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.

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.
Step | Action | Details | Timeframe |
---|---|---|---|
Report Loss | File a report | – Call: (773) 686-2385 – Online: ORD Lost & Found Form – Email: lostandfound@flychicago.org | Immediately (best within 24 hours) |
Provide Details | Describe item | – Type (phone, bag, etc.) – Brand/color/size – Date/location lost (terminal, gate) – Contact info | Required for search |
Search Begins | ORD team checks | – Terminals/public areas – Airline liaisons (if on plane) – TSA (if at security) | 1–3 business days |
Notification | If found, you’re contacted | – Email/call from ORD or airline – Verify ownership (ID, receipts, photos) | Varies (typically 3–7 days) |
Recovery Options | Choose retrieval method | – Pickup: Terminal 2 (free) – Shipping: Pay 15–15–100 (credit card) – Curbside: $10 fee (scheduled) | Within 30 days (storage limits apply) |
Storage Fees | If 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):
Location | Responsible Organization | Contact Information |
Items Lost at TSA Checkpoints | Transportation 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 Facilities | Standard 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 Locations | Restaurant/Food Services Hudson News | Phone: (773) 377-7804 (Restaurants) Phone: (773) 686-7535 (Hudson News) |
Items Lost in Terminal Public Areas | Chicago Police Department | Phone: (773) 686-2385 |
Items Lost in Terminal 5 Customs Area | U.S. Customs and Border Protection | Phone: (773) 686-3157 |
Items Lost in Rental Car Facilities | Multi-Modal Facility | Phone: (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 Lost | Who to Contact | Contact Method | Notes |
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 Airplane | Your Airline’s Lost & Found | United: (800) 335-2247 American: (800) 535-5225 Delta: (800) 325-8224 | Contact specific airline |
At the Gate (Airline Area) | Operating Airline | See airline contacts above | Each airline handles their gate areas |
Terminal 5 (International) | ORD Lost & Found | Same as above | Special international terminal process |
TSA Security Checkpoint | TSA Lost & Found | (773) 377-1216 | Separate from airport lost & found |
Rental Car | Rental Car Company | Enterprise, Hertz, etc. | Check rental agreement |
Rideshare/Taxi | Transportation Provider | Uber: Help Center Lyft: App Support Taxi: Check receipt | Contact through app or company |
Parking Lots/Shuttles | Parking Operator | (773) 686-7532 | For 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:
Service | Fee Structure | Details | Timeframe |
Storage Fees | |||
• General Items | Free first 14 days | Applies to clothing, books, etc. | Donated after 30 days |
• Valuables | $10/day after 14 days | Electronics, wallets, jewelry | Held up to 90 days |
• Terminal 5 Items | $15/day after 7 days | International terminal finds | |
Shipping Options | |||
• Domestic Shipping | 15−15−50 | Based on size/weight | 3-5 business days |
• International Shipping | 25−25−100+ | Plus customs fees | 7-14 business days |
• Express Shipping | +$20 surcharge | Available for urgent requests | 1-3 business days |
Pickup Options | |||
• In-Person Pickup | Free | Terminal 2, Lower Level | Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM |
• Curbside Pickup | $10 service fee | Must schedule in advance | Same-day available |
Special Fees | |||
• ID/Passport Return | $25 flat fee | Expedited mailing required | Shipped within 24 hrs |
• Large Item Storage | $20/day | Strollers, sports equipment | After 7 free days |
• Unclaimed Items | Auction/Donation | After holding period | Varies 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):
Airline | Contact Number | Details |
Aer Lingus | 1-800-474-7424 | Contact customer service for lost item claims |
Aero Mexico | 1-800-237-6639 | Lost and Found support available online and via phone |
Air Canada | 1-888-247-2262 | Report lost items through their baggage services |
Air France | 1-800-237-2747 | Lost items may be retrieved at the baggage claim area |
Air India | 1-800-621-8231 | Contact the airline’s Lost and Found department |
American Airlines | 1-800-433-7300 | Online tracking available for lost baggage |
Delta Airlines | 1-800-221-1212 | Lost item claims handled via customer service |
United Airlines | 1-800-864-8331 | Use the online Lost and Found form for claims |
Spirit Airlines | 1-855-728-3555 | Lost item inquiries must be submitted online |
Lufthansa | 1-800-645-3880 | Contact baggage service desk at ORD for assistance |
British Airways | 1-800-247-9297 | Lost and Found services available at arrivals |
Emirates | 1-800-777-3999 | Lost items tracked through baggage services |
Qatar Airways | 1-877-777-2827 | Claims must be filed within 7 days of loss |
Turkish Airlines | 1-800-874-8875 | Lost baggage assistance available 24/7 |
Etihad Airways | 1-800-445-2733 | Contact baggage services for lost items |
Frontier Airlines | 1-801-401-9000 | File lost item reports through the airline’s website |
JetBlue | 1-800-538-2583 | Lost items must be reported within 24 hours |
Korean Air | 1-800-438-5000 | Baggage services assist with lost and found |
SWISS | 1-877-359-7947 | Contact baggage claim services at ORD |
Virgin Atlantic | 1-800-821-5438 | Report 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lost items in ORD parking areas are handled by Standard Parking. You can call them at +1-773-686-7532.
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.
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.
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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