ORD Lost and Found – Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Losing personal belongings during travel can be a distressing experience, especially at a bustling hub like Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). As one of the world’s busiest airports, ORD has implemented a comprehensive Lost and Found system to assist passengers in recovering misplaced items. This page provides detailed information on navigating the ORD Lost and Found process, ensuring a smoother experience during an otherwise stressful situation.

ORD Lost and Found - Chicago O'Hare International Airport

How Does ORD Lost and Found Work?

When items are lost at ORD Airport, they are typically turned in to the Lost and Found office managed by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) or the respective airline if lost on a plane. Here’s a table to explaining How ORD Lost and Found Works.

StepActionDetailsTimeframe
Report LossFile a report– Call: (773) 686-2385
– Online: ORD Lost & Found Form
– Email: lostandfound@flychicago.org
Immediately (best within 24 hours)
Provide DetailsDescribe item– Type (phone, bag, etc.)
– Brand/color/size
– Date/location lost (terminal, gate)
– Contact info
Required for search
Search BeginsORD team checks– Terminals/public areas
– Airline liaisons (if on plane)
– TSA (if at security)
1–3 business days
NotificationIf found, you’re contacted– Email/call from ORD or airline
– Verify ownership (ID, receipts, photos)
Varies (typically 3–7 days)
Recovery OptionsChoose retrieval method– Pickup: Terminal 2 (free)
– Shipping: Pay 15–15–100 (credit card)
– Curbside: $10 fee (scheduled)
Within 30 days (storage limits apply)
Storage FeesIf not claimed– Free first 14 days (general items)
– 10/dayafter (valuables)
−10/dayafter (valuables)
– 25 for ID return
After 30 days: Donated/Auctioned

The Airline-Specific Lost and Found Procedures

If you believe you left an item at a ticket counter, gate area, or on an airplane, it’s advisable to contact the respective airline directly. Below is a list of airlines operating at ORD along with their contact information:

  • American Airlines: File a report through their Lost and Found page.​
  • United Airlines: Submit a detailed description via their Lost and Found form.​
  • Delta Air Lines: Contact their customer service at 1-800-221-1212.​
  • Air Canada: Reach out to their baggage services at 1-888-247-2262.​
  • British Airways: Call their customer service at 1-800-247-9297.

ORD Lost and Found Contact Information by Location

Here is a key contact information for different locations where items may be lost at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD):

LocationResponsible OrganizationContact Information
Items Lost at TSA CheckpointsTransportation Security Administration (TSA)TSA Lost and Found Form
Phone: (773) 377-1210
Items Lost on the Chicago O’Hare International Airport Transit System (ATS)Chicago O’Hare International Airport Transit System (OATS)Phone: (773) 601-1817
Items Lost in Parking FacilitiesStandard Parking (Keys Only)Chicago Police Department (All Other Items)Phone: (773) 686-7530 (Keys Only)Phone: (773) 686-2385 (Other Items)
Items Lost in Restaurants and Retail LocationsRestaurant/Food Services Hudson NewsPhone: (773) 377-7804 (Restaurants) Phone: (773) 686-7535 (Hudson News)
Items Lost in Terminal Public AreasChicago Police DepartmentPhone: (773) 686-2385
Items Lost in Terminal 5 Customs AreaU.S. Customs and Border ProtectionPhone: (773) 686-3157
Items Lost in Rental Car FacilitiesMulti-Modal FacilityPhone: (773) 462-9515

Where to Report a Lost Item at ORD Airport?

Here’s a table where to report lost items at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Location Where Item Was LostWho to ContactContact MethodNotes
Terminals (Public Areas)(Security, baggage claim, shops, restaurants)ORD Airport Lost & Found(773) 686-2385
lostandfound@flychicago.org
Online Form
Managed by Chicago Dept of Aviation
On an AirplaneYour Airline’s Lost & FoundUnited: (800) 335-2247
American: (800) 535-5225
Delta: (800) 325-8224
Contact specific airline
At the Gate (Airline Area)Operating AirlineSee airline contacts aboveEach airline handles their gate areas
Terminal 5 (International)ORD Lost & FoundSame as aboveSpecial international terminal process
TSA Security CheckpointTSA Lost & Found(773) 377-1216Separate from airport lost & found
Rental CarRental Car CompanyEnterprise, Hertz, etc.Check rental agreement
Rideshare/TaxiTransportation ProviderUber: Help Center
Lyft: App Support
Taxi: Check receipt
Contact through app or company
Parking Lots/ShuttlesParking Operator(773) 686-7532For items lost in parking areas

ORD Airport Terminals Overview

Chicago O’Hare International Airport has 4 main terminals (1, 2, 3, 5) with 8 concourses (B, C, E, F, G, H, K, L). Terminal 4 does not exist (skipped in numbering).

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 1
  • Primary Airline: United Airlines (Domestic & International)
  • Concourses: B, C
  • Key Features:
    • United’s major hub
    • International arrivals (Customs in Terminal 1)
    • Polaris Lounge (United’s premium lounge)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 2
  • Primary Airlines: Delta, Air Canada, Southwest (some flights)
  • Concourses: E, F
  • Key Features:
    • Delta Sky Club lounge
    • Connects to Terminals 1/3 via walkways
ORD Airport Terminal 3
  • Primary Airlines: American Airlines (Domestic & International)
  • Concourses: G, H, K, L
  • Key Features:
    • American’s major hub
    • Admirals Club lounges
    • International arrivals (Customs in Terminal 3)
ORD Airport Terminal 5 (International Terminal)
  • Primary Airlines: All non-U.S. carriers (e.g., Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates) + some American/United flights
  • Concourses: M (Gates M1–M12)
  • Key Features:
    • Dedicated international flights (except pre-cleared arrivals)
    • Global Entry/Kiosks for customs
    • Aer Lingus, Norwegian, and other overseas airlines

