Losing an item while traveling can be stressful, but United Airlines offers a streamlined process to help passengers recover their belongings. Whether you misplaced something onboard, at the airport, or during international travel. United Airlines is committed to helping passengers recover lost belongings efficiently. By following the proper steps and using the official United Airlines lost and found resources, you increase your chances of being reunited with your items.

What is United Airlines Lost and Found?
United Airlines Lost and Found is a simple method and process to recover and report of the Lost items across the United Airlines flights or in a gate. Here is the more information to grasp about it in detail:
Category | Details |
---|---|
Purpose | Helps passengers recover items lost onboard United flights, at airports, or during travel. |
Where to Report | Onboard: Notify gate agent immediately Airport: Contact airport’s Lost and Found department TSA: Contact TSA directly |
Online Form | Submit a detailed lost item report via United Airlines Lost and Found Form |
Tracking Process | United uses Chargerback to track lost items. You’ll receive updates at 2, 3, 15, and 30 days after submission. |
United Airlines Lost and Found Phone Number | Varies by airport. For general baggage inquiries, call +1 281-821-3526. For international airports like Delhi, call +91 124 431 5500. |
Cost to Report | Free to submit a claim. Shipping fees may apply if the item is found and returned. |
Rules & Guidelines | Submit only one report per item Include detailed descriptions United searches for up to 30 days |
International Travel | Provide passport details, flight info, and item description. Contact the arrival airport’s Lost and Found department for assistance. |
Paperwork Required | May include ID proof, boarding pass, and description of the item. |
Timeframe for Recovery | United Airlines will search for your item for up to 30 days after the report is filed. |
How Do United Airlines Lost and Found Work?
Lost and Found Process of United Airlines works on the online platforms, the report system to track down the lost item on a plane or in a gate. Below are some details that might help explain it further from different perspectives:

- Identify Where the Item Was Lost: Determine if the item was lost onboard a United flight, at a United gate, in the airport terminal, or at a TSA checkpoint.
- Submit a Lost Item Report: Go to the United Airlines Lost and Found page and fill out the official form with detailed information about your item.
- Use Chargerback Tracking: United Airlines partners with Chargerback to manage lost item claims. You’ll receive email updates at 2, 3, 15, and 30 days after submission.
- Contact the Right Department: Depending on where the item was lost, you may need to contact United Airlines, the airport’s Lost and Found office, or TSA.
- Provide Supporting Paperwork: Include flight details, passport (for international travel), boarding pass, and a detailed item description.
- Wait for Search and Recovery: United Airlines will search for your item for up to 30 days. If found, they’ll contact you to arrange return.
- Pay Any Applicable Fees: Submitting a report is free, but shipping fees may apply if the item is returned to you.
United Airlines Airport Contact Information Summary
There is no short summary available for the United Airlines Airport Contact Information Summary, as the procedures are contrasted accordingly with what and where the item is lost. Below is the additional information for a comprehensive understanding:
Airport | Lost & Found / Baggage Service Phone | Notes |
---|---|---|
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | 773-686-2385 | United’s largest hub; visit Terminal 1 Baggage Service Office. |
Newark Liberty (EWR) | 973-961-6230 | Located in Terminal C baggage claim area. |
San Francisco (SFO) | 650-821-7014 | Office near Terminal 3 baggage claim. |
Denver (DEN) | 303-342-4062 | Check United Baggage Service counter in Concourse B. |
Houston George Bush (IAH) | 281-230-3299 | Terminal C baggage office handles United items. |
Washington Dulles (IAD) | 703-572-8479 | United desks near baggage claim Level 1. |
Los Angeles (LAX) | 424-646-5678 | Lost & Found located in Terminal 7 baggage area. |
Other Key U.S. Airports
Airport | Contact Number |
---|---|
Boston Logan (BOS) | 617-568-7514 |
Orlando (MCO) | 407-825-2111 |
Las Vegas (LAS) | 702-261-5134 |
Miami (MIA) | 305-876-7377 |
Seattle (SEA) | 206-787-5312 |
International Gateways (United Stations)
City / Airport | Phone (Local) |
---|---|
London Heathrow (LHR) | +44 20 7646 0000 |
Frankfurt (FRA) | +49 69 690 0 |
Tokyo Narita (NRT) | +81 476 34 8000 |
Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | +1 416 247 7678 |
Mexico City (MEX) | +52 55 2482 2400 |
How to File a Lost and Found Report on United Airlines?
To must fill the online form at the official website of United Airlines to report the file of a Lost and Found. Here are further insights to clarify it from multiple viewpoints:
- Go to www.united.com/en/us/baggage/bag-help and click Report Lost Item.
