, Unclaimed Baggage donates one item for every piece sold, benefiting causes like foster care and disaster relief.

Why Bags Go Missing

Most lost luggage incidents stem from missing identification. Airlines encourage travelers to label their bags inside and out. United Airlines, for example, now uses tracking tools to notify passengers about delayed bags, while tech-savvy travelers increasingly rely on devices like Apple AirTags for real-time updates.

Despite these advancements, mishandling persists. In September 2024, U.S. airlines mishandled 0.41% of bags, down from 0.53% the previous year. Hawaiian Airlines led with the lowest mishandling rate of 2.4 per 1,000 bags.

From Trash to Treasure

Of the 7,000 items arriving daily at Unclaimed Baggage, only a third are sold. Others are recycled or donated. Programs like Wheels for the World repair and repurpose damaged wheelchairs, while surplus clothing supports Salvation Army initiatives. Even holiday shoeboxes are filled with items from unclaimed luggage.

“It’s about creating value from loss,” said Owens. “Every piece tells a story, whether sold, reused, or reunited with its owner.”