What to Do If You Leave Belongings on a Plane

Dozens of electronic items (such as iPods, digital cameras, cell phones, and even laptops), plus wallets and untold pairs of glasses, are left in the real Bermuda Triangle―the seat’s back pocket―every day, says Chris Gossner of US Airways. Follow these steps if you have made the same mistake.

• Call the airline immediately. US Airways holds items at airports for 72 hours before sending them to an offsite lost-and-found office.
   
• Make your item stand out: Rather than opening 77 black eyeglass cases to find the one with your address label inside, an airline employee can scan the bunch for the case with lime-green polka dots.
   
• Don’t bother calling your missing cell phone in the hopes that someone from lost and found will pick up. Staffers will most likely have turned off the ringer. Otherwise, the constant noise would drive everyone crazy.