And the most common item 'lost' while flying is...

Tracey Lange speaks to Haydn Henning from LIFT Airline.

A LOT is going on while you're flying...

If you're a first time traveller, it might be an exciting but daunting time because there are so many things to remember, do and watch out for... that's probably why people lose things on flights.

But what's the most common lost item on a flight?

According to LIFT's 'Lost and Found Index,' the most common item since the airline launched in 2020 is glasses - both specs and sunnies, reports Henning.

A total of 212 pairs of glasses were left on board over the last 3.5 years, adds Henning.

A close second was identity cards followed by:

• caps
• jerseys
• belts 
• earphones (sometimes a set, and sometimes a lone earpiece) 
• children's items: toy planes, trucks, dolls and the odd shoe
• high-value items like iPads, cell phones and MacBooks.

High-value items are often returned to owners. 

To avoid losing things while you're high in the sky, Henning shares the following top tips:

• When disembarking a plane be sure to thoroughly check the overhead compartment and stowage areas for any personal belongings.
• When opening the overhead bins, please be cautious of loose items that may have shifted during flight.
• Check beneath the seats and do a mental check for any loose items you boarded the plane with. 
• A travel wallet is very useful to have, allowing travellers to keep passports, birth certificates, currency or even boarding passes safe and compact in one spot. 
• Passengers should avoid taking too many loose items, or taking too many items out of hand luggage while travelling.
• The more you unpack, the more you have to keep track of: having one bag with a good amount of compartments could be helpful. 
• Clearly labelling items is never a bad idea, and adding a phone number just in case things get lost is an even better idea.
• Use trackers like ‘Apple Air Tags’ to track what you consider high-value items.

So, hold on to your glasses and happy flying!