IST Lost and Found – Istanbul Airport
Losing personal belongings during travel can be a distressing experience. At Istanbul Airport, the IST Lost and Found department is dedicated to assisting passengers in recovering their lost items efficiently. This page provides detailed information on the procedures, locations, and contact details to help you navigate the process seamlessly
How to File a Lost Item Report at Istanbul Airport?
Here’s a table on How to File a Lost Item Report at IST Airport, including all methods (online, phone, in-person) and required details:
| Method | Steps | Required Information | Processing Time | Follow-Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Form | 1. Visit IST Lost & Found Portal. 2. Fill the form with item details. 3. Submit and note the reference number. | – Flight number/date – Item description (color, brand, size) – Last seen location (terminal/gate) – Contact details | 24–48 hours | Check email for updates or call +90 212 465 4000. |
| By Phone | 1. Call +90 212 465 4000 (24/7). 2. Provide details to the agent. 3. Get a case number for tracking. | – Same as online form – Preferred language (English/Turkish) | Immediate acknowledgment | Call back with case number for updates. |
| In-Person | 1. Visit the Lost & Found Office (near Arrivals, International Terminal). 2. Fill out a paper form. 3. Receive a receipt. | – Passport/ID – Physical description of item – Flight boarding pass (if available) | On-the-spot assistance | Return with receipt to claim the item. |
| Via Airline | 1. Contact your airline’s lost property desk (e.g., Turkish Airlines: +90 212 444 0849). 2. Submit a report through their system. | – PNR/ticket number – Seat number – Baggage tag (for lost luggage) | 48–72 hours | Airline will contact you directly. |
IST Lost and Found Terminal-wise Information
- IST Airport Lost and Found Terminal 4 – For items lost in Terminal 4, contact the T4 Lost and Found desk.
- IST Airport Lost and Found Terminal 5 – JetBlue and other airlines operate here; check with the airline’s lost property office.
- IST Airport Lost and Found Terminal 8 – American Airlines passengers should contact the T8 lost and found team.
Locations of Istanbul Airport Lost and Found Offices
Here’s a table summarizing the IST Airport Lost and Found offices by location, including contact details and operating hours:
| Terminal / Location | Contact Number | Operating Hours | Where to Find? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Lost & Found Office (All Terminals) | +90 212 465 4000 | 24/7 (Staffed) | Near Arrivals Hall, International Terminal | Handles general lost items, passports, and valuables. |
| Terminal 1 (Domestic Flights) | +90 212 465 4000 (Ext. 1) | 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Baggage Claim Area | For items lost in domestic flight zones. |
| Terminal 2 (International Flights – Schengen) | +90 212 465 4000 (Ext. 2) | 24/7 | Near Gate 202 | Covers Schengen-zone flights. |
| Terminal 4 (International Flights – Non-Schengen) | +90 212 465 4000 (Ext. 4) | 24/7 | Level 1, Near Customs | Handles long-haul international flights (US, Asia, etc.). |
| Terminal 5 (Domestic & European Flights) | +90 212 465 4000 (Ext. 5) | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Adjacent to Check-in Counters | Serves Pegasus, Turkish Airlines domestic flights. |
| Terminal 8 (Intercontinental Flights) | +90 212 465 4000 (Ext. 8) | 24/7 | Near Boarding Gate 801 | Focuses on U.S., Middle East, and Asian routes. |
| Security Checkpoints (TSA Equivalent) | +90 212 465 5555 | 24/7 | After security screening zones | For items left at X-ray scanners/metal detectors. |
| Aircraft/Airline Lost Items | Airline-specific (e.g., Turkish Airlines: +90 212 444 0849) | Varies | Contact airline directly | Each airline manages onboard lost items separately. |
How Long Does Istanbul Airport (IST) Keep Lost Items?
IST Lost and Found stores recovered items for a specific period:
- Valuables (electronics, jewelry, passports) – Up to one year.
- Clothing and accessories – Kept for three months.
- Perishable items – Disposed of within 24 hours.
IST Airport Lost & Found Fees, Storage, and Shipping Charges
Here’s a table the charges, storage policies, and shipping details for lost items at Istanbul Airport (IST):
| Service | Fee/Cost | Timeframe | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Fees | Free for first 7 days | Days 1–7 | Items held at no cost. |
| €5 per day (or equivalent in TRY) | Days 8–30 | Applies to all unclaimed items. | |
| After 30 Days | Item disposal/donation | Beyond 30 days | Unclaimed items may be auctioned, donated, or discarded. |
| Shipping (Domestic) | €10–€30 (varies by size/weight) | 3–5 business days | Courier services within Turkey (e.g., via PTT or private carriers). |
| Shipping (International) | €25–€100+ (varies by destination) | 5–14 business days | FedEx/DHL used; fees depend on item value, size, and destination. |
| Admin Fee | €5–€20 (for high-value items) | Upon claim | Applies to electronics, jewelry, or cash recovery. |
| Payment Methods | Credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or cash (TRY/USD/EUR) | At time of pickup/shipping | No online payments; fees paid in person or via courier agreement. |
How to Pay & Claim at Istanbul Airport?
- In-Person: Pay fees at the Lost & Found office (International Terminal).
- Courier Shipping: Fees paid via cash/credit card when arranging shipment.
Storage and Disposal Policies
Istanbul Airport adheres to strict policies regarding the storage and disposal of unclaimed items:
- Storage Duration: Items are stored for a specified period, after which unclaimed items may be disposed of in accordance with airport regulations.
- Perishable Items: Such items are kept for a limited time due to health and safety considerations.
Final Thoughts
Losing something at IST Airport doesn’t have to be permanent. By using the IST Lost and Found service (via phone, email, or in-person), you have a high chance of recovering your belongings. Remember to act fast, provide accurate details, and follow up regularly.
FAQs on Istanbul Airport IST Lost and Found
The main Lost & Found office is near the Arrivals Hall in the International Terminal, operating 24/7. Terminals 1, 4, 5, and 8 also have dedicated desks.
Call +90 212 465 4000 (24/7) for immediate assistance. For Terminal-specific help, dial extensions (e.g., Ext. 4 for Terminal 4).
Submit a report via the IST Airport Lost & Found Form with flight details, item description, and contact info.
Items are held for 30 days before being donated, auctioned, or discarded.
Yes, but fees vary (€25–€100+). You’ll need to provide shipping details and pay via credit card/cash.
Proof of ownership (receipts, photos), flight details, and a government-issued ID.
Yes! Terminals 1, 4, 5, and 8 have separate desks. Call the main number (+90 212 465 4000) and ask for your terminal’s extension.
Phones, passports, wallets, and luggage top the list. Report immediately if yours is missing.
No, but you can email lostandfound@igairport.com or call +90 212 465 4000 for quick help.
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