What to Do, Step by Step
Act fast — the owner may be about to fly
At airports, time is critical. The owner could be boarding right now. If you're near a gate, alert the gate agent immédiately.
Check the lock screen
Look for contact info or a QR code. Scanning a QR code could connect you to the owner before they take off.
Take it to the airline's service desk
If you know which gate area you're in, take it to the nearest airline counter. They can make a PA announcement.
Go to the airport's lost property office
Every airport has a centralized lost & found. Ask any staff member for directions. In large airports, there may be one per terminal.
Report to airport security
If you can't find a lost property office, airport security or information desks can take it and log it into the system.
Did You Know? Over 250,000 phones are left at airports each year in the US alone. Recovery rates vary from 30-70% depending on how quickly they're reported.
Lost your phone instead? See our recovery guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the airport make a PA announcement?
Yes — airline staff and information desks can make announcements in the terminal. This works best if you found it near a gate.
I found it after going through security. Can I go back?
Usually no — but you can give it to any staff member inside the secure area. They'll route it to lost property.
The owner probably already flew. What now?
Airlines can contact passengers on their manifest. Give the phone to the airline desk with details about where and when you found it.
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