Unclaimed Baggage, a store that buys lost items from airlines, recently published its first “Found Report: A Look Inside America’s Lost Luggage” detailing some of the most fascinating items they have come across in 2023. From live snakes to a mounted ram head, the report reveals a wide range of lost items, including a 13-foot vaulting pole and expensive designer items like Louis Vuitton Nike Air Force 1 sneakers. The company has long-term contracts with airlines, hotels, trains, and rental car companies to purchase unclaimed items, processing tens of thousands of items per week.
The most expensive items found this year include a diamond ring appraised at $37,050, a Cartier Panthère watch valued at $26,500, and a Hermès Birkin 25 bag priced at $23,500. Unclaimed Baggage has a loyal customer base, with over a million visitors annually coming from all 50 states and 40 countries. The store offers discounts ranging from 20-80%, depending on the item, with a focus on giving customers a deal while discouraging reselling. The thrill of the hunt and the possibility of finding unique items attract visitors from around the world to Unclaimed Baggage’s retail store in Scottsboro, Alabama.
Electronics such as AirPods and laptops sell quickly, along with fine jewelry, both online and in-store. The company takes authentication seriously, ensuring that items like Louis Vuitton luggage and Balenciaga sneakers are genuine. Occasionally, lost items are returned to their rightful owners, such as a pair of ski boots with a passenger’s name inside that were found and returned by a customer. Unclaimed Baggage also comes across items that have been sold by the company, lost again, and reacquired with the store’s price tags on them.
While some travelers may claim that items in the store are their lost belongings, Unclaimed Baggage ensures that all lost items have been through an extensive search process and settled claims before being sold. CEO Bryan Owens himself has found valuable items in the store, including a $10,000 sport coat from the Italian brand Kiton that he purchased for $999. For travelers looking to avoid losing their luggage, the company recommends attaching durable luggage tags and including contact information inside the bag to increase the chances of lost items being returned.
Overall, Unclaimed Baggage provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of lost luggage and the unique items that are left behind. With a wide range of items from electronics to luxury jewelry, the store offers customers a chance to find a deal while exploring the unexpected treasures of lost luggage. Through careful authentication and dedication to reuniting lost items with their owners, Unclaimed Baggage continues to serve as a destination for thrill-seekers and bargain hunters alike.
