What happens to items removed from luggage?
This week some our suitcases that were delayed arrived. When inquiring with the delivery people, they told us that some restricted items were found by customs (not security although sometimes people confuse the two in my experience). Upon inspection, indeed a few things were missing, when I called the delivery company they confirmed the items but were not able to give any more information.
What happens to items removed from luggage? Are they kept somewhere? Can they be recovered?
This time it probably not worth the hassle but since this never happened to me after decades of flying into over 50 countries, I felt confused a frustrated at the lack of transparency. Specifically, they took out all AA batteries from inside items (a pair of Lithium AAs in a flashlight and NiMh AAs that were in some children toys), a bag of sweets and a box of chocolates. Nothing that we had not taken with us before. Oddly, a 9V Lithium battery was not removed from the only item that had a screw holding the battery compartment door closed.
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Lost luggage: What happens to your baggage after check-in
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