Unclaimed Baggage, a store that specializes in buying lost items from airlines, revealed some of the most bizarre and intriguing items found in 2023. From live snakes to a mounted ram head, and even a Halloween card signed by Richard Nixon, the list of discoveries is both captivating and unusual. Additionally, the store came across a 13-foot vaulting pole, props from the “Saw” movie franchise, and a pair of Louis Vuitton Nike Air Force 1 sneakers valued at $12,000.
The Most Valuable Finds
Among the items listed in the “Found Report: A Look Inside America’s Lost Luggage,” were some of the most expensive finds of the year. These included a diamond ring appraised at $37,050, a Cartier Panthère watch worth $26,500, and a Hermès Birkin 25 bag valued at $23,500. Unclaimed Baggage holds long-term contracts with various entities such as airlines, hotels, and rental car companies to purchase unclaimed items. The store processes thousands of items weekly, with approximately one third being sold, another third donated, and the remainder recycled.
Unclaimed Baggage was established in 1970 by the company’s founder, Doyle Owens, in response to the abundance of abandoned luggage left behind by passengers. The store’s inception began when Doyle purchased unclaimed bags from a local bus company for $300, labeled the contents, and sold them from his residence in Scottsboro, Alabama. Over the years, the business has flourished, with the main retail store in Scottsboro now spanning more than a city block and employing over 250 individuals.
A Shopper’s Paradise
The allure of Unclaimed Baggage lies in the excitement of discovering unexpected treasures within lost luggage. The store attracts approximately one million visitors annually from every state in the US and 40 countries worldwide. Customers are offered discounts ranging from 20-80% depending on the item, with a focus on providing shoppers with unique deals without encouraging reselling. Electronics such as AirPods and laptops tend to sell quickly, while fine jewelry, including Rolexes, is also in high demand.
Authenticating items found in lost luggage is a crucial aspect of Unclaimed Baggage’s operations. Ensuring the legitimacy of luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga, along with valuable items such as jewelry and electronics, requires meticulous scrutiny. CEO Bryan Owens likens the process to an “archaeological dig” where each item tells a story waiting to be uncovered.
While most items remain unclaimed and are eventually sold or donated, there are occasions where lost possessions are reunited with their owners. Owens recounted a heartwarming story of a woman discovering her missing snow skiing boots at the store, which were bought by her boyfriend who stumbled upon them during a visit. Despite the rarity of such occurrences, they serve as a reminder of the sentimental value attached to lost belongings.
The world of Unclaimed Baggage offers a fascinating glimpse into the unexpected and at times perplexing realm of lost luggage. From valuable jewelry to peculiar souvenirs, each item that passes through the store tells a unique tale of abandonment and rediscovery. As travelers continue to traverse the globe, the possibility of their possessions ending up in a distant store in Alabama adds a layer of mystery to the journey of lost luggage.