TSA sells confiscated items through two main channels: online auctions run by a contractor, and in-person at airport retail shops
The TSA does not operate a direct store or website where you can browse and purchase confiscated items. Instead, items that passengers leave behind or that security officers remove at checkpoints are sold through Gov Deals, an online auction platform that handles surplus government property. Some airports also sell unclaimed items through their own gift shops or lost-and-found sales. The inventory changes constantly because it depends on what passengers leave behind or what officers confiscate during screening.
If you are looking for a specific item — a laptop, a watch, a piece of luggage — your chances of finding it are low. The TSA processes thousands of items daily across hundreds of airports, and most confiscated goods are auctioned in bulk lots rather than individually. You cannot search by item type or airport on Gov Deals, so you have to browse available auctions and hope your item appears.
Key Takeaways
- Gov Deals is the official auction site where the TSA sells confiscated and unclaimed items, though inventory is unpredictable and lots are often sold in bulk.
- Individual airports sometimes run their own lost-and-found sales through airport retail shops or special clearance events, which may be faster than waiting for a Gov Deals auction.
- Items sold through Gov Deals are typically priced lower than retail but are sold as-is with no returns, so you cannot test electronics before purchase.
- If you lost an item at an airport, contacting the airport's lost-and-found office directly is faster than searching auctions, since items are held for a set period before being sent to auction.
How to search Gov Deals for TSA confiscated items
Go to govdeals.com and select your state from the dropdown menu. Then filter by category — electronics, jewelry, luggage, or sporting goods — to narrow the results. The site lists active auctions and their end dates, but you cannot filter by specific airport or item type within a category.
Most lots contain multiple items bundled together. For example, you might see "Lot 47: Five laptops and three tablets, condition unknown" rather than individual devices. Shipping costs are added at checkout and can be substantial for heavy items like luggage. You must register a free account to bid, and payment is due within a set number of days after the auction closes.
Gov Deals auctions typically run for seven to ten days. Bidding starts low — sometimes a few dollars — but popular lots can climb quickly. Since items are sold as-is with no inspection period, electronics may not power on, and luggage may have damage that photos do not show clearly.
Buying from individual airport lost-and-found sales
Many airports hold periodic clearance sales of unclaimed items before they are sent to Gov Deals. These sales are advertised on the airport's website or social media, usually a few times per year. Items are often priced lower than Gov Deals auctions because the airport wants to clear inventory quickly.
Contact your local airport's lost-and-found office directly to ask when the next sale is scheduled. Some airports, like those in major cities, hold sales quarterly. Smaller airports may hold them once or twice a year. You can usually find the lost-and-found phone number on the airport's website under "Customer Service" or "Baggage and Lost Items."
At in-person sales, you can inspect items before buying, which is a real advantage over online auctions. You can test electronics, check luggage for damage, and see the actual condition of clothing or accessories. Payment is usually cash or card on the spot, and you take the item with you when ready.
What types of items are typically available
Confiscated items fall into a few categories. Prohibited items — pocket knives, lighters, tools, and sporting equipment — are the most common. These are items passengers tried to bring through security and officers removed. Forgotten items — phones, laptops, wallets, and jewelry — are left behind at checkpoints or on planes and end up in lost-and-found. Damaged luggage from baggage handling is also sold, often at steep discounts.
Liquids and gels that exceed the 3.4-ounce limit are confiscated and discarded, not sold. Weapons, ammunition, and anything deemed a security risk are destroyed or held by law enforcement. Perishable food is thrown away. So if you are looking for a specific category, focus on electronics, tools, luggage, jewelry, and sporting goods — those are what actually reach auction.
Timing and how long items are held before auction
Unclaimed items are typically held at an airport's lost-and-found for 30 to 90 days, depending on the airport's policy. After that window closes, items are transferred to a central TSA facility or sent directly to Gov Deals for auction. If you lost something recently, call the airport's lost-and-found when ready — you may be able to claim it before it enters the auction pipeline.
Once an item reaches Gov Deals, it can take two to four weeks before it appears in an active auction. Auctions themselves run seven to ten days. So from the time an item is confiscated to the time it is available for purchase, the timeline can stretch to two or three months.
Pricing and what to expect when you bid
Gov Deals auctions start at low opening bids — often $1 to $5 for a lot — but final prices depend on demand and the perceived value of items in the lot. A lot of five used laptops might sell for $50 to $200 total, depending on brand and condition. Luggage lots often sell for $20 to $100. Jewelry and watches can climb higher if they appear to be valuable.
Shipping is a separate cost and is calculated after you win. A lot of luggage might cost $15 to $50 to ship, depending on weight and destination. Electronics are usually shipped with signature required, which adds to the cost. You pay the full amount — winning bid plus shipping — within the timeframe specified in the auction terms, usually five to seven business days.
There are no returns or refunds on Gov Deals purchases. Items are sold as-is, and the photos provided are the only way to assess condition before bidding. If a laptop does not power on or a watch does not keep time, you have no recourse. This is why in-person airport sales are preferable if you can attend one — you can inspect before you commit.
Alternatives if you cannot find what you want
If you lost an item at an airport and it does not appear on Gov Deals within a few months, contact the airport's lost-and-found office again. Some items are claimed by other passengers or held longer than the standard window. If the item was on a flight, contact the airline's lost-and-found directly — they handle items left on planes separately from airport terminal items.
For items confiscated at security — like a pocket knife or a lighter — those are typically destroyed or auctioned in bulk, so your chances of finding the exact item are very low. If you need to replace a confiscated tool or piece of equipment, buying new or used from a retailer is usually faster and more reliable than waiting for an auction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search Gov Deals by the airport where I lost my item?
No. Gov Deals does not filter by airport. You can only filter by state and general category. Items from multiple airports within a state are often mixed in the same auctions, so you have to browse through many lots to find something that might be yours.
What happens to items that do not sell at auction?
Items that receive no bids or do not meet reserve prices are typically held and re-listed in a future auction, sometimes bundled with other unsold items. Some airports donate items to charity if they have been listed multiple times without selling.
Can I bid on Gov Deals if I live outside the United States?
Gov Deals requires a U.S. address to register and bid. International shipping is not available. If you live outside the U.S., you cannot purchase through the platform.
Are items on Gov Deals actually from the TSA, or could they be from other government agencies?
Gov Deals handles surplus property from many federal agencies, not just the TSA. Some lots are labeled by source, but not all. If you are specifically looking for TSA confiscated items, check the lot description or contact Gov Deals customer service to confirm the source.
How do I know if an item I am bidding on actually works?
You do not. Gov Deals auctions include photos and a brief description, but there is no testing or inspection. Electronics are sold as-is, and the listing may say "condition unknown" or "untested." This is a major risk, which is why buying from an in-person airport sale is safer if you can attend one.