Behind the Takeoff: Exploring AUS Lost and Found with Deon Ivy

Howdy travelers! Welcome back to another edition of "Behind the Takeoff," where we bring you the inside scoop on the hardworking teams at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Today, we're diving into the world of Lost and Found with none other than Deon Ivy, our incredible Terminal Operations Officer. Buckle up, because you're in for a ride filled with heartwarming reunions, quirky finds, and behind-the-scenes deets!

How Lost and Found works at AUS

First things first: Have you ever wondered what happens to that water bottle you left behind while rushing to catch your flight? Deon’s got the answers. The Lost and Found operation at AUS is a well-oiled machine, divided among three parties: TSA handles items lost at security checkpoints, airlines manage those left on planes, and the airport itself takes care of anything left in the terminal and on AUS property. Got a missing item? Just dial 512-530-LOST, and the team will help you out. If your lost treasure is found, you can either pick it up or have it shipped to you (at your expense).

How long do you have to reclaim your stuff?

Deon tells us that non-perishable items are kept for 60 days. But, anything perishable is tossed immediately to keep things fresh and clean. Better hurry if you’ve left something behind!

What Do People Lose the Most?

Surprisingly, the most commonly lost items at AUS are water bottles. Passengers often set them down and forget them when it's time to board their flight. However, the airport also sees a variety of other lost belongings, from coats during the winter holidays to gifts left behind after exciting trips to Austin’s many events.

How to Report and Recover Lost Items

AUS uses a software solution called Chargeback for reporting and recovering lost items. Just hop onto Chargerback and select Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to report your missing belongings. You can also make inquiries in person or by calling 512-530-LOST. Lost and Found operates 7 days a week, from 8:00 AM – 4 PM. It’s located behind Carousel 1 on the Baggage Claim level.

The Challenges of Lost and Found

Deon shares that the biggest challenge in managing Lost and Found is the total randomness of lost items. With Austin hosting numerous special events and holidays, the influx of passengers brings an equally large influx of lost items, making storage space a bit of a juggling act.

Heartwarming Reunions

One of Deon’s most touching stories involves a lost stuffed animal left in a parking garage. The tale went viral on social media and even caught the attention of the news. The family who lost it saw the story and came to reclaim it, sharing a photo of their son with the toy when he was born. Seeing the little boy light up upon reuniting with his cherished friend was a moment to remember!

The Weirdest Items We've Found

Now, let’s get to the fun stuff. Deon’s most unusual find? A pageant crown, encased in glass, forgotten by a proud winner in the food court. The owner’s reaction upon being reunited with her crown was nothing short of a fairy tale moment.

Picture this: a sparkling, immaculate pageant crown sitting in a glass box, left behind in a food court chair. The crown’s owner, fresh from her victory, had set it down while enjoying a meal, only to forget it in the rush. It didn't take long for the crown to be reported and turned into Lost and Found, where Deon and his team sprang into action.

Within minutes, the owner, franticly arrived at Lost and Found, eager to retrieve her crown. It was as if she had just won the pageant all over again! This story is a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the Lost and Found team, making sure even the most unique items find their way back to their owners.

A Typical Day in Lost and Found

Deon and his team usually start the day by checking voicemails from passengers and managing new item lost reports through their software. They process incoming items, search for owners, handle in-person inquiries, and even use social media to track down potential owners. It’s a busy but rewarding job!

Why We Love What We Do

For Deon, the best part of the job is the thrill of the search. Sometimes, it’s easy with a name tag or instructions; other times, it’s like solving a mystery. Using social media and other methods to find owners adds an element of excitement and fulfillment to the job, knowing his team has alleviated someone’s stress.

And that’s a wrap on this edition of "Behind the Takeoff." A huge thank you to Deon Ivy for sharing his insights and heartwarming stories. Next time you pass through AUS, remember the dedicated team behind the scenes, making sure your lost items find their way back home. Safe travels, everyone!