Unclaimed Airport Change: A Treasure Trove for Aviation Security

In a world where every penny counts, the loose change left behind at airport security checkpoints has become a surprising source of funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As passengers rush through the screening process, they often overlook the small change they've had to toss into a bucket, unaware of the significant impact it can have on improving aviation security.

Uncovering the Hidden Value of Forgotten Coins

The Surprising Magnitude of Unclaimed Change

The numbers are staggering. In the 2023 fiscal year, TSA reported that nearly ,000 in loose change was left behind at the security checkpoints at Charlotte-Douglas and other airports in North Carolina. This figure represents a more than 200% increase from the previous year, a testament to the growing number of travelers passing through the nation's airports.

Reclaiming the Forgotten Funds

TSA is committed to ensuring that the unclaimed change is returned to its rightful owners. "We make every effort to make sure that we get that money to the passengers who leave it behind," explains TSA spokesperson Daniel Velez. "We hold on to it for quite a while, hoping that someone will come back and claim it."

The Airports' Unclaimed Treasure

However, once the money is deemed unclaimed, the airports are free to utilize it. "Through Congress, we are allowed to use the money to improve our aviation security, our screening, our technology, those types of things," Velez states. This means that the forgotten coins and bills left behind by travelers are directly contributing to the enhancement of airport security measures, benefiting all who pass through.

The Surge in Passenger Traffic

The significant increase in unclaimed change can be attributed to the surge in passenger traffic. "The most obvious reason is that there's so many more people flying," Velez explains. "We are breaking records left and right. Just about every weekend now."

Reclaiming Lost Items

While the unclaimed change is a valuable resource, TSA also encourages passengers to be vigilant in retrieving any personal items they may have left behind. Velez advises that if a passenger leaves an item such as a wallet and realizes it after boarding their flight, they can contact any of TSA's lost and found offices at airports across the country to identify and retrieve the lost item.

Leveling the Playing Field in the Carolinas

WCNC Charlotte's "Where's The Money" series is dedicated to helping viewers in the Carolinas navigate the financial landscape and break down barriers. By shedding light on the unclaimed change at airport security checkpoints, the series aims to empower travelers to be more mindful of their belongings and ensure that every penny counts, both for themselves and for the greater good of aviation security.As the number of air travelers continues to soar, the unclaimed change left behind at airport security checkpoints has become a valuable resource for the TSA. By reclaiming these forgotten funds and channeling them into improving aviation security, the agency is not only enhancing the safety of air travel but also demonstrating the power of every single coin or bill to make a meaningful difference.