Watdapiep: this is what happens to lost luggage that is never picked up

So there you are, behaving yourself at the baggage claim, waiting for a suitcase that has gone missing. Thank god that has never happened to me (knock on wood), but enough people I know have experienced it. Do you actually know what happens to lost luggage that is never claimed? I can tell you: something you wouldn't expect...

Every year, thousands of suitcases go missing. Just at Schiphol, yes. And if you think that the airport staff goes home with your Chanel perfume or iPad, then you're mistaken. Every item is sorted to determine whether it can be recycled or thrown away or returned to its rightful owner. Unless, of course, there was a load of drugs in your suitcase, then the police are called and it is ultimately destroyed as evidence.

The chances are quite high that you will just get your suitcase items back if they have gone missing. In 85 percent of cases, your items are sent on the next flight and are either delivered to your vacation destination or returned to you a few weeks later. But what if you don't say anything? Lost luggage that is not claimed within 90 days officially becomes the property of the airport, which then organizes a real suitcase auction. I'm not kidding. Auctions take place four times a year, and each airport works with its own auction house. For Schiphol, that is Auction House De Eland in Diemen.

The funny thing about the story: no one knows what is in the suitcases. So it's a gamble what you get. A snorkel set and a bunch of dirty laundry or a load of valuable jewelry and a stash of designer bags. Who knows. Traders from all over the country who love the gambling element flock to the auctions. However, there is a little bit of cheating involved, as electronics are removed from the suitcase beforehand and auctioned separately. Found money goes to charity. The auctioneer indicates in advance what the estimated value of the contents is. It usually starts at 50 euros and can go up to hundreds of euros (hi, Louis Vuitton suitcase).

If you are now thinking: ha, I want to be there for once, at such a suitcase auction, check here when another suitcase stash is being auctioned.

Source: Skyscanner