Flying is safer than ever, but airlines still aren’t the best at protecting our baggage, with around 26 million pieces of luggage lost or damaged in transit. Even in 2022 alone. Most lost bags are eventually retrieved, but sometimes people don’t come looking for the bag, or the system breaks down and the location of the missing bag remains a mystery. there is.
When that happens, someone else’s loss can become your gain. Because much of the lost luggage is sorted, inspected, cleaned and sold at ridiculously low prices.
Where lost baggage items are sold
There are two main ways to purchase lost or abandoned luggage.
Unclaimed baggage. Founded in 1970, this large Scottsboro, Alabama store buys lost luggage from airports across the country and sells its contents. You can visit the actual location (which many people consider a fun tourist activity), shop on the website, or even wait for the occasional auction event that store holds. other places. The store has professional staff who open every bag, clean and test everything they find, and appraise the items. As long as you’re willing to wear or use someone’s lost item, you can save an incredible amount of money.
government transactions. The other end of the luggage bargain is confiscated For example, what airport security will not allow you to bring to the gate. There are usually several choices here. You can put the item in your checked baggage, mail it to yourself, or give it to someone who is not a traveler. However, many people choose the easiest option. Turn the item over to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the item will eventually be put up for auction on GovDeals. Since this is an auction site, you’ll be bidding on odd lots, such as a random collection of scissors. Also on display are items seized by other government agencies.
Between these two retailers, you can buy almost anything you can think of, often at incredible discounts.
Things you can buy from lost luggage (sample)
clothes
The most obvious thing you can get from lost or unclaimed luggage is clothing. Clothes are usually the bulk of the luggage you bring with you when you travel.You can find everything from underwear and lingerie For men’s suits, boots, women’s dressand all accessories you can wish. Clothing will be cleaned and checked for damage before sale (underwear will only be sold new, with or without box).You can also find many designer’s stuff It’s not completely free, but it’s often sold at a discount.
luxury goods
Speaking of luxury goods, clock and jewelry to designer handbags All kinds of things. You might think that something this expensive would be an incentive to find your lost bag, but you’d be wrong. At Unclaimed Baggage, we know the market value of these items, so it’s not always easy to get a great deal. Be careful, especially because prices are often attached to popular brand items. close to market value. But even a small discount is worth the trouble, and you can often find rare and out-of-production items there at relatively bargain prices. (Please check clearance section If you’re looking for a bargain, check out Unclaimed Baggage. )
Wedding dress
While they aren’t always in stock (who packs a wedding dress?), it’s not unheard of for wedding dresses to go out of stock. Go to the baggage claim area With big discounts. Your chances of finding a dress that fits your size and style are a bit high, but if you want to get a great deal on a dress for your big day, it might be worth checking back regularly. (Some couples actually take this to the extreme, I got married with checked baggage., but that may be a bridge too far. )
sporting goods
Although it’s not as plentiful as clothing and other items, you can still get some great deals. sports and exercise equipment By shopping for lost luggage, the GovDeals site often offers bicycle to basketball backboard.
electronics
One of the most powerful uses of lost and found shopping is all the electronic devices that people leave behind. Want a laptop for less than $100? I got it.. iPad? yes. phone?both super cheap and super expensive. air pods, game systema smart watch – everything you need could be found in someone’s lost bag.
everything else
You can find almost anything at an unclaimed baggage drop. Book to perfume, Pet Supplies to game dice. Basically, anything that can be packed into rolling luggage can probably be found at an unclaimed bag store. And save money while you’re at it.