- Provide your name, email, flight number, and travel dates.
- Describe the item in detail (color, brand, serial number, unique features).
- Upload photos if available.
- Submit and save the confirmation number for tracking.
Who Handles Lost Items at United Airlines?
Lost time at United Airlines handled by different entities depends upon where and when it was lost, in the plane, at the gate or at the TSA Security Checkpoints. Follow the below procedure, accordingly the locations, where the item was lost:

United Airlines Baggage Service Center | Handles checked baggage that is delayed, damaged, or missing after a flight. Staff members track and recover luggage through United’s global baggage system. Contact: 1-800-335-2247 (U.S. & Canada) or use the online claim form at united.com/baggagehelp. |
Airport Lost and Found Offices | Responsible for personal items left on the aircraft cabin, gate areas, or United Club lounges. United partners with each airport’s Lost and Found department to store and return these items. Major hubs (like Chicago O’Hare, Newark, San Francisco, Denver, and Houston) have dedicated United Baggage Service Offices near baggage claim. |
United Airlines Lost and Found at Major Airports
The items lost at the United Airlines goes by simple process through online form, if lost in the flight or at the gate. Other parts of a major airport are managed by different authorities, it is important to remember exactly where the item was lost to contact the correct office:
Airport / City | Phone Number | Location / Notes |
---|---|---|
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | 773-686-2385 | Terminal 1, United Baggage Service Office near baggage claim. |
Newark Liberty (EWR) | 973-961-6230 | Terminal C baggage claim; dedicated United counter. |
San Francisco (SFO) | 650-821-7014 | Terminal 3 baggage service area. |
Denver (DEN) | 303-342-4062 | Concourse B baggage service area. |
Houston George Bush (IAH) | 281-230-3299 | Terminal C baggage claim. |
Washington Dulles (IAD) | 703-572-8479 | United baggage claim area. |
Los Angeles (LAX) | 424-646-5678 | Terminal 7 baggage service office. |
Boston Logan (BOS) | 617-568-7514 | Airport Lost & Found for public areas. |
Orlando (MCO) | 407-825-2111 | Main terminal Lost & Found desk. |
Las Vegas (LAS) | 702-261-5134 | Terminal 1 Lost & Found office. |
Miami (MIA) | 305-876-7377 | North Terminal baggage claim. |
Seattle (SEA) | 206-787-5312 | Main terminal Lost & Found desk. |
London Heathrow (LHR) | +44 20 7646 0000 | Heathrow Lost Property for terminal areas. |
Frankfurt (FRA) | +49 69 690 0 | Airport Lost & Found; United station for onboard items. |
Tokyo Narita (NRT) | +81 476 34 8000 | Airport Lost & Found desk. |
Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | +1 416-247-7678 | Terminal 1 Lost & Found desk. |
Mexico City (MEX) | +52 55 2482 2400 | Airport Lost Property office. |
What is the Phone Number for United Airlines Lost and Found?
For Lost and Found Items, there is no particular number provided by United Airlines. To report or file, it is important to fill the lost and found form at the official website of the United Airlines. Here are some additional details to help you understand it better:
- United Airlines Lost and Found Phone Number (U.S./Canada): 1-800-335-2247 (baggage service)
- General Reservations / Customer Service: 1-800-864-8331 (24/7 worldwide)
Charges for United Airlines Lost and Found?
There is no initial fee charge for search or retrieval of an item by United Airlines. However if the lost or found item has a proposal for shipping at some address, then the charges should be paid but for the shipping only by the responsible authority.
Service | Cost |
---|---|
Filing a Lost Item Report | Free |
Item Retrieval at Airport | Free |
Shipping to Your Address | Varies by Carrier |
International Shipping | Varies + Customs Duties |
Identification/Verification | Free |
How to Prevent Losing Items at United Airlines Airport?
To prevent losing items while traveling with United Airlines, the best way is to stay organized, minimize what you carry, and be attentive during the moments like security and deplaning. Additional context is provided below to facilitate a deeper and more well-rounded understanding:
- Use a Packing Checklist: Create a list of all essentials—passport, wallet, phone, chargers, boarding pass—and double-check before leaving home, at security, and before boarding.
- Keep Valuables in One Bag: Place important items in a single carry-on or personal item so you’re not juggling multiple pockets or bags.
- Label Everything Clearly: Attach luggage tags with your name, phone number, and email on checked and carry-on bags, laptops, and small electronics.
- Secure Pockets and Zippers: Use zippered compartments for keys, earbuds, and jewelry. Avoid open side pockets that can snag or spill during boarding.
