Lost and Found Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD)

Have you lost something at O’Hare Airport ? Find out how to report a missing item at one of the United States’ busiest air travel hubs.

About O’Hare International Airport

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling approximately 80–90 million passengers annually. Located roughly 27 kilometres northwest of downtown Chicago, the airport occupies a vast campus with four passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (United Airlines domestic and international), Terminal 2 (primarily American Eagle regional flights), Terminal 3 (American Airlines), and Terminal 5 (international arrivals and departures for most foreign carriers). A new global terminal is currently under development as part of the O’Hare 21 expansion programme.

The airport’s sheer size means that passengers travelling between terminals, navigating security, or catching connecting flights are particularly prone to misplacing items. Lost property at O’Hare involves multiple services – the airport’s own office, Chicago Police, and the ATS (Automated Train System) – have separate jurisdictions depending on where an item was lost.

What Should You Do If You’ve Lost Something at O’Hare ?

If you are still in the airport, contact the nearest information desk, airport operations centre, or Chicago Police presence within the terminal. For items lost on the ATS train that connects terminals, contact the ATS control room directly. Different parts of the airport are managed by different services, so knowing where you lost the item helps identify the right contact.

If you have already left the airport, contact the O’Hare lost and found service during office hours. Given the airport’s complexity, providing as much detail as possible about the location terminal number, gate, level, and approximate time is particularly important.

How to Report a Lost Item at O’Hare Airport

The central lost and found service is available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Specify clearly: the terminal where you lost the item, your flight details, the time, and whether the item was lost landside (before security) or airside (after security). For items lost on the ATS inter-terminal train, the ATS operations team handles separately.

You can also submit a report through our platform and our team will contact and follow up with the airport on your behalf.

Items Lost at O’Hare International Airport

O’Hare International Airport Lost and Found Service

Address : 10000 W O’Hare Ave
Chicago, IL 60666
United States

Opening hours : Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The main lost and found office is weekday-only. For urgent losses on weekends or evenings, contact Chicago Police at the terminal directly.

Items Lost on Your Aircraft

If you left something onboard your flight, contact your airline directly airlines manage items found on their aircraft separately from the airport lost property service. United Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, and all other carriers at O’Hare manage onboard lost property independently. Contact your airline’s baggage services department with your booking reference and seat number.

Common Areas Where Items Are Lost at O’Hare

• Security screening lanes in all four terminals
• ATS inter-terminal train carriages and platforms
• Gate seating and boarding queues
• Club lounges (United Polaris, American Admirals Club, etc.)
• Terminal restaurants and food courts
• Baggage reclaim in Terminal 5 (international arrivals)
• Customs and immigration queues
• Ground transport areas taxis, rideshare, CTA Blue Line station

Tips to Report a Lost Item Efficiently

• Identify the exact terminal T1, T2, T3, or T5 as each has different staff and contacts
• Note whether the item was lost before or after the security checkpoint
• If lost on the ATS, contact ATS operations in addition to the main lost and found
• For passport and travel document losses, also contact your embassy or consulate
• Report on the same day where possible O’Hare processes thousands of passengers daily

Where to Collect Your Lost Property

Confirmed found items are held at the airport lost and found office, accessible Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you have left Chicago, the airport can discuss shipping arrangements for recovered items. For urgent matters outside office hours, Chicago Police within the terminal can assist.

Can You Recover Your Item After Leaving Chicago ?

Yes. The airport can hold confirmed items while you arrange collection. For international travellers, items can be shipped from Chicago using USPS, FedEx, or UPS. Contact the lost and found office first to confirm the item has been found before arranging shipping.

If you have lost one or several item(s), you will find information on how to contact a lost and found property service on this page.
 

Contact information following the loss of an item

Name : O'Hare Chicago Airport - Lost and Found Service
Address : 10000 W O'Hare Ave
Chicago, IL 60666

Phone number : U.S. Customs at (773) 686-3157
Chicago Police at (773) 686-2385​​​​​​ or (773) 462-9515
O'Hare ATS at (773) 601-1817

Opening hours :
Website : https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/ServicesAmenities/services/Pages/lostfound.aspx

List of the main items found

• Lost Personal Items : Keys, ID, Passport, Wallet, Documents, Badge, Licence (...)
• Lost Electronics : Phone, Tablet, Device charger, Camera, Laptop, Headphones (...)
• Lost Accessories : Purse, Bag, Backpack, Sunglasses, Eyeglasses, Jewellery (...)
• Lost Clothing : Gloves, Cap, Hat, Scarf, Sweater, Coat, Vest (...)

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