{"id":131892,"date":"2024-11-30T21:11:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-30T14:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=131892"},"modified":"2024-11-30T21:11:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-30T14:11:00","slug":"unclaimed-baggage-inside-the-alabama-store-that-sells-the-contents-of-lost-suitcases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=131892","title":{"rendered":"Unclaimed Baggage: Inside the Alabama store that sells the contents of lost suitcases"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-editable=\"content\" itemprop=\"articleBody\" data-reorderable=\"content\">\n<p>\n    <cite class=\"source__cite\"><br \/>\n      <span class=\"source__location\" data-editable=\"location\">Scottsboro, Alabama<\/span><br \/>\n      <span class=\"source__text\" data-editable=\"source\">CNN<\/span><br \/>\n        \u00a0\u2014\u00a0<br \/>\n    <\/cite>\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40a7w92002r2dnj4ymohs9i@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Vee Aronds gazed at her reflection in the mirror as she tried on a satin-and-lace wedding dress. She patted the fitted bodice and twirled to see the length of the train.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40a80a800003b6mi159n3u5@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Surrounded by racks of formal gowns, Aronds was on a mission to uncover hidden treasures at the sprawling Unclaimed Baggage store, which describes itself as the nation\u2019s only seller of items from lost luggage.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40au1e7000i3b6mdivsp6x9@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Millions of clothing items, pieces of jewelry, electronics and other abandoned belongings end up each year at this singular store in northeastern Alabama.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40atqc6000g3b6mdmipf1a8@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            As she admired the flowing white dress from different angles, Aronds mused about its journey from an airport carousel to the store.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40avwrw000n3b6md0drfeyt@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Who had owned it, she wondered? Did the suitcase get lost on the way to the wedding \u2014 or after? Would the owner recognize her intricate dress if she saw it in the store?\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40avc3t000l3b6mi0oqstod@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Inside the 50,000 square-foot space, rows of clothes, shoes, books, electronics and other inventory from lost suitcases stretch as far as the eye can see. On this day they included a mix of unique items \u2013 left-handed kitchen shears \u2013 and whimsical ones, such as a papier-mach\u00e9 Tinker Bell from Disney\u2019s \u201cPeter Pan\u201d dangling from the ceiling.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40aw5no000q3b6mays4wl4e@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Airlines typically spent three to four months trying to reunite lost suitcases with their owners. If they can\u2019t, they sell the bags to Unclaimed Baggage, which separates items into batches to be sold, thrown away or donated to charity, said Bryan Owens, the store\u2019s owner. Bargain hunters then scoop up the store\u2019s merchandise at discount prices.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40b5x6z000v3b6muxl1dayj@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Aronds, 55, and her partner drove to Scottsboro from Ooltewah, Tennessee, one day last week. It was her first visit to the store, and she\u2019d envisioned a wonderland of partially opened bags bursting with clothes, accessories and untold secrets.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40b5x6z000w3b6mwg64koks@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            \u201cI was prepared to dig through suitcases,\u201d she said. \u201cBut now that I\u2019m here, I prefer this setup \u2014 it\u2019s so much easier to find things.\u201d\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40b5x6z000x3b6mmrbuifqp@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Her partner, Frederick Stewart, 75, watched from a bench as Aronds tossed a black gown with dark sequins into her shopping cart, joining a growing pile that included several multicolored kaftans.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40b5x6z000y3b6my19i79v4@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            She said she loved the wedding dress. But she couldn\u2019t bring herself to buy it. Not just yet.\n    <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cm40b9z1x00103b6m0tvk7yav@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"lost-luggage-items-have-included-wigs-sharks-teeth-and-two-live-snakes\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n        Lost luggage items have included wigs, sharks\u2019 teeth and two live snakes<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40c0zy200022e6aho8h3wzm@published\" class=\"image image__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-name=\"049_112124_ATS_UnclaimedBaggage.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6665\" data-original-height=\"1333\" data-original-width=\"2000\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/049-112124-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image__container \" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image__picture\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/049-112124-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/049-112124-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/049-112124-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/049-112124-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/049-112124-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"The store, which occupies a city block in Scottsboro, attracts tourists from all over the world.\" class=\"image__dam-img image__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40c1hoj00042e6amyxp951m@published\" class=\"image_expandable image_expandable__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image_expandable\" data-name=\"001_112024_ATS_UnclaimedBaggage.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image_expandable--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6665\" data-original-height=\"1333\" data-original-width=\"2000\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/001-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image_expandable__container \" data-image-variation=\"image_expandable\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image_expandable--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image_expandable__picture\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/001-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/001-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/001-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/001-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/001-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"Sunglasses are among common items left in airplane seat pockets. Boxes of eyewear end up at the store.\" class=\"image_expandable__dam-img image_expandable__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image_expandable__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40c1txg00062e6a5x13t43d@published\" class=\"image_expandable image_expandable__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image_expandable\" data-name=\"011_112024_ATS_UnclaimedBaggage.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image_expandable--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6665\" data-original-height=\"1333\" data-original-width=\"2000\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/011-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image_expandable__container \" data-image-variation=\"image_expandable\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image_expandable--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image_expandable__picture\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/011-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/011-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/011-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/011-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/011-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"Vee Aronds, 55, right, and Frederick Stewart, 75, shop at Unclaimed Baggage, where Aronds tried on a wedding dress.\" class=\"image_expandable__dam-img image_expandable__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image_expandable__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40b5uoh000t3b6mdtixsf7f@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            The Unclaimed Baggage store launched in 1970. Owens\u2019 father, Doyle Owens, started it after a friend who worked for Trailways bus service told him he had mountains of unclaimed luggage and didn\u2019t know what to do with it.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bbv6g00153b6mkrwsk0hq@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            \u201cMy dad grew up somewhat in a retail business and he thought, \u2018I can help you with that,\u2019\u201d Bryan Owens said.