Atlanta Airport Lost and Found: How to Recover Items at Hartsfield-Jackson

Losing something at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) can be stressful, especially with how large and busy the airport is. The good news: there is a system in place—but it matters where and how you lost the item.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step, if you lose something at Atlanta airport, tailored to travelers and residents who use ATL frequently.

Step One: Figure Out Where You Lost the Item

Before you start calling or filing reports, narrow down where the item most likely went missing. At Atlanta airport, different departments handle different locations:

• On the plane or at the gate → Usually handled by the airline
• At TSA security → Handled by TSA Lost & Found
• In general airport areas (restrooms, food courts, terminals, parking, curbside) → Handled by Airport Lost & Found
• In MARTA trains or stations connected to the airport → Handled by MARTA Lost & Found
• In rideshare, taxi, or shuttle → Handled by the specific company or driver

Knowing this helps you contact the right office fast instead of getting bounced around.

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

If you lost something in the terminal or airport-controlled area—not on the plane, not at security—this is usually the best place to start.

What the Airport’s Lost & Found Handles

Common examples:

• Items left in concourses, restrooms, or waiting areas
• Lost property in baggage claim areas (but not checked luggage)
• Items left in parking decks or shuttles operated by the airport
• Items found in food courts, hallways, seating areas

Typical Contact Details

While specific office locations and hours can change, the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Lost & Found is generally managed by airport operations or a designated contractor. Information is usually available through:

• Airport Information Line: Call (404) 530-7300 and follow prompts or ask to be connected to Lost & Found.
• In-person help desks: Look for Information Desks in the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal where staff can direct you to Lost & Found procedures.
• Online form: The airport typically uses an online form or portal where you describe the lost item, your contact information, and where it was lost.

If you’re already at ATL, you can also ask any airport customer service representative or information desk for current Lost & Found instructions.

Lost Items on the Plane or at the Gate (Airlines at ATL)

If you lost something:

• In your seatback pocket
• Under the seat
• In an overhead bin
• At the gate area just as you boarded or deplaned

…it is almost always handled by your airline, not the airport itself.

How to Handle Airline Lost & Found at Atlanta

1. Still at the airport?

   • Go straight to your airline’s baggage service office or customer service desk in the appropriate terminal.
   • Provide your flight number, seat number, and a clear description of the item.

2. Already left the airport?

   • Visit the airline’s official website and look for “Lost and Found” or “Delayed/Lost Items”.
   • Many major airlines serving ATL use an online lost item reporting system.

3. Checked baggage issues (bags not arriving, damaged luggage)

   • These are also handled by your airline, usually at the baggage service office near baggage claim.

Examples of Airline Locations at ATL

Airline desks and baggage offices are usually in:

• Domestic Terminal North (e.g., Delta, some partner airlines)
• Domestic Terminal South (many other domestic carriers)
• Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F) for international flights

If you’re not sure, airport information boards and staff can direct you to your airline’s counter.

Lost Items at TSA Security Checkpoints

If you left something in a security bin—like a laptop, phone, watch, jacket, or keys—it is likely handled by TSA Lost & Found, not the airport or your airline.

TSA Lost & Found at Atlanta Airport

In Atlanta, TSA maintains a separate Lost & Found for items left at security screening checkpoints.

Key points:

• Location: Near security operations at ATL (not typically open to walk-up public traffic like a retail storefront).
• Phone: TSA commonly lists a dedicated local Lost & Found number for ATL, which may be reached through TSA’s national contact routing or via the airport’s information resources.
• How to report:
  • Use the “Lost & Found” section under TSA’s official lost item page and select Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
  • Provide clear details: date, time, checkpoint (North/South/International), and item description.

⏱ Important: TSA usually holds items for a limited time. The sooner you contact them, the better your chances of recovery.

Atlanta Airport Lost & Found vs. Other Agencies: Who Handles What?

To make it clearer, here’s a simple overview of who to contact based on where you lost your item in Atlanta:

MARTA Lost Items When Traveling To or From Atlanta Airport

If you’re using MARTA to reach Airport Station and misplace something:

• On the train or at a MARTA station, including Airport Station:
  • Handled by MARTA Lost & Found.
• Typical main office:
  • MARTA Lost & Found
    2424 Piedmont Road NE
    Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Main information line is usually available through MARTA’s customer service number, where you can be directed to Lost & Found.

