SCOTTSBORO, Ala.—Unclaimed Baggage, the only retailer of lost luggage in the United States, offers a peek into the most curious, costly, and common items in America’s unclaimed luggage in the past year with its annual “Found Report.” The report’s Top 40 most fascinating finds of 2024 includes a suit of armor, a freeze-dried chicken foot, and a movie script from The Goonies.
Unclaimed Baggage began in 1970 when Alabama native Doyle Owens borrowed a pickup truck and $300, and secured a deal with Trailways Bus Line to buy left-behind bags. What started as a small venture evolved into a worldwide omnichannel operation, which today includes a 50,000-square-foot retail facility and an online store attracting millions internationally.
After a 90-day search, if luggage remains lost, travelers are compensated and the bags are sent to Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro, Ala., where the contents are resold, repurposed for charity, or recycled responsibly.
In 2024, airlines experienced another record-breaking year of passenger volume and checked luggage. In July 2024 alone, airlines handled 45.6 million bags, according to the Bureau of Transportation. Fewer than 5 percent of those 45.6 million checked bags were unable to be reunited with their owners.
Unclaimed Baggage’s “Found Report” also revealed the most valuable items of 2024, like a $10,000 Louis Vuitton suitcase, a $39,000 diamond ring, and a $20,000 Rolex.
“Since 1970, we’ve unpacked more than just belongings—we’ve discovered the unique stories behind travelers’ journeys,” says Bryan Owen, CEO and president of Unclaimed Baggage. “Each narrative sparks curiosity, evokes laughter, and invites conversation. From the most valuable to the trendy, the ‘Found Report’ gives readers a first-class seat to the most compelling tales uncovered from the previous year. The world of lost luggage is full of stories to ponder and surprises to behold—some more unexpected than others.”