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Lost & Found Charges: Shipping, Storage & Pickup Fees

Here’s a table for Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Lost & Found charges, including shipping, storage, and pickup fees:

ServiceFee StructureDetailsTimeframe
Storage Fees
• General ItemsFree first 14 daysApplies to clothing, books, etc.Donated after 30 days
• Valuables$10/day after 14 daysElectronics, wallets, jewelryHeld up to 90 days
• Terminal 5 Items$15/day after 7 daysInternational terminal finds
Shipping Options
• Domestic Shipping15−15−50Based on size/weight3-5 business days
• International Shipping25−25−100+Plus customs fees7-14 business days
• Express Shipping+$20 surchargeAvailable for urgent requests1-3 business days
Pickup Options
• In-Person PickupFreeTerminal 2, Lower LevelMon-Fri 8AM-4PM
• Curbside Pickup$10 service feeMust schedule in advanceSame-day available
Special Fees
• ID/Passport Return$25 flat feeExpedited mailing requiredShipped within 24 hrs
• Large Item Storage$20/dayStrollers, sports equipmentAfter 7 free days
• Unclaimed ItemsAuction/DonationAfter holding periodVaries by item
Important Notes About Chicago O’Hare International Airport Lost and Found Fees
  • Payment Methods:
    • Credit/debit cards only (no cash) for shipping fees.
    • Storage fees must be paid before pickup.
  • Airline vs. ORD Fees:
    • If lost on a plane, airlines may charge separate fees (e.g., United/Delta shipping costs vary).
    • TSA Lost & Found (for security-checkpoint items) does not charge retrieval fees.
  • International Shipping:
    • Higher costs (
    • 50–
    • 50–100+) for overseas mail.
    • Customs forms may be required.
  • Exemptions:
    • Wallets/IDs/medical devices often prioritized for free return.
How to Avoid Fees?
  • Pick up items in person (free within the holding period).
  • Act quickly (claim within 7 days to avoid storage fees).
  • Confirm airline policies if lost on a flight.

Items Lost on Aircraft or Near Boarding Gates

Here is the table for items lost on aircraft or near boarding gates at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD):

AirlineContact NumberDetails
Aer Lingus1-800-474-7424Contact customer service for lost item claims
Aero Mexico1-800-237-6639Lost and Found support available online and via phone
Air Canada1-888-247-2262Report lost items through their baggage services
Air France1-800-237-2747Lost items may be retrieved at the baggage claim area
Air India1-800-621-8231Contact the airline’s Lost and Found department
American Airlines1-800-433-7300Online tracking available for lost baggage
Delta Airlines1-800-221-1212Lost item claims handled via customer service
United Airlines1-800-864-8331Use the online Lost and Found form for claims
Spirit Airlines1-855-728-3555Lost item inquiries must be submitted online
Lufthansa1-800-645-3880Contact baggage service desk at ORD for assistance
British Airways1-800-247-9297Lost and Found services available at arrivals
Emirates1-800-777-3999Lost items tracked through baggage services
Qatar Airways1-877-777-2827Claims must be filed within 7 days of loss
Turkish Airlines1-800-874-8875Lost baggage assistance available 24/7
Etihad Airways1-800-445-2733Contact baggage services for lost items
Frontier Airlines1-801-401-9000File lost item reports through the airline’s website
JetBlue1-800-538-2583Lost items must be reported within 24 hours
Korean Air1-800-438-5000Baggage services assist with lost and found
SWISS1-877-359-7947Contact baggage claim services at ORD
Virgin Atlantic1-800-821-5438Report lost items via phone or online form
Final Thoughts

Losing an item at Chicago O’Hare International Airport can be frustrating, but following the right steps improves the chances of getting it back. Whether you left something in the terminal, at security, or on a plane, knowing who to contact is key. Act fast, provide detailed information, and check regularly to recover your lost belongings efficiently.

FAQs About Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Lost & Found
How do I report a lost item at Chicago O’Hare International Airport?

You can report a lost item based on where you lost it. Items lost in public areas are handled by the Chicago Police Lost and Found (+1-773-686-2385). If lost at a TSA checkpoint, contact TSA Lost and Found (+1-773-377-1210). If the item was lost on an aircraft, contact the airline directly.

Where is the Lost and Found office at Chicago O’Hare International Airport?

The main Lost and Found office for public areas is managed by the Chicago Police Department and is located in Terminal 3. TSA’s Lost and Found office is in Terminal 2 for items left at security checkpoints.

What should I do if I left something at a TSA security checkpoint?

If you lost an item at a TSA checkpoint, contact TSA Lost and Found at +1-773-377-1210 or submit a claim on the TSA website.

How do I report a lost item on an airplane?

If you lost an item on a plane or near a boarding gate, contact the airline’s Lost and Found department. Each airline has its own policies for handling lost items.

What if I lost something in a restaurant or store at Chicago O’Hare International Airport?

If an item was lost in an airport restaurant or retail store, you should contact that business directly. For general inquiries, you can also call ORD Concessions Lost and Found at +1-773-686-6148.

Who do I contact for lost items in airport parking areas?

Lost items in ORD parking areas are handled by Standard Parking. You can call them at +1-773-686-7532.

What if I lost something in the airport’s customs area?

Items lost in customs (Terminal 5) are managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You can contact them at +1-773-686-3157.

Can I file a lost item report online?

Yes, many airlines and TSA allow you to submit a Lost and Found claim online. Check with the specific department based on where you lost your item.

How long does it take to recover a lost item?

The recovery time depends on where the item was lost. Some items may be found and returned within 24-48 hours, while others may take longer.

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