The latest and most publicly provided statistics from the Bureau of Transportation on the airline industries number of passengers was in 2005. Those numbers can be studied in depth by clicking here. The stated number of passengers for 2005 was 660,480,345 total domestic passengers in the United States. It is important to see how large this number is when you take a look at the following number of lost baggage for around 2 - 3 million people in the United States. So although two million lost bags is quite a large number it is a very small percentage of the total amount of baggage going through airlines. It is reported that around 99.5% of baggage makes it to the passenger eventually.
These days, unclaimed baggage is a million dollar business for one lucky company in the United States. It is surprising to find out that there is only one unclaimed baggage facility for all of the airlines in the entire country. This idea was started from very small beginnings in 1970 when the founder, Doyle Owens, took $300 dollars and an old truck to purchase some unclaimed baggage and hauled it away.
From such a small start, the Unclaimed Baggage Center has grown to a 40,000 square foot facility in Scottsboro, Alabama. The state of Alabama can’t complain as the store brings in millions of visitors a year flocking to the store for lost treasures and unheard of bargains. Every day nearly 7,000 new items are added to the stores shelves. You can view the Unclaimed Baggage Center’s website at www.unclaimedbaggage.com to get more information how you can score your next treasure from the sea of unclaimed baggage.
If the baggage is simply left unclaimed it might be assumed that what is left is mostly heaps of worthless junk that no one wanted in the first place. Surprising enough very valuable things have been found and resold to bargain hunters for amazing prices. 
Treasures like an antique 1770 violin, diamond rings, silver, wedding dresses, hidden money, Egyptian artifacts and just about anything you could ever imagine. In terms of jewelry, the record for the Unclaimed Baggage Center so far is a 40.95-carat natural emerald was found tucked away in a small plastic bag.
With a long list of jaw dropping treasure troves finding their way out of forgotten luggage there is also the downside of the business. Dirty laundry, toiletries and junk galore of stuff that really was easily forgotten once the airlines paid passengers their lost baggage bounty. Dirty laundry keeps the Unclaimed Baggage Center washing and dry cleaning laundry more than any location in Scottsboro, Alabama. So it seems even such a lucrative no brainer business is still a dirty business that could grace the featured spots of the tv show Dirty Jobs.
All of the unclaimed baggage is analyzed by professionals that know specific markets and generally have a good idea of retail market value. From that point they price the products anywhere from 20-80% off the retail value giving patrons exciting values. The number one seller seems to hold a solid spot with electronics being the most sought after products on store she
lves from iPods, cellphones, camcorders and guitars. One item that seems to be in abundance and priced the most competitive isn’t very surprising since it’s actually the actual bags that contain all the treasures. If toothpaste ever became valuable the Unclaimed Baggage Center would be in an enviable position.
Even though the percentage is very low of unclaimed baggage it still could happen to you any time you fly. There are some simple things you can do to ensure that your luggage will always make it back to you. The number one thing is to put identification tags in multiple locations inside of your luggage detailing your home address and possibly even including a copy of your itinerary to help locate you while you’re on vacation. 
Other tips that are suggested are taking photos of your luggage and an inventory of its contents so that when you do file a claim that you have proof. The other most important thing is to never leave if you don’t get your baggage, always file a claim immediately before you leave.
When on your next road trip passing through Alabama don’t forget to make a quick detour to the Unclaimed Baggage Center and hunt around for you next treasure find or bargains on your next luggage set. You just may surprise yourself with a 40.95-carat emerald, new wedding dress or even a luggage full of cash as one man did. If you feel this business practice is a little unfortunate or not fair, it’s most likely not going anywhere since it’s been running successfully since 1970. If you have a lost luggage story drop us a comment and let us know about it. Have you visited the Unclaimed Baggage Center and found a treasure, we want to know about that too!
About a year ago my daughter left her calendar book on an airplane. It really upset her not because of her appointment that were in it but because she had written the first word, first step, when her daughter started crawling, etc etc.. before she had gotten time to put it in her baby book. Is there any way or possiblity that it could have ended up in your hands. It was the typical black calendar book with snap on it. Packe pretty full of papers, etc. Thank you for any help you give me.
My family and I traveled with Emirates Airlines last December and at my destination when I tried to collect my luggage, much to my horror I discovered that I was missing 3 of my luggage. It took me about 7 days to receive 2 of them but the 3rd was never found. I filed all the necessary paper works including a signed affidavit of the contents with the local Emirates office before I left for home. I was told by Emirates employee that it will take 6 weeks to resolve the issue. After 2 months Emirates called my relatives at the local number that I have provided to come and pick up a check. I called Emirates and explained to them that I lived in the US and it is not possible for me to go to another country to pick up my compensation check. Much to my surprise I was told that I will receive much lower amount than what my total loss amounted to and the New York office will contact me. Sure enough the New York office contacted me almost 2 weeks later and informed me that they are ready to send me a check. When I questioned the amount the representative told me that she had her instructions from the head office in Dubai and she will not be able to negotiate the amount of my compensation. When I asked how Emirates came to conclusion that the compensation amount should be $530 when my signed affidavit of lost items totaled around $1100. I was told that since I did not provide any receipts, the amount was $530. I emailed Emirates 2 times since then and it has been another 2 weeks but I am yet to hear from them. I informed Emirates that at the time of my paper work for lost luggage and contents, it neither was on the form nor was I told that receipts were required in order to receive just compensation. Should one carry receipts to a vacation? Why require signing affidavit if Emirates will question the truthfulness of the person who signed? Should one exaggerate on the lost content list in order to get just and due compensation? It is over 3 months now but I am yet to have my lost luggage issue resolved. Needless to say that I have the feeling of utter frustration and total helplessness. So I decided to write blog and I hope my fellow passengers will be aware of Emirates Airlines. On the bright side I may have contributed to the million dollar business of unclaimed baggage.
Dear Sir ,
Hope you are fine.
We are an Iranian company dealing with import buggage and It’s material and accessories from China and other countries , Now you are kindly requesetd to let me know are you a suuplier of these Items ?
Our direct add: tejarat_gostar_matin@yahoo.com
Best wishes,
REza , Safi.
Dear Sir ,
Hope you are fine .
We are an Iranian company dealing with import Baggage and bag and their material and accessories .
Pls let me know if you are at the field of export these Items .
Best wishes,
Reza , safi.
How do I get started in the unclaimed baggage business, could you please send information.
How does one acquired the unclaimed baggage?