Lost and Found
Lost and Found
We understand that losing an item while you travel can turn an otherwise smooth journey into a stressful situation. That's why at United Airlines, our dedicated lost and found team is here to help you every step of the way, ensuring you're not left feeling helpless or overwhelmed.
Where did you lose your item?
Left on the plane
If you've left something on a plane, it's important to act fast. Fill out the lost item form making sure to give us a detailed description of what you lost. Describe its brand, color, size, or any unique features – the more details, the better. For instance, if it's a laptop, include the serial number.
Left at security checkpoint
TSA has its own procedure for items left behind. Reach out to them at 1-866-289-9673 or visit their website here.
Delayed or missing bags
Haven't received your bags at your destination? There are a few steps you’ll need to take, including submitting a claim here. That will help us get your belongings back to you as soon as possible.
Not sure?
If you're uncertain where you might have misplaced your belongings, start by filling out our general lost item form here.
Did we lose your item?
Missing from checked bag
If you've found that you have stolen items or missing belongings from your checked bags, you can learn how to file a claim here.
How to report lost items
Step 1
Report your lost item:
Fill out our lost item form with as much detail as possible. Then we’ll send you an email with a tracking number.
Step 2
Recieve confirmation email:
You’ll receive a series of email updates 2, 3, 15, and 30 days after you’ve reported your item.
Step 3
Wait for updates:
We will actively search for your item, based on the information you provided for 30 days.
Traveler pro tips
Remember, while we do everything we can to reunite customers with their belongings, there are instances where items may not be found. Your patience and understanding are appreciated. Until then, please wait for updates and ensure the process runs smoothly by not sending additional e-mails about the same lost item.
Traveler pro tips
Remember, while we do everything, we can to reunite customers with their belongings, there are instances where items may not be found. Your patience and understanding are appreciated. Until then, please wait for updates and ensure the process runs smoothly by not sending additional e-mails about the same lost item.
Traveler pro tips
Remember, while we do everything we can to reunite customers with their belongings, there are instances where items may not be found. Your patience and understanding are appreciated. Until then, please wait for updates and ensure the process runs smoothly by not sending additional e-mails about the same lost item.
Traveler pro tips
Remember, while we do everything, we can to reunite customers with their belongings, there are instances where items may not be found. Your patience and understanding are appreciated. Until then, please wait for updates and ensure the process runs smoothly by not sending additional e-mails about the same lost item.
Lost item update and return process
Status update emails:
You’ll receive a series of email updates 2, 5, 15, and 30 days after you’ve reported your item. We want to make sure the process runs smoothly. Please avoid sending multiple emails about the same lost item. This can cause confusion during the process of searching for and reclaiming lost items.
How you’ll know if we found your item:
We’ll send an email to let you know we’ve found your item, and we’ll include simple instructions on how to get it back. If we think we may have your item but need more details to confirm, we’ll send you an email or call you directly.
How you’ll know if we found your item:
We’ll send an email to let you know we’ve found your item, and we’ll include simple instructions on how to get it back. If we think we may have your item but need more details to confirm, we’ll send you an email or call you directly.
How your item will be returned to you:
If you've left an item behind, please note that you will be responsible for covering the shipping fee to have the item returned. Once this shipping fee is paid, we will send out your item as soon as possible.
How your item will be returned to you:
If you've left an item behind, please note that you will be responsible for covering the shipping fee to have the item returned. Once this shipping fee is paid, we will send out your item as soon as possible.
If you don’t have an email address:
We’ll call you if you don’t have an email address. However, due to the large number of lost items that we handle on a daily basis, we can’t call you with regular status updates.
If you don’t have an email address:
We’ll call you if you don’t have an email address. However, due to the large number of lost items that we handle on a daily basis, we can’t call you with regular status updates.
If you've lost cash:
If we find cash on board or in the terminal, we may convert it into one or more prepaid cards. Prepaid cards allow us to quickly and safely return the money to its rightful owner.
If you've lost cash:
If we find cash on board or in the terminal, we may convert it into one or more prepaid cards. Prepaid cards allow us to quickly and safely return the money to its rightful owner.
Lost and found FAQ
We work with Chargerback to help process the Lost Item Forms our customers submit. However, we handle the lost item requests and the search for the items ourselves.
If you haven’t received an email, you may want to check your junk or spam folders and confirm you correctly entered the email address in your original form. If you’re using a business email address, your company’s firewall may block our email. In that case, consider submitting the form again using a personal email address.
This usually means that the lost item form you submitted didn’t include enough information and to identify your item we’ll need more details. When this happens, we’ll send an email with a link to provide more information about your lost item.
For example, if you submit a form saying you lost an iPad, we may not be able to determine which iPad we found is yours. If you’re able to provide more details, like the color of the case or the serial number, we’ll be more likely to match the description of your lost item to one of the items we find.
We know that waiting to hear back about a lost item that holds sentimental or physical value to you is difficult. Know that we’re actively searching for your item for 30 full days and are doing our best to reunite you with your belongings.
However, due to the volume of lost items that we intake on a daily basis, we’ll be unable to speak to you about your item personally.
We recommend you complete our form by using the Lost Item Form as soon as possible. If you report your lost item within five days, we’ll have a better chance of finding it
Make sure to provide a detailed description of the lost item. For example, if you’re missing a coat, tell us the color, brand, size and whether there was anything in the pockets.
If you want to add more information about your item to help with its recovery, you can update your lost item report at any time.