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Apr 3, 2020 • 5 min read
One Bag and Its Mysterious Journey
As travelers, we often share stories of lost luggage, which can be almost as notorious as food poisoning. While many cases of lost bags eventually resolve themselves after a few hours at the airport, some suitcases embark on far more mysterious journeys. For those whose bags disappear without a trace, the fate can be far more bizarre, potentially leading to blind auctions or fate at a thrift store deep in Alabama.
Take Diana Jarvis, for instance. Her luggage went missing during a flight to Dakar via Casablanca, which faced delays due to a strike. However, upon arrival, she was confronted with hundreds of unclaimed bags at the baggage carousel. Not wanting to join the long queue for lost luggage claims, she mistakenly chose to report online later, a decision she later regretted.
Fortunately, she had her camera in her carry-on. “The chance to buy locally crafted cotton trousers became a delightful experience, allowing me to interact with local vendors,” said Jarvis, reflecting on her adventure.
Luggage Losses and Tracking Technology
Wondering how often losses like Diana’s occur? Fortunately, statistics show that luggage mishandling has significantly decreased. According to figures from 2019 by air transport IT specialist SITA, mishandled luggage decreased by 47% since 2007, even as air travel increased.
Many travelers have turned to technology to enhance their chances of recovery. The Tile App enables users to track missing bags by connecting to other Tile users nearby, offering real-time updates. In one noteworthy incident, a user was able to alert airport staff regarding their baggage left languishing at Vancouver Airport.
In cases where bags are stripped of labels and tracking options, they might remain at airports for months, hoping to reunite with their owners. When that doesn’t happen, they are typically sent to auction houses.
Under the Hammer: The Auction of Long-Lost Luggage
There’s an intrigue to unopened suitcases that have traveled the globe. This premise forms the basis of the Travel Channel’s “Baggage Battles.” Over five seasons, enthusiastic bidders have attempted to assess the value of lost luggage contents, leading to moments of both triumph and regret as they discover what treasures—or disappointments—await inside.
This auction phenomenon transcends borders. At Frankfurt Airport in Germany, where lost luggage is held for three months, bags are auctioned alongside forgotten items. In the UK, places like Greasby’s in south London and BCVA in Bristol serve as venues for savvy suitcase shoppers, with online bidding systems also available. In contrast, unclaimed luggage in the USA often heads to thrift stores, inviting a different kind of adventure.
From Unclaimed Suitcase to Thrift-Store Treasures
The Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama, began operations in 1970, focusing on unclaimed luggage sales. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, this center occupies an entire city block.
Every item on display is sourced from unclaimed bags, ranging from formal attire to electronics, and even lost movie props. The sorting and cleaning processes ensure that only suitable items are offered for sale. While the expansive retail area can appear overwhelming, it fosters an engaging thrift-store atmosphere.
“We are the only store in America dedicated to unclaimed airline baggage,” explains Brenda Cantrell, Unclaimed Baggage’s brand ambassador. Their location also attracts nearly a million visitors each year, showcasing the unique mix of products that result from the airline industry’s efficiency in locating lost items.
It might be unsettling to think about your lost belongings being sold to others; rest assured that airlines have attempted every effort to return them to their owners. At the Unclaimed Baggage Center, items are carefully sorted and anything unsaleable is recycled, donated, or discarded. The left items, however, find a welcomed new audience, drawn to the remarkable stories behind these items.
The diversity of products at the Unclaimed Baggage Center is a testament to the global nature of travel. “The products have traveled the world, and the guests that come here are from across the world,” Cantrell adds, highlighting the unique convergence of cultures within this small Alabama town.
How to Not Lose Your Luggage
To avoid contributing to the unclaimed baggage pool in Scottsboro, Alabama, consider these valuable tips:
- Clear Labeling: Provide comprehensive information by clearly labeling your bag with your name, flight number, and destination address. Also, ensure to remove tags from previous flights.
- Personalization: Many bags go astray due to mix-ups. Opt for unique colors or designs that stand out, rather than defaulting to typical black luggage.
- Packing and Tracking: Utilize tracking devices or at the very least, place a note inside your luggage with your contact details, in case external labels are lost.
