Lost luggage? Here’s exactly what to do (step-by-step guide)

It is never easy to lose personal items during air travel. Nevertheless, in case you lose a few items, there is a protocol that ensues through which you can recover your lost baggage. The following are steps to follow on how you can reclaim your lost luggage. (Source: Airport Authority of India)

Instead of panicking, go to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) website and scan through the lost-and-found list for your date and terminal. For instance, for June 8, 2025, Terminal 3, the list of recovered items like bags, electronics, ID cards, and personal accessories is available. This is the most straightforward way to check whether your misplaced item has already been recovered.

Every listed item contains simple descriptions like color, brand name, or type, making it easy for you to recognize your belongings. In the event of a potential match, write down the reference number, terminal, and description for future use during the claim procedure.

Taking action promptly enhances the chances of recovering lost items. If the item was lost within less than 24 hours, you need to call the Duty Terminal Manager at the terminal where you last possessed the item. The personnel will be able to help trace or indicate if your item has been recorded.
In case it has been over 24 hours, your next action will be to go to the AAI Lost & Found office in the AAI Stores area. This office is open from Monday to Friday, between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM. Individuals at this office are responsible for handling items transferred from terminal storage to safe custody.

When filing a claim or collecting your item, documentation is critical. Bring your government-issued ID, such as an Aadhaar card for Indian citizens or a passport for foreign nationals. Also, carry travel-related documents like your boarding pass or baggage tag.
Be prepared to identify the lost object in detail as well. Mention brand names, colors, sizes, special identifiers, or any distinctive features that allow the confirmation of ownership. This is so airport personnel can identify the object with you without confusion.

The airport takes lost items in at the terminal for 24 hours. They are then sent to the central AAI Lost & Found office for storage. They are stored for a few weeks, depending on policy, before being taken out of inventory permanently.
If an item is unclaimed for an extended period, it may be handed over to customs, police authorities, or donated to registered NGOs. Some items may also be disposed of under official guidelines. Therefore, claiming your belongings as soon as possible is recommended.

If you cannot go back to the airport yourself, you can assign a courier service to pick up the item for you. There are a number of professional logistics companies that provide this facility at Delhi Airport.
For this, you have to present the courier with an authorization letter, a photocopy of your identification, your boarding pass, and the reference ID on the AAI list. Make sure the courier has all the required documents to prevent delays. Delivery usually takes 1–3 business days, depending on the destination and courier agency.

Document all contact with airport personnel. Document dates, phone numbers, and the names of officials you interact with. In case your item is not listed online, don't give up yet; sometimes items get retrieved later or not marked immediately on the website.
Also, keep in mind using smart luggage tags or digital trackers such as AirTags for future travel. These gadgets make it easy to find things and give you location updates even after you've exited the airport.