Losing something at a major airport can feel stressful, but Gatwick Airport has a clear, well-organised system to help passengers recover lost items quickly. Whether your belongings went missing at security, in the terminal, or even on the aircraft, understanding the correct process will significantly improve your chances of getting them back.

If you are planning a pick up, drop off or transfer at Gatwick, you may also find these guides useful:
Gatwick Pick Up Rules and Free Wait Zones 2025
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/gatwick-pick-up-rules-free-wait-zones-2025

Gatwick Drop Off Charges 2025
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/gatwick-drop-off-charges-2025

Gatwick Transfer Guide 2025
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/gatwick-transfer-guide-2025

Gatwick Lost Property Office Location and Opening Hours

The official Gatwick Lost Property Office is located in the South Terminal, on the ground level, and operates between 10:00 and 16:00 daily.

The office handles:

• Items lost in any terminal building
• Items left at security and screening areas
• Items found in seating areas, shops, restrooms and walkways
• Items found on trains serving Gatwick Airport Station (depending on the rail operator’s arrangements)

However, items left on aircraft or airline shuttle buses are not handled by Gatwick Airport. These must be reported directly to your airline or their third-party handling agent.

How to Report a Lost Item at Gatwick Airport

Your first step is to submit an online Lost Item Report through Gatwick’s approved lost property platform. This creates a unique case file that agents use to match found items.

You will need to include:

• Exact terminal or airport area where the item was lost
• Date and approximate time
• A detailed description (colour, material, brand, serial number if applicable)
• Your contact details
• Flight number and airline (if relevant)

The more precise your description, the easier it is for staff to match your claim. Gatwick processes most claims within two weeks, although processing can take up to three weeks during peak seasons.

Tip: Keep boarding passes and flight details until your journey is complete. They often help identify where an item may have last been scanned or checked.

What Types of Items Are Managed?

Gatwick handles a wide range of lost possessions, including:

• Phones, tablets, laptops and cameras
• Passports and identity documents
• Wallets, purses, credit cards and keys
• Jewellery, sunglasses and watches
• Bags, backpacks, coats and clothing
• Books, headphones and travel accessories

Some items follow a different procedure:

• Passports go directly to UK Border Force
• Alcohol and tobacco are processed by Customs
• Rail items may be held by the train operator, not Gatwick
• Airline cabin items (phones, jackets, bags, headphones) are handled by the airline

High-value items require ID verification and sometimes proof of purchase before release.

How to Retrieve Your Lost Item

Once your item is located, you will receive a message via email or SMS with instructions for collection.

You can collect your item in person by presenting:

• Valid photo identification (passport or driving licence)
• Reference number from your lost item report
• Additional proof of ownership if required (photos, receipts, serial numbers)

If you cannot collect your item personally, you have two options:

Authorised Collection

Provide the following to the person collecting on your behalf:

• Your ID copy
• Their ID
• A signed consent letter authorising pickup

Courier Delivery

Gatwick’s Lost Property service offers worldwide courier delivery for an additional fee. Costs vary depending on destination, weight and package insurance.

Items Lost on Aircraft or Airline Buses

If the item was left:

• In an aircraft seat pocket
• Under the seat
• In the overhead locker
• On an airline bus between terminal and aircraft

You must contact your airline directly.

Examples:

• British Airways handles items via their own Lost and Found portal
• EasyJet uses third-party lost property support
• Emirates, TUI, and Qatar Airways each have dedicated baggage support desks

Some airlines partner with companies such as Skybreak, who facilitate retrieval and customer communication.

Tip: Contact your airline within 24 hours for the best chance of retrieval before items move into long-term processing.

Lost Property for Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Southern Rail

If your item was lost:

• On a train
• On a London-bound or Brighton-bound service
• At the Gatwick Airport Railway station platform

You must contact the relevant rail operator’s Lost Property service.
These items do not go to Gatwick Airport’s Lost Property Office.

For example:

• Gatwick Express Lost Property
• Thameslink and Southern Lost Property via their online portal

This is important for passengers transferring quickly between airport and rail services.

Additional Tips to Improve Recovery Chances

• Report immediately. Freshly found items are logged daily.
• Use detailed descriptions. Colour, size, brand and model numbers help distinguish items.
• Check junk mail. Many claim updates go to spam folders.
• Track your claim daily during the first week.
• Report suspected theft to police and airport security immediately.

If you are also coordinating pick ups or onward connections, use our Gatwick guides to avoid stress:
Gatwick Pick Up Rules 2025
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/gatwick-pick-up-rules-free-wait-zones-2025

Gatwick Transfer Guide 2025
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/gatwick-transfer-guide-2025

Conclusion

Losing an item at Gatwick Airport does not have to derail your journey. With clearly defined reporting procedures, daily item processing and options for courier delivery, most passengers recover their belongings quickly. Whether the item was misplaced in a terminal, at security or on public transport, understanding the right contact point is the key to a successful recovery.

For more helpful airport advice, explore our full Travel Connections library:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/london-airport-transfers-2025-guide