You’ve just landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). You’re moving through baggage claim, heading to ground transportation — and then that sinking feeling hits. Your phone isn’t in your jacket pocket. Or your wallet isn’t in your carry-on. Or you get halfway to the shuttle pickup zone before realizing your laptop bag is still sitting in the overhead bin.
Losing something at an airport is one of travel’s most stressful experiences, and it happens more often than you’d think. FLL serves over 35 million passengers a year — and with that volume of people moving through four terminals, security checkpoints, restaurants, restrooms, and boarding gates daily, personal items get left behind constantly.
The good news: Fort Lauderdale Airport has a dedicated Lost and Found system that handles thousands of recovered items each year. The critical thing is knowing exactly what to do, and doing it fast. This guide walks you through every scenario — whether you lost something on the plane, at a TSA checkpoint, somewhere in the terminal, or in a shuttle or rental car — so you can maximize your chances of getting your belongings back
First: Figure Out Where You Lost It
This is the most important step — and the one most travelers skip in their panic. Where you lost your item determines who you contact. The FLL Airport Lost and Found office handles items found in public airport areas, but it does not handle items lost on aircraft, at airline counters, or inside airline lounges. Contacting the wrong department wastes precious hours.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Lost on the plane (seat pocket, overhead bin, lavatory) → Contact your airline directly
- Lost at TSA security checkpoint → Contact TSA Lost and Found
- Lost in the terminal (gate area, restaurant, restroom, baggage claim) → Contact FLL Airport Lost and Found
- Lost in a parking garage, shuttle bus, or rental car area → Contact FLL Airport Lost and Found
- Lost in a private shuttle or car service vehicle → Contact your transportation provider directly
Important: The FLL Airport Lost and Found Office does not accept items lost on aircraft or in checked baggage. If your item was left on the plane, you must contact your airline — not the airport. Going to the airport office first will cost you time you don't have
FLL Airport Lost and Found Office: Contact Details & Hours
The official Fort Lauderdale Airport Lost and Found office is operated by the Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD). It handles all items found in public airport areas: terminals, parking garages, shuttle buses, baggage claim, and security checkpoint areas (after TSA transfers them over).
| 📞 Phone | (954) 359-2247, Extension 3 |
| [email protected] | |
| 📍 Location | Level 2, Rental Car Center — next to the elevators, across from the Enterprise Rental Car counter |
| 🕐 Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:00 PM Closed weekends and public holidays |
| 🌐 Online Claim Form | lostandfoundreport.com/fortlauderdaleairport |
| ⏳ Item Retention Period | Items are held for 30 days from the date of loss. After that, they are disposed of per Florida Statutes. |
Pro Tip: Due to high call volume, FLL's Lost and Found office strongly recommends filing your claim online rather than calling. The online form at lostandfoundreport.com/fortlauderdaleairport is available 24/7 and is the fastest way to start the matching process.
How to File a Lost Item Claim at FLL: Step by Step
Once you’ve determined that your item was lost in a public area of the airport (not on the plane), here’s exactly what to do:
- Act immediately: File your claim as soon as you realize the item is missing — ideally within 24 hours. The sooner you report, the better your chances of a match before it gets lost in a backlog.
- Submit an online claim: Complete the form at lostandfoundreport.com/fortlauderdaleairport. You must provide your name, phone number, travel date/time, airline, terminal, and a detailed description (brand, color, size, model, unique marks).
- Save your claim ID: Keep the claim reference number you receive after submitting the form. You will need it to check your status online or over the phone.
- Wait for contact: The Lost and Found Office will reach out with instructions if your item matches a turned-in object. Verified items are typically available for pickup 24 hours after confirmation.
- Pick up in person: Head to Level 2 of the Rental Car Center with a valid photo ID once confirmed. Note: FLL does not arrange or pay for shipping; you must collect it yourself or hire a courier.
Lost Something on the Plane? Contact Your Airline
If you left an item in the seat pocket, overhead bin, lavatory, or anywhere else on the aircraft — or if it went missing during the checked baggage process — your first call is to your airline, not the airport’s Lost and Found office. Airlines manage inflight lost property independently through their own baggage services departments.
Here are contacts for the major airlines operating at FLL:
| Airline | Lost & Found / Baggage Services | FLL Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | (800) 535-5225 · aa.com/baggage | Terminal 3 |
| Southwest Airlines | (800) 435-9792 · southwest.com | Terminal 4 |
| Delta Air Lines | (800) 325-8224 · delta.com/baggage | Terminal 4 |
| JetBlue Airways | (800) 538-2583 · jetblue.com | Terminal 2 |
| Spirit Airlines | (855) 728-3555 · spirit.com | Terminal 2 |
| United Airlines | (800) 335-2247 · united.com/baggage | Terminal 1 |
If your airline is not listed, visit their official website and search “baggage claim” or “lost and found” for your specific carrier’s contact details.
Quick Action if You Just Deplaned: If you realize immediately after deplaning that you've left something on the aircraft, go straight back to your arrival gate. The gate agent may be able to contact the cleaning crew or cabin staff who are still on or near the plane. Acting within the first 15–30 minutes gives you the best chance of a quick recovery before the aircraft is prepared for its next flight.
