Lost Something at Atlanta Airport? How to Use Hartsfield-Jackson’s Lost and Found

If you’ve misplaced a bag, phone, or wallet while traveling through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you’re not alone—and yes, Atlanta Airport does have lost and found services. In fact, it has several different lost and found points, depending on where you lost your item and who was responsible (airport vs. airline vs. TSA).

This guide walks you through how lost and found works specifically at Atlanta’s airport, how to contact the right office, and what to do whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re just passing through.

Where Is Lost and Found at Atlanta Airport?

At ATL, lost and found is not one single desk. Your next step depends on where you think the item went missing:

• In the terminal, public areas, parking, or on the Plane Train/SkyTrain → Airport’s main Lost and Found Office
• At the TSA security checkpoint or screening area → TSA Lost and Found
• On the airplane or at your gate → Your airline’s baggage/claim office
• In a rideshare, taxi, or shuttle going to/from the airport → The transportation provider (Uber, Lyft, taxi company, hotel shuttle, etc.)

Getting this right saves you a lot of time and frustration.

Main Atlanta Airport Lost and Found (Non-TSA, Non-Airline Items)

If you lost something in the airport itself, such as:

• At a concourse (seating area, restrooms, shops, food courts)
• In the Domestic or International Terminals
• In parking decks or ground transportation areas
• On the Plane Train or ATL SkyTrain
• At ticketing/check-in areas (but not at security screening)

…it likely ends up with the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Lost and Found Office, which is usually managed by the airport or a contracted service.

Typical Location

The airport’s public lost and found office is typically located in the Domestic Terminal area. Exact locations can change, but it is usually:

• In or near the North or South baggage claim area, or
• In an office area adjacent to baggage claim or ground transportation

Because signs can be easy to miss in a busy terminal, many travelers first file an online claim or call ahead before physically visiting.

How to Contact ATL Airport Lost and Found

You can usually:

• Submit a lost item report online through the airport’s official website (search for “Atlanta Airport Lost and Found” on a browser).
• Call the airport information or lost and found number (check the official ATL contact directory).
• Visit in person during business hours if you’re local or still at the airport.

When you reach out, be ready to share:

• Detailed description of the item (brand, color, size, case or cover, unique marks)
• Where you last remember having it (gate number, restaurant, security line, restroom, etc.)
• Date and approximate time you lost it
• Your flight number and airline if relevant
• Your contact info (Atlanta local address or hotel, phone, email)

📝 Tip: The more specific you are (“black 13-inch Dell laptop with a red sticker on the lid, possibly left at Concourse B gate area”), the easier it is for staff to match it.

TSA Lost and Found at Atlanta Airport (Security Checkpoint Items)

If you believe you lost an item during security screening—for example:

• You left a laptop, tablet, or phone in a TSA bin
• You forgot keys, belts, shoes, or jewelry at the conveyor belt
• You had an item removed from your bag that you accidentally left behind

…it usually goes to TSA Lost and Found, not the airport’s general lost and found.

How TSA Lost and Found Works at ATL

TSA maintains its own lost and found operation at ATL. They handle items left:

• In the security checkpoint bins
• On or near the X-ray belts
• In secondary screening areas

To contact TSA Lost and Found at Atlanta Airport, you can:

• Search online for “TSA Lost and Found ATL” to get the direct phone number and online form
• Submit a lost item request through TSA’s official lost and found portal

Have details ready, including:

• Which checkpoint (North, South, Main, International, or PreCheck lane)
• The date and time of your screening
• Your flight time and airline
• Description of the item

⏱️ Time matters: Items at TSA are often kept for a limited period. If you realize something is missing the same day and you’re still in Atlanta, it can be worth returning to the same checkpoint right away if possible.

Lost Items on the Plane or at the Gate: Contact Your Airline

If your item went missing:

• On board the aircraft (seat-back pocket, overhead bin, under the seat)
• In the jet bridge while boarding or deplaning
• At the airline gate area (near the counter or boarding lines)

…it is usually handled by the airline, not the airport.

At ATL, major airlines like Delta, Southwest, American, United, Spirit, Frontier, and others have baggage service offices or customer service desks in or near the baggage claim and gate areas.

What to Do

1. If you’re still at ATL:

   • Go directly to your airline’s baggage service office in the baggage claim area.
   • Or speak with an airline agent at any gate from that airline.

2. If you’ve already left the airport or flown on:

   • Search for “[Your Airline] lost item” and submit an online claim.
   • Provide your flight number, seat number, and route, plus a detailed item description.

3. If you live in Atlanta:

   • Some airlines may ask you to return to the airport to pick up the item once it’s found; others may offer shipping options at your expense.

