It’s estimated over 4 billion people fly each year. That’s a lot of people – and a lot of stuff – which means a lot of lost luggage.
Yeah, yeah… airlines claim they hold onto “lost luggage” for about 60 days and supposedly do “everything possible” to track down the rightful owner… but what happens if they aren’t successful?
They sell it.
No surprise there.
Airlines will do anything to make a buck – even sell your stuff.
But what’s wild is you can actually then turn around and buy other people’s lost luggage!
Yes really.
Located in Scottsboro, Alabama, the Unclaimed Baggage Center buys luggage and unclaimed cargo – attracting tourists from all around the world (from over 40 countries) to pick through other people’s lost treasures.
Bizarre concept?
Maybe.
But they’ve been in business since 1970, so obviously something is working right.
Score Some Good Deals
Many people do travel with really nice stuff.
If you decide to check out this store, you could find everything from diamond jewelry to cameras.
Although over 60% of their items are clothing (sold at up to 80 percent below retail value by the way), you can take your pick from everything that people typically pack in their suitcases.
Yeah, it might be kind of weird wearing someone else’s lost stuff.
But if you can get past it, you could seriously score some cool gear for a pretty low price.
Weird Stuff
Sure, you’ll expect to find your typical lost luggage items – sunglasses, sweaters, and maybe some sporting gear.
But as it turns out, people fly with some really weird stuff too.
While unpacking other people’s “treasures,” Unclaimed Baggage has found everything from a live rattlesnake to 50 vacuum-sealed frogs.
Other strange items include a full Scottish kilt, ashes of a deceased person, and a shrunken head.
They Give Back
Okay, so Unclaimed Baggage sells other people’s stuff – but as it turns out, they give back and help others in an epic way.
Their website reports they’ve donated millions of dollars of medical supplies to developing countries and have helped rebuild wheelchairs for children and adults all around the world.
How amazing is that!
They’ve also helped pastors and ministry groups by providing iPads and devotionals!
And putting their money where their mouth is, they even donate funds to help local crisis pregnancy centers and expecting moms and dads in their local community with baby items.
#madrespect.
Don’t Let Your Luggage Be Sold
You might like sorting through someone else’s stuff – but don’t let it happen to you.
Remember – if you never check a bag – your luggage will never get lost!
Be sure to check out all our travel trips on how to pack efficiently and stop the airlines from ripping you off even more.
If you go against our advice and still insist on checking a bag, never count on the efficiency of an airline to actually get your stuff to your destination.
So don’t check anything valuable. And make sure your contact info is on your luggage.
Have you ever been to the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Alabama?
Would you ever consider buying someone else’s lost luggage?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with all your friends!
(h/t Proud American Traveler)