Losing a personal item at the airport can turn an already stressful day into a frustrating one. If you’re traveling through Chicago Midway International Airport and realize you’ve lost something, your first instinct might be to report it immediately — but who should you contact? The Midway Airport lost and found or the TSA?

Understanding the difference between these two lost and found systems is crucial for improving your chances of getting your belongings back. Here’s a guide to help you figure out exactly where to report a lost item at Midway Airport.

Know Where You Lost It

The most important factor in determining whether to contact the Midway Airport lost and found or the TSA is knowing where you lost the item. Different areas of the airport fall under different authorities:

• Items lost at security checkpoints (such as trays, scanners, or near TSA officers) are handled by TSA Lost and Found.
  
  

• Items lost in general public spaces, like restrooms, waiting areas, restaurants, and hallways, are handled by the Midway Airport lost and found office.
  
  

• Items left on the plane should be reported directly to your airline.
  
  

TSA Lost and Found at Midway

If you think your item was lost while going through security — maybe you left your laptop in a bin or your phone slipped out of your pocket — you’ll need to contact the TSA.

• TSA Midway Contact: (773) 498-1308
  
  

• Online Reporting: TSA also offers an online lost item form, which you can fill out with detailed information.
  
  

Be sure to include specifics like the item’s brand, color, and the date and time you passed through the checkpoint. TSA holds unclaimed items for a limited time before disposing of them or turning them over to other authorities.

Midway Airport Lost and Found

If your item was lost anywhere after security or in public areas not monitored by TSA, reach out to the Midway Airport lost and found. This department is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation and handles a wide range of lost property.

• Phone Number: (773) 838-0656
  
  

• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  
  

• Online Claim Form: Available through the official Chicago Airport website
  
  

The Midway Airport lost and found office securely stores and catalogs lost items, keeping them for 30 to 90 days depending on the type and value.

Tips for Reporting Lost Items

1. Act Quickly – The sooner you file a report, the better.
   
   

2. Be Detailed – Include identifying marks, item type, and where it was last seen.
   
   

3. Follow Up – If you don’t hear back in a few days, call or email again.
   
   

4. Know Who to Call – TSA for items lost at security, the Midway Airport lost and found for all other areas.
   
   

Final Thoughts

When it comes to recovering a lost item at Midway, knowing whether to contact the TSA or the Midway Airport lost and found can save you time and increase the odds of recovery. Think back to where you last had your item and report it to the right department as soon as possible.