🧳 Important: Checked bags that go missing are handled through baggage claims, which is a separate process from “lost and found.” Use the baggage service office for lost luggage.

Simple Guide: Who to Contact for Lost Items at ATL

If You Live in Atlanta vs. Visiting: Practical Differences

For Atlanta Residents

If you’re based in metro Atlanta, you have a few advantages:

• You can return to the airport more easily to check in person or pick up items.
• If an item is found later, you may be able to schedule a pickup instead of paying for shipping.
• If your item is small or less valuable, you can decide if the drive and parking are worth it.

When contacting lost and found, mention that you’re local—staff may suggest the most practical pickup options.

For Visitors and Connecting Passengers

If you’re visiting Atlanta or just connecting through ATL:

• Emphasize that you are not local and may soon leave Georgia.
• Ask if the airport, TSA, or airline can ship the item to your home or next destination (often at your expense).
• Keep an eye on your email and voicemail; many offices will reach out only if they find a strong match.

If you’re staying in an Atlanta hotel, you can sometimes have items shipped or delivered there if they’re found quickly.

How Long Does ATL Airport Keep Lost and Found Items?

Policies can vary, but common patterns at Atlanta Airport and similar major hubs include:

• Valuable items (electronics, wallets, IDs, jewelry) are usually kept longer.
• Low-value items (clothing, umbrellas, water bottles) may only be held for a short time.
• TSA has its own timetable and may eventually turn some items over for disposal or donation.
• Airlines have separate retention policies for items left on aircraft.

Because policies can change, it’s smart to:

• Contact the relevant office as soon as you realize something is missing.
• Ask specifically: “How long will you hold items like this?”

What Information Helps Atlanta Lost and Found Offices Help You

When you file a claim with the airport, TSA, or an airline at ATL, details matter. Be ready to share:

• Full name and contact info
• Date, time, and flight number (if applicable)
• Terminal or concourse (Domestic North, Domestic South, International, Concourse A–F, T)
• Gate number if you remember it
• Brand, model, and color of the item
  • Example: “iPhone 14 Pro, purple, with black OtterBox case”
• Any unique identifiers
  • Stickers, engraving, initials, case color, keychains, background image on a phone, etc.

📸 Pro tip: If you have photos of your luggage, electronics, or accessories, keep them handy. They help prove ownership if your item is found.

Getting to Lost and Found at ATL from Around Atlanta

If you’re planning to visit the airport in person from somewhere in metro Atlanta:

• By MARTA:
  • Take the Red or Gold Line directly to the Airport Station, which connects to the Domestic Terminal. From there, follow signs to Baggage Claim or Information to ask for lost and found directions.
• By Car:
  • Follow signs from I-75, I-85, or I-285 to ATL Domestic Terminal or International Terminal.
  • Park in the hourly or daily parking decks if you plan to go inside.
  • Once inside the terminal, look for Information desks or ask any staff member for directions to lost and found.
• By Rideshare or Taxi:
  • Get dropped at the appropriate terminal and proceed inside to baggage claim or the information area.

If you’re only coming to pick up an item, ask the lost and found office:

• Which terminal and door number you should use
• Whether there is a designated pickup window or office entrance

Common Items Lost at Atlanta Airport—and Realistic Expectations

Travelers at ATL commonly misplace:

• Phones, laptops, and tablets
• Wallets, IDs, passports, and credit cards
• Headphones, chargers, and adapters
• Coats, jackets, and small bags
• Keys and sunglasses

Recovery chances are generally better for:

• Unique or clearly identifiable items (ID cards, passports, engraved devices)
• Items with names, tags, or contact info attached

They’re usually lower for:

• Very common-looking items (plain black umbrellas, generic jackets with no label)
• Loose cash without any identifying container

Being quick, specific, and persistent gives you the best chance of getting your belongings back.

Key Takeaways for Lost and Found at Atlanta Airport

• Yes, Atlanta Airport has lost and found services, but they’re split between:
  • ATL Airport Lost and Found (for terminal, parking, Plane Train, SkyTrain, and general public areas)
  • TSA Lost and Found (for security screening checkpoints)
  • Individual airlines (for items left on planes or near gates)
• Always start by asking: “Where exactly did I most likely lose this?”
• Act as soon as possible, especially for items lost at TSA or on board an aircraft.
• If you’re local to Atlanta, you can often pick up items in person. If you’re visiting, ask about shipping or alternative arrangements.

With the right contact and a clear description, many travelers do get their items back—so it’s worth filing a report and following up, whether you call Atlanta home or you’re just passing through Hartsfield-Jackson.