Losing an item while traveling can be a frustrating experience. Especially in a bustling airport like Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Whether you misplaced your phone in a terminal or left a valuable in a parking garage, understanding the airport’s Lost and Found process is the first step in recovering your belongings. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on where to find the Lost and Found office, what items they hold, and the steps involved in reporting and claiming a lost item at Pearson Airport.
The airport’s dedicated Lost and Found office is the central point for managing items found within the terminals and parking facilities. They strive to reunite passengers with their possessions through an efficient and clearly defined procedure. It’s important to note that the office operates separately from airline baggage services and security screening authorities (CATSA), so knowing where your item was lost is crucial for contacting the correct party.
Where to Find the Lost and Found Pearson Airport Office and Operating Hours
For in-person inquiries or item pickups, the Lost and Found office at Toronto Pearson Airport is conveniently located within Terminal 1. Knowing the exact location and hours of operation will save you time and hassle.
Location Details:
- Terminal: Terminal 1
- Area: Ground level, before security
- Specific Spot: Between doors R and S
- Map: A map is available for precise visualization of the location.
Operating Hours:
Please note that the office maintains specific operating hours, and it is closed on weekends.
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm EST
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
If you cannot visit during these hours, the airport offers alternative methods for retrieval, such as designating a friend or family member for pickup or arranging shipping, which will be detailed below. Always confirm the office is open before making a special trip.
The Process for Reporting and Retrieving a Lost Item at YYZ Airport
The standard procedure for dealing with lost property at Pearson Airport involves three main steps: filing a report, waiting for inventory search, and arranging retrieval.
1. Filing a Report
If you realize an item is missing in the terminals or parking garages, the most effective way to start the recovery process is by submitting an online report. The airport strongly recommends this method over relying solely on an in-person visit.
- Method: Submit a report online via the dedicated link.
- Confirmation: Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation email containing a unique report number. Keep this number handy for all follow-up inquiries.
- Information is Key: When filing, provide as many details as possible. For electronics such as phones and laptops, including the device’s serial number is extremely important. This unique number is the simplest and quickest way for staff to match a found item to your report.
Important Note on Items Lost Elsewhere: If you left an item on the airplane, including checked luggage, you must contact your specific airline, as they are responsible for these items. Similarly, items lost on public transit are not handled by the airport’s Lost and Found department.
2. Inventory Search and Notification
Once your report is filed, the Lost and Found staff will actively search their inventory for a match over a period of 30 days. All found items are held for 30 days from the date they are turned in.
- Search Duration: The inventory search period is 30 days.
- Notification: You will be notified of the result via email. Remember to check your junk or spam folders to ensure you don’t miss this crucial communication.
- If you realize you’ve overlooked crucial details while submitting your report, you can amend it afterward. Simply follow the link and report number provided in your confirmation email to make the necessary changes.
3. Retrieving Your Found Item
If the airport successfully finds your item and verifies ownership (you will receive an email with instructions for ownership verification), you have a few options for retrieval:
- In-Person Pickup: Visit the Lost and Found office in Terminal 1 during its operating hours (Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm). You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID to claim the item.
- Authorized Pickup: You can send an authorized friend or family member. To do this, you must access your online report and update it with the designated person’s full name in the description section. They must also present a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Shipping: If you cannot pick up the item, you can arrange and pay for shipping. The airport will send you a link to a shipping checkout page where you can pay by credit card. Shipping is handled by FEDEX, Monday to Friday, excluding Canadian and Ontario holidays. Payment must be received by 10 am EST to qualify for the selected shipping timeline. You will receive a tracking number upon payment confirmation.
The Lost and Found service itself usually doesn’t incur any costs, except for shipping fees if you need to return the item.
Lost and Found Pearson Airport Crucial Restrictions and Policies
There are strict rules regarding what items the Lost and Found office accepts, holds, and what happens to items that remain unclaimed.
Items Not Accepted or Held:
The office explicitly states that they do not hold several categories of items, primarily for security and hygiene reasons. If you lose one of these items, you will need to contact the responsible party directly (e.g., airline for onboard items).
- Passports and Nexus cards
- Perishable items
- Neck pillows
- Items lost on airplanes (including checked luggage)
- Items lost on public transit
- Soiled garments, drinking, or food containers (due to sanitary/hygiene reasons)
What Happens After 30 Days?
Items not claimed within the 30-day holding period are disposed of according to a strict policy:
- Items with Personal Information: Any items containing personal identifiers, such as electronics, identification documents, etc., will be destroyed to protect privacy.
- Non-Personal Items: Non-personal items, including clothing, watches, and bags, are donated to charity.
Security Screening Confiscations
If your item was confiscated during security screening because it was deemed unsafe for air travel, it is held by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). These items are never transferred to the Airport Lost and Found office. You must contact CATSA for information regarding confiscated goods.
Scam Alert!
Travelers should be vigilant against scams. The Lost and Found Pearson Airport has issued a warning regarding a circulating scam that asks passengers to pay a non-refundable $40 fee for lost and found items. Remember: there is no cost associated with filing a report. Or retrieving an item in person; only shipping costs may apply.
Navigating a large airport can be challenging, but the clear procedures established by Toronto Pearson’s Lost and Found department ensure that lost items have the best chance of being recovered. By filing a detailed report quickly, knowing the operating hours, and understanding the restrictions, you can significantly improve your odds of being reunited with your belongings.
For any other airport-related questions, consult the airport’s website for information on departures, arrivals, connections, parking, and other services.