Unattended Baggage — What to Do
Last updated: 6 Jul 2026Reviewed by Ms. Rubab Nizami, Lead AVSEC Faculty
In short
An unattended bag at an airport is treated as a potential threat. Never touch or move it. Keep people away, note exactly where it is and when you saw it, and report it immediately to security. Most turn out to be forgotten — but every one is treated seriously until cleared.
- First rule
- Never touch it
- Then
- Keep people away and report it
What should you do if you find an unattended bag?
Do not touch or move it. Keep people back from it, note the exact location and the time you first noticed it, and report it to security or the CISF immediately. Let trained responders decide whether it is a threat — that is not your call to make alone.
Why is unattended baggage taken so seriously?
Because a bag could contain an explosive device, every unattended item is treated as a potential threat until security clears it. Most are simply forgotten, but the only safe assumption is that it could be dangerous — so you report, never investigate.
At a glance
- Never touch or move an unattended bag.
- Keep people away; note location and time.
- Report it to security or the CISF immediately.
Quick answers
Can I look inside an unattended bag to find the owner?
No. Never open or touch it. Report it and let security handle it.
Who do I report an unattended bag to?
Airport security or the CISF, immediately.