Lost something at John Glenn Columbus International? The airport’s Lost and Found department keeps meticulous records of every item turned in — including items left at TSA checkpoints — and holds unclaimed items for 90 days. Where you lost it determines who to contact: the airport, TSA, or your airline. Here’s the exact process for each.
Who to Contact Depends on Where You Lost It
- Lost in the terminal (restrooms, seating areas, shops, restaurants): The Columbus Regional Airport Authority’s Lost and Found room. Items found in the airport and turned in are meticulously recorded, and staff make every effort to contact owners.
- Lost at a TSA checkpoint: This also goes through the airport’s Lost and Found — the official page notes that items left at security checkpoints are included. If it’s not there, file with TSA’s lost and found form at tsa.gov (you’ll need the checkpoint/terminal area, date, and a detailed description).
- Lost on the airplane or at the gate: Contact your airline directly — the airport’s Lost and Found explicitly says items lost on flights are the airline’s responsibility.
- Need help right now: Airport Police Officers patrol the terminal, and red emergency phones in the terminal connect you to first-responder personnel.
How to File a Lost Item Report
- Fill out the online form: The airport’s official Lost & Found page (flycolumbus.com/passengers/lost-found/) has a claim form — describe the item with as much detail as possible (brand, model, color, distinguishing marks, lock-screen photo for phones). If the form isn’t working, use the airport’s customer service form.
- Office hours: Lost and Found is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and closed on holidays and weekends. Plan around that if you’re hoping to pick something up in person.
- What they need from you: When the item was lost, where (terminal area, checkpoint, gate), and a precise description. Vague reports (“black bag”) are much harder to match than specific ones.
What Happens After You File
- Matching and contact: Staff compare your report against logged items and will contact you if there’s a match to arrange return — the airport says it has “a pretty great track record” of reunions.
- 90-day holding period: Unclaimed items are stored for 90 days after receipt. Under airport rules, unclaimed property may then be disposed of by auction or other means — and electronic devices are wiped of all data before disposal to any third party.
- TSA items: Items lost at TSA checkpoints that aren’t claimed follow TSA’s own process; file at tsa.gov in parallel with the airport form for the best odds.
- Airline items: If your airline finds the item, they’ll typically hold it at their baggage service office or ship it to you — ask about their specific return process when you file.
How to Increase Your Chances of Recovery
- Act fast. File the report the same day — items move through the system quickly, and early reports match faster.
- Be specific. “Silver MacBook Air 13-inch with a dented corner and a blue case” beats “laptop.” For phones, note the lock-screen photo.
- Check all three places. If you’re not sure where you lost it, file with the airport, check TSA’s form for checkpoint losses, and call your airline — they don’t share one system.
- Follow up. If you haven’t heard back, contact the Lost and Found office during weekday hours rather than assuming the item is gone.
- Label your gear. A luggage tag with your phone number or a contact card inside your laptop bag turns a found item into a returned one.
Tips to Avoid Losing Items at CMH
- Do a pocket check at security. Checkpoints are the #1 loss location — pat down your pockets before and after the bins.
- Use AirportGo’s trip tasks as a pre-boarding checklist so nothing gets left at the gate.
- Photograph your parking spot and bag. AirportGo’s parking reminder with a saved photo helps you confirm you have everything when you return to the car.
- Heading through security soon? Our CMH security guide and baggage claim guide cover the other high-loss zones.
Keep planning: airlines at Columbus Airport · Columbus Airport Guide for every CMH guide in one place
Make Your CMH Journey Easier with AirportGo
AirportGo is built for the whole airport journey — before, during, and after your flight. Before you fly, use the trip tasks and packing checklist to keep track of your belongings. During your trip, search the directory for gates, food, restrooms, and ATMs, get step-by-step walking navigation through the terminal, check TSA checkpoint times, and set a parking reminder so your spot is saved. After you land, the find-my-car feature walks you back to your vehicle with your saved parking photo and location. It works offline, so a weak airport signal won’t slow you down. The app is available now on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Contact: airportgoofficial@gmail.com