You can:

• Call MARTA customer service and ask for Lost & Found procedures.
• Visit a MARTA station agent (like at Airport Station) and ask for help with reporting a lost item.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Shuttle Lost Items Near Atlanta Airport

Many travelers to ATL use Uber, Lyft, taxis, or hotel/parking shuttles. If you realize you lost your phone, bag, or wallet in a vehicle:

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

• Use the app’s “Help” or “Report Lost Item” feature.
• You can often call or message the driver through the app.
• If your phone was the lost item and it was your only device, you may need to:
  • Log in on another device or computer.
  • Contact customer support via the company’s website.

Taxi

• If you caught a taxi from the airport taxi stand, the dispatch company or city-regulated taxi line may have records.
• Keep receipts when possible—cab number and company name help a lot.

Hotel or Parking Shuttles

• Call the hotel or parking facility directly.
• Many Atlanta-area hotels near the airport, particularly along Virginia Avenue, Camp Creek Parkway, and around Airport Boulevard, run frequent shuttles and maintain internal Lost & Found logs.

What Information You’ll Need When Reporting a Lost Item

Whether you’re contacting the airport, airline, TSA, MARTA, or a rideshare company, having detailed information ready can make a huge difference.

Be prepared to provide:

• Your full name and contact info (phone and email)
• Date and approximate time you lost the item
• Flight number and airline, if applicable
• Where you last remember having it (gate number, concourse, checkpoint, parking deck)
• Detailed description of the item, including:
  • Brand, color, size
  • Unique features (stickers on a laptop, engravings on jewelry, case on a phone)
  • Serial number if you have it (especially for electronics)

📌 Tip: The more specific you are, the easier it is for staff to match your report with items turned in.

How Long Does Atlanta Airport Keep Lost Items?

Policies can change, but in general:

• Airport Lost & Found: Items may be stored for a limited time (often several weeks to a couple of months, depending on item type).
• TSA: Certain items may be held for a shorter period.
• Airlines: Each airline has its own timeline for how long they hold unclaimed items.
• MARTA: Items are typically stored for a set retention period, then donated or disposed of.

If you think you lost something at ATL:

• Act as quickly as possible. Delays reduce the chance of successful recovery.
• If you are in Atlanta for a few days, you may have time to coordinate pickup; otherwise, many agencies offer mail-back (usually at your expense).

Can You Pick Up Lost Items in Person at Atlanta Airport?

Yes, in many cases, but it depends on who has your item:

• Airport Lost & Found may allow in-person pickup at a designated office or service center. Photo ID is typically required.
• Airlines may ask you to pick up from their baggage office or arrange shipment.
• TSA Lost & Found may allow pickup or can often ship items back upon request and payment of shipping costs.
• MARTA typically allows pickup at their Lost & Found office during specified hours.

If you’re an Atlanta resident, picking up in person can save time and shipping fees. If you’re a visitor who has already left the city, ask about mailing options.

Practical Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Items Back

A few small habits can help if you’re a frequent user of ATL or flying in and out of the city:

• Label your items: Put a name and phone number or email on laptops, tablets, and luggage tags.
• Take quick photos of important items before you travel (e.g., laptop, camera, bag) so you can show what they look like.
• Double-check your seat pocket and under the seat when the plane begins final descent and again when you stand up to leave.
• Slow down at security: Before leaving the checkpoint, count your items—phone, wallet, keys, laptop, bag.
• Use a checklist for essentials (ID, passport, phone, wallet, boarding pass) every time you move between airport zones.

If You Still Can’t Find Your Item

Even with careful searching and reporting, some items are never turned in. If you’ve:

• Filed reports with the airline, airport, TSA, or MARTA
• Waited the typical follow-up period suggested by each organization
• Checked your email (including spam folders) for responses

…you may need to move on to:

• Replacing important documents (ID, passport, credit cards) through the appropriate issuing agencies.
• Tracking or disabling devices (phones, tablets, laptops) through manufacturer tools or your mobile carrier.
• Monitoring accounts for any suspicious activity if financial items were lost.

For travelers and residents using Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, knowing who handles what—airport, airline, TSA, MARTA, or a private company—makes the Atlanta airport lost and found process far less confusing. Acting quickly, providing detailed information, and contacting the correct office based on where you lost the item give you the best chance of getting your belongings back.