John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) operates a virtual lost and found office. Through this online facility, passengers can claim items misplaced within the airport’s premises only. However, for belongings lost in TSA areas, they have to fill out specific forms. Moreover, if they forget/misplace any item within the aircraft, they need to contact the airline.
Besides, for the passengers of Terminal 4, the SmarteCartes Lost & Found office is there. This office is situated in Terminal 4 and only handles the items lost in the terminal. Nonetheless, if passengers are unable to relocate their items, they may call the Port Authority Police.
Airline-Specific Lost and Found Numbers at JFK Airport
Passengers who have lost an item at or near airline ticket counters, check-in desks, gate areas, or onboard the airline must contact the airline’s representative immediately.
Below are the contacts of the specific airlines at JFK Airport to report baggage issues:
| Airline | Contact Number | Lost and Found Location (Terminal) |
| American Airlines | 1-800-433-7300 | Terminal 8 |
| AeroMexico | 1 800-237-6639 | Terminal 4 |
| Air India | 1 888-634-1407 | Terminal 4 |
| Air Europa | 1 844-415-3955 | Terminal 4 |
| Avianca | 1 866-919-0081 | Terminal 4 |
| British Airways | 1 800-247-9297 | Terminal 8 |
| Caribbean Airlines | 1 800-920-4225 | Terminal 4 |
| China Airlines | 1 800-227-5118 | Terminal 4 |
| China Southern | 1 888-338-8988 | Terminal 8 |
| Copa Airlines | 1 800-359-2672 | Terminal 4 |
| Delta Air Lines | 1 800-221-1212 | Terminal 4 |
| ELAL Israel Airlines | 1 800-223-6700 | Terminal 4 |
| Emirates | 1 800-777-3999 | Terminal 4 |
| Etihad | 1 914-303-8393 | Terminal 4 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 1-800-367-5320 | Terminal 8 |
| JetBlue | 1 800-538-2583 | Terminals 4 and 5 |
| Kenya Airways | 1 (866) 536-9224 | Terminal 4 |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | 1 800-618-0104 | Terminal 4 |
| Kuwait Airlines | 1 201-582-9200 | Terminal 7 |
| LATAM Airlines | 1 866 435 9526 | Terminal 4 |
| Lufthansa | 1-800-645-3880 | Terminal 1 |
| Singapore Airlines | 1 833-727-0118 | Terminal 4 |
| Uzbekistan Airways | 1 201-944-4474 | Terminal 4 |
| Virgin Atlantic | 1 800-862-8621 | Terminal 4 |
| WestJet | 1 866-666-6224 | Terminal 4 |
| Xiamen Air | 1 844-629-5557 | Terminal 4 |
Note: While reaching out to the airline’s counter, keep the boarding pass, baggage tag, booking confirmation, and any government-issued photo ID handy.
Important Lost and Found Contacts at JFK Airport
Mainly, JFK Airport operates only a virtual office to relocate lost/found items of passengers. But also, there are dedicated calling numbers for specific areas, such as TSA checkpoints, airline terminals, or curbside areas with an airline tag. Furthermore, there is also a dedicated area in Terminal 4 for this service.
Nonetheless, there are some contact numbers mentioned below associated with this facility at JFK Airport.
| Location | Contact Number |
| TSA Security Checkpoints | 1-718-917-3999 |
| TSA Customer Service Center | (866) 289-9673 |
| Terminal 4 Lost and Found | 347-684-3604 (24 hours) |
| Official Port Authority/JFK Information number | 1-718-244-4444 |
| U.S. Customs and Border Protection | 718- 487-5164 (Monday - Friday: 8:00 am -5:00 pm EDT) |
How to Report Lost Items at JFK Airport?
Passengers who have left items or luggage inside the JFK Airport’s premises can follow these steps to report their missing belongings.
- Identify the terminal from the JFK Airport map where the item was lost.
- Inside the terminal
- At a TSA checkpoint
- On the AirTrain
- Onboard the aircraft
- Then contact the appropriate lost/found department as soon as possible.
- Keep the following details ready:
- Clear description of the item (color, size, brand, or any other unique feature)
- Date and time when the item was lost
- Baggage tags and boarding passes
- Submit a lost-item report online or contact the relevant office by phone/email.
- For an online claim, use the form on the official website of the airport.
- Collect the requested reference number.
- Check the status of the complaint through email or phone.
- Once the item or baggage is located, flyers will be informed by the JFK Airport authority on the contact number provided while filing the report.
- Afterwards, pick it up in person or arrange shipping at your expense.
At John F. Kennedy International Airport, the lost and found facility is provided online. Also, there is an office specific to Terminal 4 passengers. Besides, with all the comprehensive details about email and phone mentioned above, one can contact the dedicated authority. Hence, using this facility, passengers can have a positive experience at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I lose an item on the AirTrain?
Flyers can contact the JFK AirTrain customer service at +1-718-244-4444 between 9:00 am and 6:pm Monday to Friday or visit the office in person.
How long does JFK Airport keep lost items?
Most of the lost items are kept for 30 days by the authorities at JFK Airport. Please note that after a grace period of 30 days, the authorities either dispose of or donate the items.
Is there an online form to report lost items at JFK Airport?
Yes, check the table above that has an attached lost and found form.
What should I do if I lose my passport at JFK Airport?
Immediately contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Terminal 4 or call them at 718- 487-5164 (Monday - Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EDT).
Can someone else collect my lost item at John F. Kennedy International Airport?
No, the official at JFK Airport only hands over the item to the affected passengers. For more details, call JFK Airport’s lost luggage contact at 347-684-3604 (24 hours).
What happens if I lose an item on an international flight at JFK Airport?
In that case, passengers need to head over to the relevant airline’s counter at the arrival terminal and seek assistance. They may ask you to fill out the form and provide the required documents to report your lost baggage complaint.