Every year millions of bags cross the heavens with their owners, but not all reach the final destination. Apart from the annoyance it represents, there are truly curious cases about what is left behind: unusual objects, luxury articles and even historical relics. When luggage is lost forever, stories arise as unlikely as fascinating.
Thousands of poor outdoor
In 2024, more than 36 million luggage were damaged, lost or stolen by airlines, according to data from the aviation sector. This number represents approximately seven bags per thousand that are dispatched. Although most are recovered, a small percentage of the lost luggage is never claimed.
It is in this universe of lost luggage that is the work of the American company UnClaimed Baggage, specializing in the sale of bags that never returned to its owners. In its annual report, the Found Report, some of the most surprising and bizarre findings found in recent months.
Of animal armor in vials
Among the objects found this year in the lost luggage, there are real relics, according to: a complete chest of medieval armor and a Roman helm were discovered in different bags. The company did not confirm whether they belonged to the same traveler, but history experts would certainly have something to say about this mixture of times.
Other objects are harder to explain. In a suitcase came a paw of lyophilized chicken, in another a flask of brandy with a conserved rattlesnake inside. Boxes with dozens of spiders and giant scarab, perfectly packed, without any trace of clothes or personal articles were also found.
The list also includes an old book on French exorcisms, a magician hat with decades of use and even a mustacher modeler. As Bryan Owens, president of Unclaimed Baggage, says, “Since 1970, we have not just debuted belongings, we have found unique stories behind passenger trips.”
Mysteries in silicone and stones without explanation
Some objects seem simply inexplicable: a fake silicone belly to simulate pregnancy, a pair of false buttocks, and a jewelry -adorned denture appear among the strangest items.
But perhaps the most disconcerting find was an extremely heavy suitcase. Employees speculated on the possibility of containing gold bars or valuable artifacts. However, its content turned out to be… stones. No note, no explanation. Only stones, which will have been stored by an eccentric collector or perhaps an alternative bodybuilding adept.
Luxury articles forgotten
Not all that is lost is strange. There are also those who forget true treasures. The most valuable object found was a 18 -carat white gold diamond ring, valued at about 34 thousand euros. There was also a Rolex President Oyster clock in gold, worth 17,500 euros.
Brands haute couture pieces such as Chanel and Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton bags, professional cameras and even a handcrafted flute at 6,200 euros were other luxuries left behind.
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Lost Objects On other stops
This phenomenon is not limited to airports. According to the index of lost objects from Uber, only 1.7 million mobile phones were forgotten in vehicles on the platform, as well as wallets, keys and heard. Some of the reported objects are truly unexpected: a chainsaw, an DNA test kit, ten living lobsters and even a urinal are part of the list of forgetfulness.
Hotels also accumulate curious episodes. According to the report Insights From hotels.com, guests left behind from engagement rings and orthopedic splints to a pet lizard and a little chick. A car tire and mountains were also found without apparent explanation.
In London, Transport for London (TFL), which manages public transport, collects about six thousand unfeed items weekly. Among the most unusual are a bottle with bats, a fact of Dalek of the series Doctor Whoa dry white fish and a box with cooked frogs.
How to avoid losing luggage
With so many unusual reports, the best way to prevent your luggage from disappearing is to adopt some prevention measures. Experts recommend:
- Bring only hand luggage, whenever possible, to minimize risks;
- Identify the suitcase well with colored labels or ribbons to facilitate recognition;
- Avoid flights with scales, as it is during more losses that occur more losses;
- Use location devices, such as Apple’s Airtag, which work via Bluetooth and can be tracked through Find My application.
If the suitcase is lost, the passenger must immediately submit a complaint to the airline. On commercial flights, it is necessary to fill a report of luggage irregularity (PIR), which will give rise to a process.
If at the end of 21 days the luggage is not located, it is definitively considered lost, and the passenger is entitled to claim compensation. The maximum value is around 1,600 euros, but may vary according to the carrier and applicable international agreements.
What happens to the unqualified bags
In the United States, airlines have up to 90 days to locate owners. After this period, the luggage is sent to the headquarters of UnClaimed Baggage, in Alabama, where they are opened, cataloged and their contents sold, recycled or donated.
Whether it’s a medieval armor, a diamond ring or a box full of stones, each forgotten suitcase carries a story – some more bizarre than others. But one thing is certain: whether an object is valuable, irreplaceable or too personal… maybe the best is not even dispatching it.
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