Lost Something at Gatwick? Here’s What You Can Do

Losing something at a busy airport like Gatwick Airport can ruin your travel mood. Whether it’s your phone, laptop, passport, or luggage, don’t panic, there’s a clear process to help you recover lost items at Gatwick Airport fast.

This guide explains how Gatwick Airport Lost & Found works, the difference between lost property and lost luggage, who to contact, and the steps to claim your item safely and quickly.

Lost Property at Gatwick vs Lost Luggage at Gatwick?

Before you start, it’s important to understand who handles what.

  • Lost property means anything left behind in the terminal, security, shops, lounges, or car parks. These are managed by the Gatwick Lost Property Office, run by the Excess Baggage Company through lostproperty.org.
  • Lost luggage refers to checked baggage or items left on board your flight. These are handled by your airline’s lost & found desk, not the airport.

So, if you lost your handbag at security or headphones in the lounge, the airport team can help. But if you left your bag on a plane, you’ll need to contact your airline directly.

How Gatwick Lost and Found Works

The Gatwick Lost & Found service is operated by the Excess Baggage Company, which manages lost items for both North and South Terminals. All items found around the airport are logged on lostproperty.org, the official platform for reporting and matching lost items.

It usually takes 24 to 48 hours for your item to appear in their system, so be patient and check regularly. The Gatwick lost property office keeps unclaimed items for up to three months before they are donated or disposed of.

  • Lost Property Reporting: lostproperty.org
  • Office location: South Terminal, lower level near arrivals
  • Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed on public holidays)
  • Email: gatwick.lostproperty@excess-baggage.com
  • Phone: +44 (0)1293 503162

How to Recover Lost Items at Gatwick Airport

1. Right After You Notice Something Missing

Stay calm and retrace your steps. If you’re still at the airport, check the security checkpoint, boarding gate, or shops where you last used the item. Speak to the airport or airline staff immediately.

If you’ve already left the terminal, don’t rush back. The airport’s Lost Property Office handles all recovered items centrally.

2. Submit a Lost Item Report Online

Go to lostproperty.org — the official Gatwick Airport Lost & Found platform.
You’ll need to fill in:

  • Detailed description (brand, colour, model, unique marks)
  • Date, time, and location where you lost it
  • Your contact details (email and phone number)
  • Photo of the item (if available)

Once you submit, you’ll receive a reference number or claim ID. Keep this safe — you’ll need it when following up.

3. Wait for the Match and Confirm Ownership

Your item may take 1–2 days to be logged. You’ll get an email notification if a match is found. Check your spam or junk folders, as some emails may end up there.

You might be asked to provide proof of ownership, such as a photo, receipt, serial number, or other identifier. The more details you provide, the faster your match can be confirmed.

4. Collecting or Shipping the Item

Once verified, you can:

  • Collect in person from the Gatwick Lost Property Office during working hours
  • Or arrange shipping to your home for a small fee (postage and handling charges may apply)

When collecting in person, bring your ID, claim reference number, and proof of ownership.

Items are usually kept for up to three months, after which they may be donated, recycled, or securely destroyed if unclaimed.

5. If Your Item Isn’t Found

If your item doesn’t show up within a week, don’t lose hope. You can:

  • Re-check your email for match updates
  • Contact your airline if you think it was left onboard
  • Follow up by email or phone using your reference number
  • File a travel insurance claim (many policies cover lost personal items)
  • Report stolen items to the airport police if necessary

Tips to Speed Up the Recovery Process

Recovering items from Gatwick Airport Lost Property is easier when you act quickly and stay organised. Here’s how to improve your chances:

  • Report immediately once you realise something is missing.
  • Provide detailed information colour, make, serial number, and where it was last seen.
  • Attach a photo of your item. Visual matches speed up verification.
  • Check lostproperty.org daily for updates.
  • Stay polite and concise when following up by phone or email.
  • Label your belongings with your name and contact info before travelling.
  • Keep digital receipts or photos of valuable items for proof of ownership later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Recovering Lost Property

Many travellers delay their claim or forget to provide enough details, which makes recovery harder. Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Waiting too long to report your lost item
  • Not checking junk or spam folders for updates
  • Submitting vague descriptions like “black phone” or “blue bag”
  • Ignoring proof of ownership requests
  • Forgetting to include photos or serial numbers
  • Assuming airlines and airports share databases automatically
  • Missing the three-month holding window

Special Situations You Should Know

Different places inside Gatwick handle different lost item types.

  • Lost onboard your flight: Contact your airline’s lost property department directly.
  • Lost at security: Gatwick’s security staff will pass it to the Lost Property Office.
  • Lost passport: Inform both the airport police and your embassy for the replacement.
  • Lost valuables (cash, jewellery, electronics): These require extra proof of ownership and ID verification.
  • Multiple airports involved: If you had connecting flights, report at each airport where loss might have happened.

How Long Does Recovering Lost Property/Baggage Take?

Here’s what to expect for timelines:

  • Within 24 hours: Your report is logged.
  • After 48 hours: Items start appearing on lostproperty.org.
  • Up to 14 days: Most matches and responses happen during this time.
  • Up to 3 months: Items are held safely before being donated or destroyed.

The key is to report early and stay in touch with the Lost Property team until you get your item back.

Helpful Contacts & Resources

If your item was left inside the aircraft, contact your airline’s Lost & Found team directly. For example, British Airways, EasyJet, and Emirates each have dedicated online forms.

Losing an item at Gatwick Airport is stressful, but the Lost & Found process is simple if you act fast and stay organised. Remember to report through lostproperty.org, include every possible detail, and follow up with your reference number. If your journey begins or ends at Gatwick, booking a TappAXI transfer can make things easier. You won’t need to drag bags or rush through terminals our driver will handle your luggage and get you home or to the airport safely.

Travel smarter, stay calm, and keep this guide handy. So if you ever lose something at Gatwick, you’ll know exactly how to get it back quickly.