Travelers have a high likelihood of being disappointed if they try to retrieve something they forgot, surrendered, or had confiscated at a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at an airport.
TSA authorities “confiscating” travelers’ items isn’t as common as it seems. Technically, travelers are more often than not “voluntarily surrendering” a prohibited item during their TSA screening. Examples of common no-go items are beauty products (or beverages) over 100 mL (3.4 oz) and sharp objects.
Voluntarily surrendered items, once given to the TSA, are non-returnable and non-retrievable. If you don’t want to surrender your item, consider placing it in your carry-on (or a new piece of luggage) and checking that bag with your airline before returning to airport security. Other options would be to drop off the item in your car (if you drove to the airport) or leave it with a companion who joined you to the airport but isn’t catching a flight.
Dangerous, hazardous, and/or illegal prohibited items (such as guns, weapons, explosives, etc.) that travelers attempt to take through TSA will be directed to local law enforcement.
What Else Is There To Know About Items Left Behind At TSA?
Posts on social media may claim travelers can drop off their prohibited items at an airport’s “temporary” or “30-day” storage, so they’ll be safely kept until they return from their trip. However, the TSA doesn’t confirm that it is a viable option.
If you accidentally lost or forgot an item at TSA, there’s a chance you can get it back. The traveler will need to contact a designated lost and found that may have the item available for pickup. The TSA notes that it retains all lost items and keeps them available for pickup for at least 30 days. However, if the owner doesn’t present themselves, the lost item will either be “destroyed, turned over to a state agency for surplus property, or sold by TSA as excess property.”
Travelers can claim their personal property themselves or send someone else explicitly authorized in writing to claim it for them. The lost and found area may otherwise be able to ship an item to its owner, but it’ll be up to that owner to pay the cost. Keep in mind that the TSA’s lost and found specifically holds items lost during travelers’ airport security screenings. All other items lost at the airport may be retrieved from other on-site authorities.
Unclaimed TSA prohibited items may be later sold on GovDeals.com.