Lost Something at a TSA Security Checkpoint?
TSA checkpoints — where you remove laptops, belts, shoes, and liquids — are one of the most common places travelers leave items behind. Watches, jewelry, and chargers frequently get placed in the bin and forgotten in the rush to collect bags on the other side.
Items left at TSA security checkpoints at FLL are collected by TSA personnel and then transferred to the airport’s Lost and Found Office the next business day. This is an important timing detail: if you lost something at the security checkpoint on a Friday, TSA will transfer the item to the Lost and Found office on Monday — not over the weekend. The Lost and Found office does not receive items on weekends or public holidays.
To report a lost item at an FLL TSA checkpoint, you can call TSA directly at (954) 359-2247 or file a claim through the airport’s online lost item form. Include the checkpoint location (which terminal), the date and approximate time you passed through, and a detailed description of the item.
Lost Something in a Shuttle, Rental Car, or Parking Garage?
Items lost in the airport’s inter-terminal shuttle buses, parking garages, and the Consolidated Rental Car Facility are also handled by the FLL Airport Lost and Found office — same phone number, same online form.
If you left something in a rental car, contact the specific rental car company directly as their on-site staff handles vehicles before the airport office would receive a report. For items lost in a private shuttle or car service — like a Fort Lauderdale Airport Shuttle vehicle — contact your provider directly. Our drivers will search the vehicle immediately and our dispatch team can be reached 24/7 at (954) 688-7738.
Tips to Recover Your Item Faster
- Be specific in your description. Vague descriptions like “black backpack” slow down the matching process. Include the brand name, model, any stickers or marks, what’s inside, serial numbers for electronics, and any other identifying detail you can provide.
- Include a photo if possible. If you have a photo of the lost item on your phone — even a general product image — include it with your claim notes or email it to [email protected].
- For valuable items, file a police report. For passports, jewelry, high-value electronics, or large amounts of cash, filing a report with the Broward Sheriff’s Office creates official documentation that can support insurance claims and assist with the recovery process.
- Check your airline app. Many airlines now have digital tools for tracking lost cabin items. American Airlines, Delta, and United all have baggage claim tracking features within their apps.
- Don’t forget AirTag / tile trackers. If your lost bag or luggage has an Apple AirTag or Tile tracker inside it, use your app to get a last-known location — that information can help pinpoint whether the item is still at the airport or somewhere along your route.
Frequently Asked Questions About FLL Lost and Found
How long does FLL Airport hold lost items?
The Fort Lauderdale Airport Lost and Found office holds all recovered items for 30 days from the date of loss. After 30 days, unclaimed items are disposed of in accordance with Florida Statutes. This makes acting quickly critically important — especially if you discover the loss days after your trip.
Can FLL ship my lost item to me?
No. The airport does not pay for or arrange shipping of recovered items. You must either pick up the item in person from the Lost and Found office (Level 2, Rental Car Center) or arrange and pay for a courier service yourself. If you’re no longer in Fort Lauderdale, consider asking a trusted contact in the area to collect it on your behalf.
What are the most commonly lost items at FLL?
Based on airport lost and found reports, the most frequently lost items at Fort Lauderdale Airport include: smartphones and chargers, laptops and tablets (especially left at security checkpoints), wallets and credit cards, passports and travel documents, eyeglasses and sunglasses, jewelry and watches, prescription medications, and carry-on bags and jackets.
Can I check the status of my lost item claim online?
Yes. Once you’ve filed a claim through the online form, you’ll receive a claim reference number. Use it to check status at lostandfoundreport.com/fortlauderdaleairport/status.html at any time.
What if my lost item isn’t found?
If your item doesn’t turn up within the 30-day window, check if your travel insurance policy covers lost personal property — many comprehensive travel insurance plans do. For electronics and valuables, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may also provide coverage for items lost during travel. Document everything you submitted in your lost item claim for insurance purposes.
Before Your Next Trip: How to Avoid Losing Items at FLL
The best lost and found experience is the one you never need to use. A few habits that dramatically reduce the risk of leaving something behind at any airport:
- Do a “seat pocket check” before leaving your row — phones, headphones, and charging cables are constantly left in seat pockets
- At TSA, place small valuables (watch, wallet, keys) inside your carry-on bag before putting the bag on the belt — not in the tray
- At gates and restaurants, make a habit of turning around and scanning your space before leaving
- Use AirTags or Tile trackers on your luggage, laptop bag, and any valuables
- Take a photo of your items at the start of your trip — if you need to file a lost item report, having a photo speeds up the process enormously
And when you land at FLL — or any airport — the single biggest contributor to lost items is rushing. Having a pre-arranged, reliable shuttle waiting for you at the curb means you’re not frantically checking your phone for an app, not rushing through baggage claim, and not mentally distracted by figuring out your ride. A calm, unhurried exit from the terminal is your best defense against a frantic lost-item scenario.
Flying through FLL? Pre-book your private airport shuttle — flat rate, flight tracked, and one less thing to worry about when you land.
