Lost luggage is sold through airline auctions, liquidation companies, and specialty resellers — mostly online, sometimes in person
Airlines and airports don't keep unclaimed bags. After a set period (usually 30 to 90 days), they sell them off to recover storage costs. The luggage ends up at auction sites like Copart and IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions), which also handle unclaimed baggage from TSA, cargo handlers, and ground services. You can also buy from Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama, which buys directly from airlines and resells both online and in their physical store. Prices range from $20 for a single bag to several hundred dollars for matched sets, depending on condition and brand.
Most sales happen online through auction sites where you bid against other buyers. Some require you to register and pay a buyer's fee (typically 10 to 15 percent on top of your winning bid). A few liquidation companies sell fixed-price inventory instead. Shipping is almost always your responsibility and can cost $50 to $200 depending on the bag's size and your location.
Key Takeaways
- Copart and IAA are the largest sources of lost luggage auctions, with hundreds of bags listed weekly across their platforms.
- Unclaimed Baggage Center buys directly from airlines and sells both in-store and online, with no auction bidding required.
- Most online purchases require you to pay a buyer's fee (10 to 15 percent) on top of the winning bid, plus separate shipping costs.
- Bags are sold as-is without return options, so inspect photos carefully and understand that contents may be missing or damaged.
- Registration and payment setup can take a few days, so plan ahead if you need a bag by a specific date.
How auction sites work and what the fees are
Copart and IAA operate similarly: you create a free account, browse listings by category (luggage is usually under "Miscellaneous" or "Personal Property"), and place bids. Auctions typically run for 7 to 10 days. When you win, you pay the hammer price (your final bid) plus a buyer's fee that ranges from 10 to 15 percent depending on the site and your membership level. Some sites charge a documentation fee of $5 to $10 per lot as well.
You must arrange and pay for shipping yourself, or pick up in person if the lot is at a location near you. Copart and IAA have pickup locations nationwide, but not every location stocks every item. Shipping a large suitcase typically costs $80 to $200 through standard carriers, depending on weight and distance. Factor this into your bid — a $40 bag becomes a $140 purchase once shipping is added.
Both sites sell bags individually and sometimes in bulk lots (multiple bags together). Bulk lots are cheaper per bag but require you to pay shipping on the entire weight. Photos are usually limited to a few angles, so you won't see inside the bag or know if wheels work or zippers jam until it arrives.
Unclaimed Baggage Center: the fixed-price alternative
Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama, buys unsold inventory directly from airlines and resells it without auction. Prices are fixed, not bid-based, which means no competition and no buyer's fees — you pay the listed price plus shipping. Bags typically cost $30 to $150 depending on brand and condition.
You can shop their website and have items shipped to you, or visit the physical store. The store is open year-round and displays thousands of bags, so you can inspect condition and test zippers and wheels in person. Many people make it a destination trip. If you order online, shipping is calculated at checkout and varies by bag size.
Unclaimed Baggage also sells the contents found inside bags — clothing, electronics, toiletries — separately. This is useful if you're looking for a specific item rather than a bag itself.
What condition to expect and what's usually missing
Lost luggage is sold as-is, which means you have no return option if it arrives damaged or doesn't match the photos. Bags are typically in fair to good condition — they've been handled roughly but aren't destroyed. Wheels may be cracked, zippers may stick, and handles may be loose. Dents and scuffs are standard. Some bags have stains or odors.
The interior is almost always empty. Airlines and TSA remove contents before the bag is sold, either to return them to the owner or to dispose of them. You are buying the shell only. Occasionally a bag arrives with a forgotten item inside, but don't count on it.
Check the auction photos carefully for visible damage. Look at the wheels, zippers, handle attachment points, and corners. If a photo is blurry or doesn't show a critical area, message the seller and ask for clarification before bidding. Some auction sites allow you to request additional photos.
Registration, payment, and timing
Both Copart and IAA require you to register with a valid email, create a username and password, and set up payment information before you can bid. This process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Some sites ask for a phone number or address verification, which can add a day or two.
Once you win an auction, you typically have 3 to 5 business days to pay. Payment is usually by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. After payment clears, you arrange shipping or schedule a pickup. Shipping usually takes 5 to 10 business days depending on the carrier and your location.
If you need a bag by a specific date, register and bid early. Don't wait until the last day of an auction to set up your account — delays in verification or payment processing can cause you to miss your important date.
Other sources: liquidation companies and resellers
Some regional liquidation companies buy lost luggage directly and sell it through their own websites at fixed prices. These are smaller operations than Copart or IAA but sometimes have lower fees and faster shipping. Search for "lost luggage liquidation" plus your state to find local options.
eBay and Facebook Marketplace also have lost luggage listings, usually from resellers who bought at auction and are reselling. Prices are often higher because the reseller has already paid auction fees and shipping. You may pay a premium, but you get the benefit of eBay's buyer protection or Facebook's dispute resolution if the item doesn't match the listing.
Pawn shops and secondhand stores occasionally stock lost luggage, especially in areas near major airports. Prices are usually higher than auction sites because the retailer has already absorbed the cost of acquisition and storage.
Inspection tips before you bid or buy
Study the photos from multiple angles. Look for cracks in the plastic shell, broken wheels, bent frames, and torn fabric. Check whether the bag is a carry-on or checked size — auction listings sometimes don't specify. If the listing doesn't say, measure the dimensions in the photo or ask the seller.
Read the condition description carefully. "Fair" usually means visible wear and minor damage. "Good" means mostly cosmetic damage. "Excellent" is rare for lost luggage. If the description says "unknown condition" or "as-is," assume the worst and bid accordingly.
For Unclaimed Baggage, you can call ahead at their store number to ask if they have a specific brand or size in stock before you visit or order online. They're helpful about describing condition over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a bag if it arrives damaged?
No. Lost luggage is sold as-is with no returns or refunds. Inspect photos carefully before bidding, and if you're unsure about condition, ask the seller for additional images. Once you win and pay, the sale is final.
Will the bag have anything inside it?
Almost never. Airlines and TSA remove all contents before selling the bag. Occasionally a forgotten item turns up, but don't expect it. You are buying the bag shell only.
How much does shipping usually cost?
Shipping a standard suitcase typically costs $80 to $200 depending on weight and distance. Get a shipping quote before you bid — add it to your bid amount to know your true total cost. Pickup in person at an auction location is usually cheaper if one is near you.
Is Unclaimed Baggage Center cheaper than auction sites?
Not always. Unclaimed Baggage has fixed prices with no buyer's fees, which saves money on the bag itself. But auction sites sometimes have cheaper bags if you bid low and win. Factor in shipping for both — Unclaimed Baggage shipping is often lower because they pack efficiently.
Do I need to be a business to buy at Copart or IAA?
No. Both sites allow individual buyers to register and bid. You don't need a business license or tax ID. Registration is free and takes about 15 minutes.