Lost an item at Costa Rica’s main airport ? Whether it slipped out of your bag during check-in or was left behind at security, here’s how to report your loss at SJO.
How to report a lost item in Costa Rica San José Airport (SJO) ?
If you’ve lost something at Juan Santamaría International Airport, this page will help you understand who to contact and what to do next.
About Juan Santamaría International Airport
Juan Santamaría International Airport (IATA: SJO) is Costa Rica’s busiest and most important international gateway, located just outside the capital city of San José in Alajuela. Serving millions of travelers annually, SJO is a key hub for tourism and business in Central America.
The airport offers a wide range of services including dining, shopping, VIP lounges, and car rentals. Given its size and activity level, it’s not uncommon for personal items to be misplaced—but the airport has well-established procedures to assist in their recovery.
Where Items Are Commonly Lost at SJO airport
Here are some of the most frequent places travelers report losing items at SJO :
- Security Checkpoints: Phones, belts, laptops, and passports can easily be left in bins or trays.
- Cafés, Food Courts, and Waiting Areas: Bags, wallets, or sunglasses might be forgotten on tables or chairs.
- Restrooms: Watches, phones, and personal items can be accidentally left behind.
- Gate Areas: Boarding passes, chargers, and headphones are frequently left at the gates.
- Shuttle Buses or Rental Car Counters: Smaller items can slip out of pockets during transportation or during the rush to return a vehicle.
If you can recall where you last saw the item, this can greatly improve the chances of recovery.
Tips for Reporting Lost Items
When submitting a report to the Lost and Found office, try to include:
- A clear description of the item (color, brand, any unique identifiers)
- Approximate time and location where it was lost
- Your flight number (if applicable)
- Your full name and contact information
How Long Will It Take to Hear Back ?
The Lost and Found team at SJO handles a high volume of inquiries, especially during peak travel periods. Most people receive a response within a few business days. The more detailed your report, the easier it is for staff to locate and identify your item.
Collecting Your Lost Item
If your item is found, the Lost and Found office will reach out to arrange pickup. You will need a valid ID to claim your item. Depending on the situation, shipping may be available at your expense, especially if you have already left Costa Rica.
Lost Checked Luggage or Damaged Bags ?
If you are missing checked baggage or your luggage arrived damaged, this issue is handled directly by the airline or its ground handling provider—not the airport’s Lost and Found. Each airline at SJO has its own baggage services desk near the baggage claim area.
Lost item(s) in the airport ?
For anything forgotten in the terminal building (restrooms, cafés, customs area…), reach out to the airport’s Lost and Found.
The Lost and Found office is located near the airline counters inside the main terminal building.
Open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
You can call them at: +506 2437-2400 or +506 2437-2614
Lost something on the plane ?
Items forgotten on the plane are handled by the respective airline or its baggage handling partner. Contact the airline directly for onboard losses.
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 : Juan Santamaría International Airport – Lost and Found 
Address : Main terminal building, near the airline counters
Alajuela Province, Río Segundo, Costa Rica 
Phone number : +506 2437-2400 (general) or +506 2437-2614 (Lost and Found) 
Opening hours : Monday to Sunday, 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. 
Website : https://sjoairport.com
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 (...)