The most commonly lost items at airports (and where they go missing)

• Data analysed by the team at The Real Algarve reveals that Cards and IDs (799) are the items most likely to go missing during airport travel. 
• More than HALF of items (58.64%) go missing in Security areas as travellers take items on and off. 
• Unsurprisingly, Wetherspoons is 4th (189 items) on the top locations where items get left behind. 
• For parents escaping abroad with the family – keep an eye out. Children are most likely to lose Stuffed Toys (146), Backpacks (109) and Bottles/Sippy Cups (89).

 

For millions of travel fans every year, heading to the airport means excitement, adventure and relaxation is just a flight away. Whether you’re heading off to the beach to hit the waves on a surfing trip or hitting the links for a much-needed golf holiday, that sense of excitement can carry you all the way to departures and beyond. 

But for all the good vibes, airports are some of the busiest and fastest-moving environments most of us ever pass through. Between check-in desks and security queues, there’s a constant sense of movement and distraction. 

All that hustle and bustle can cause one of the biggest travel headaches – lost property. Nothing can be more frustrating than realising your much-loved holiday favourites have gone missing. 

But which items are most at risk of being lost during the airport rush? Where are they most likely to go missing? And which kids’ items are likely to be left behind? Don’t worry, we have some answers for you. 

By analysing nearly 10,000 lost item reports from UK airports, a new study conducted by The Real Algarve team has revealed which items you should definitely keep an eye out for. Let’s dive in. 

 

Top 10 most commonly lost items at the Airport

According to the research, Cards and IDs (think bank cards and driving licences) are the most commonly lost items at airports, accounting for 799 items (8.27%). 

It’s the small things that tend to slip away. Head, Neck and Handwear, including scarves, hats and gloves, follow with 679 items (7.03%), while Eyewear accessories like glasses and sunglasses come in 3rd with 609 (6.3%). Jewellery and Watches, which include costume and luxury goods are not far behind at 569 (5.89%).

Finishing the top 5, Small Bags and Cases like washbags and pouches account for 358 items (3.7%). It’s clear the items most at risk are definitely those that we regularly wear or need to access while travelling through busy terminals.

 

Top 10 places where items are lost at the Airport 

On its own, Security accounts for 5666 lost items (58.64%) – more than half of all reported lost items, making it by far the biggest hotspot for misplaced belongings.

It’s not difficult to clock why. Travellers are often expected to remove many loose or metal items while passing through, so things can easily get dropped or left behind. In 2nd place are Aircraft Cabins with 1643 items (17%). 

Airport Services, which can include the area right outside a plane on the tarmac, with 624 items (6.46%), while popular pub chain Wetherspoons is in 4th place with 189 items (1.96%). Rounding out the top 5, Customer Service areas for the airport for specific airlines recorded 155 items (1.6%) in total. 

(Un)Surprisingly – Wetherspoons makes the top 5 list 

In a very British twist, Wetherspoons has made the list, appearing 4th on the list of locations where items tend to go missing. 

According to the data, the popular pub chain accounted for 189 lost items (1.96%), placing them ahead of boarding gates and arrivals in the rankings. While it’s hard to say definitively, it wouldn’t be out of the question to suggest that some pre-departure drinks might play a role here. 

 

Top 10 most commonly lost kids’ items

The study showed that Soft Toys and Figurines (146 items) are the kids’ items most likely to go missing during the family holiday rush.  

Next on the list is Rucksacks/Backpacks (109), which can be a big loss, since bags can hold multiple items that are essential for a comfy and entertaining flight. After that are Bottles and Cups (89), which can definitely be a nightmare for parents who are bottle-feeding or trying to keep kids calm and happy.

Prams, Strollers and Car Seats appear further down with 56 items, with Books and drawing books (45) rounding out the top 5.  

Many of these items are essential for keeping kids comfy and entertained, especially on long airport trips and plane rides. Losing them can be a logistical nightmare, and it could even lead to full-on tantrums – not what you want while running to your gate. So if you’re travelling with little ones, keep calm and stay extra vigilant, especially when it comes to these important bits.

 

Top 10 commonly lost big brands at the Airport

The analysis also shows which of the biggest brands that Brits are most likely to lose when it comes to navigating a busy airport – and some of them can definitely hit your bank account pretty hard.

Apple is the most commonly lost brand, with 531 items recorded across the study. This includes everything from AirPods and iPhones to Apple Watches and iPads, all high-value handhelds and wearables that can quickly leave travellers out of pocket if they disappear during a trip. Samsung (110) follows, while Kindle devices account for 107 lost items. 

While tech appears to dominate the list, some of the UK’s biggest high street brands also make a couple of appearances.  Primark (86) appears fourth on the list, while Marks & Spencer (48), Zara (47) and Next (45) feature prominently in the top 10. 

Losing these items is frustrating enough when you’re trying to switch into holiday mode, but the real sting (and cost) often comes later when it’s time to replace your lost must-needs and favourites. It’s a painful reminder that exploring travel insurance options should definitely be on your pre-trip preparation list.

 

Take the stress out of travelling with The Real Algarve

Keeping track of your belongings is already stressful enough when you’re travelling, so let us take care of the rest for you. 

At The Real Algarve, we specialise in planning stress-free luxury holidays that give you and your family the much-needed time to relax and unwind. Whether you want to explore the rugged beaches of the Western Algarve or simply spend your mornings lounging in your private pool in Quinta do Lago, our concierge team is on hand to handle everything.

Our concierge services also include arranging private chefs, booking yacht charters or boat trips, booking activities such as wine tasting evenings, and so much more. 

So, don’t let the hustle and bustle of the airport ruin your luxury holiday vibe. Contact us today and let us help you make travelling just that little bit more stress-free. 

 

How did we get this data?

• Data was collected using data found on Luggage Point. Data was taken over a 4-month period from the 8th of February 2026 to 13th May 2026. Airports used in the analysis include Birmingham Airport, Edinburgh Airport and Luton Airport

• Data was cleaned and filtered to provide easily identifiable categories and locations. 

• Locations that were not identifiable were excluded from the analysis to provide a cleaner interpretation of the data for analysis. 

• In some instances, items have been consolidated for easier categorisation. For example, ‘Airpods’, ‘Airpods in case’ or ‘One Airpod’ would be combined under ‘Airpods’. 

Access to raw and cleaned data collection can be provided on request.