- Do a “Seat Sweep” Before Leaving: Before exiting the aircraft, check the seatback pocket, under the seat, overhead bin, and floor. Make it a habit even if you think you haven’t used those spaces.
- Stay Organized at Security: Use a tray for smaller items like watches, belts, and phones. Immediately place them back into your bag after the scanner instead of holding them loosely.
- Track with Technology: Place a Bluetooth tracker (e.g., Apple AirTag, Tile) inside your carry-on, laptop sleeve, or key ring for real-time location updates.
- Use Airport Lounges Carefully: If visiting a United Club or partner lounge, keep belongings in sight or use provided lockers when available.
- Check Baggage Claim Tags: Verify your baggage claim receipt matches your destination before leaving the check-in counter.
- Allow Extra Time: Rushing increases the chance of forgetting items. Arrive early so you can move calmly through check-in, security, and boarding.
United Airlines Lost and Found Contact Number for Different Regions
United Airlines does not have any common phone number for the Lost and Found department. To report an item, use the official online form. As an alternative to a single phone line, travelers are encouraged to contact the appropriate department depending on where the item was lost:
Region / Country | Airport / Hub | Lost & Found Contact Number |
---|---|---|
United States – Central | Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | 773-686-2385 |
Denver (DEN) | 303-342-4062 | |
United States – East | Newark Liberty (EWR) | 973-961-6230 |
Washington Dulles (IAD) | 703-572-8479 | |
Boston Logan (BOS) | 617-568-7514 | |
United States – West | San Francisco (SFO) | 650-821-7014 |
Los Angeles (LAX) | 424-646-5678 | |
Seattle (SEA) | 206-787-5312 | |
United States – South | Houston George Bush (IAH) | 281-230-3299 |
Orlando (MCO) | 407-825-2111 | |
Miami (MIA) | 305-876-7377 | |
Las Vegas (LAS) | 702-261-5134 | |
Canada | Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | +1-416-247-7678 |
Europe | London Heathrow (LHR) | +44-20-7646-0000 |
Frankfurt (FRA) | +49-69-690-0 | |
Asia | Tokyo Narita (NRT) | +81-476-34-8000 |
Latin America | Mexico City (MEX) | +52-55-2482-2400 |
Timeframe for Recovering Lost Items on United Airlines
The timeframe for recovering the Lost Items on United Airlines can vary, depending on the locations where the item was lost. However at the official website of United airlines, it is mentioned a period of last 30 days. Here’s some extra info that might help make more sense of it:

Item Type | Estimated Recovery Time |
---|---|
Checked baggage | 24–72 hours (domestic flights), may take longer if delayed internationally |
Personal items left onboard or at the gate | 7–14 days for domestic flights, depending on airport search and reporting |
High-value or unusual items | Up to 30 days (may require verification or coordination with multiple airports) |
International recovery | 30+ days (due to customs clearance and shipping logistics) |
Some United Airlines Lost and Found Terminal
- United Airlines CHO Terminal – Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport
- United Airlines PHF Terminal – Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport
- United Airlines ORF Terminal – Norfolk International Airport
- United Airlines ROA Terminal – Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport
- United Airlines PSC Terminal – Tri-Cities Airport
- United Airlines SEA Terminal – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
- United Airlines GEG Terminal – Spokane International Airport
- United Airlines DCA Terminal – Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
- United Airlines CRW Terminal – Yeager Airport
Conclusion
The United Airlines Lost and Found service is straightforward and customer-focused. By filing a detailed report, keeping your confirmation number, and responding quickly to email updates, you greatly increase the chance of recovering your belongings—whether traveling domestically or internationally.
FAQs on United Airlines Lost and Found
What is the United Airlines Lost and Found phone number?
Call 1-800-864-8331 for general support or 1-800-335-2247 for the Baggage Service Center.
How do I file a Lost and Found report with United Airlines?
Submit the online form at united.com/baggagehelp
with all required details.
Is there a United Airlines fee to report a lost item?
No. Filing is free, though you may pay shipping charges if the item is returned.
How long does United Airlines keep lost items?
Up to 30 days, depending on the item and location.
What if I lost something at the airport but not on the plane?
Contact the specific airport’s Lost and Found office directly.
Can I track the status of my United Airlines claim?
Yes, use your confirmation number to check updates sent by email.
Does United Airlines cover valuables left on board?
Coverage applies only to checked baggage under United’s liability limits, not personal carry-on items.
How quickly should I file a United Airlines Lost and Found report?
Ideally within 24 hours of noticing the loss.
What documents are needed for international returns?
Customs paperwork and proof of ownership may be required.
Who pays for shipping if my item is found?
The passenger is responsible for all shipping or customs fees.