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bbv6g00163b6mcw37yrp3@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            The elder Owens borrowed $300 and a 1965 Chevy pickup truck and drove to Washington, D.C. to collect the suitcases. The family put ads in a Scottsboro newspaper announcing they were selling items from unclaimed baggage. People showed up in such large numbers that the items regularly sold out.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bbv6g00173b6mbmq4b52p@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            As business boomed, Doyle Owens quit his job in the insurance industry and focused on his new venture.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40babt600133b6mjyq6t3jm@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Bryan Owens bought the store from his parents in 1995. His father died two decades later, but not before he got a chance to see the store expand its reach beyond this Alabama city of 16,000 people.\n    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40c2wz400082e6a39gmahbj@published\" class=\"image image__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-name=\"056_112124_ATS_UnclaimedBaggage.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6665\" data-original-height=\"1333\" data-original-width=\"2000\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/056-112124-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image__container \" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image__picture\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/056-112124-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/056-112124-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/056-112124-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/056-112124-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/056-112124-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"More than 90% of items in the store come from unclaimed luggage, a spokesperson said. The store also stocks a few new items.\" class=\"image__dam-img image__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40c399w000a2e6aso1qlyyw@published\" class=\"image image__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-name=\"004_112024_ATS_UnclaimedBaggage.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6665\" data-original-height=\"1333\" data-original-width=\"2000\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/004-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image__container \" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image__picture\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/004-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/004-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/004-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/004-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/004-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"Outfits by costume designer Ret Turner are displayed at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Alabama. The outfits were discovered in lost suitcases in the 1980s.\" class=\"image__dam-img image__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bde3q001c3b6mdm8f7e8e@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            In the 54 years since it started, Unclaimed Baggage has gone international, with online purchases that ship to customers overseas. It\u2019s become one of the area\u2019s main tourist attractions and attracts more than 1 million visitors annually, Owens said.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bde3q001d3b6mqjp18q8p@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            The vast majority of the store\u2019s inventory is from luggage lost during air travel, although the store receives some unclaimed bags from trains and buses. Unclaimed Baggage also sells items left in seat pockets, overhead bins and in hand luggage, said Sonni Hood, the store\u2019s spokesperson.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bc3lk001a3b6mp9m173ux@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Among the quirkier items discovered in luggage last year: a funeral casket key, a suitcase packed with wigs, a jar full of shark teeth and two live rat snakes stashed in a duffel bag. The store released the non-venomous reptiles into the wild.\n    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40c43qq000e2e6ai1ms1ygr@published\" class=\"image image__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-name=\"036_112024_ATS_UnclaimedBaggage.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6665\" data-original-height=\"1333\" data-original-width=\"2000\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/036-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image__container \" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image__picture\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/036-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/036-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/036-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/036-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/036-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"A museum inside the store showcases quirky items found in suitcases over the years, like this refurbished Hoggle puppet from the film set of \u201cLabyrinth.\u201d\" class=\"image__dam-img image__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40beifp001i3b6mmhtg1se7@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Some of the more unusual items found in luggage over the decades are showcased in a small museum inside the store. They include a suit of armor, a set of bagpipes,<strong> <\/strong>a Gucci bag filled with Egyptian historical artifacts and a puppet \u2014 of Hoggle, a grumpy dwarf \u2014 used in the 1986 fantasy movie \u201cLabyrinth.\u201d\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40beifp001j3b6mv1vymy40@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            One lost bag contained a custom Nikon camera designed for the space shuttle. Turns out, someone from NASA had lost it during transit.  The store turned it over to the space agency, Owens said.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40beifp001k3b6mvkhieowm@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            \u201cIt\u2019s like Christmas every day \u2013 we never know what we\u2019ll find,\u201d he said. \u201cI look at it like an archaeological dig.\u201d\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bdmza001g3b6m8o7ju4w3@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            In 2023, airlines lost <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2024\/11\/07\/travel\/apple-airtag-third-party-tracking\/index.html\">an average of 6.9 bags<\/a> per 1,000 passengers. More than 99.5% of suitcases are eventually reunited with their owners, but the small fraction of lost bags adds up, Hood said. In August 2024 alone, for example, federal statistics show airlines <a href=\"https:\/\/www.transportation.gov\/sites\/dot.gov\/files\/2024-10\/October%202024%20ATCR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mishandled more than 260,000 bags<\/a> in the US.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bncxc001r3b6m6q8jen2p@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Airlines typically spend three to four months trying to match the unclaimed bags with their owners before selling them to the store. Some bags go unclaimed because they have no identifying information.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bncxc001s3b6m45ue0rde@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            By the time the bags end up at the store, the airlines have already compensated the owners, per federal regulations,  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.transportation.gov\/lost-delayed-or-damaged-baggage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">up to $3,800 per passenger<\/a> for a lost bag on a domestic flight, Hood said.\n    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40c5swp000i2e6ap8l0ev4h@published\" class=\"image_large image_large__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image_large\" data-name=\"05 airtags travel lost bags luggage\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image_large--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.5625\" data-original-height=\"900\" data-original-width=\"1600\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/230609091810-05-airtags-travel-lost-bags-luggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image_large__container \" data-image-variation=\"image_large\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image_large--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image_large__picture\"><source height=\"900\" width=\"1600\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/230609091810-05-airtags-travel-lost-bags-luggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"900\" width=\"1600\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/230609091810-05-airtags-travel-lost-bags-luggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"900\" width=\"1600\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/230609091810-05-airtags-travel-lost-bags-luggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"900\" width=\"1600\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/230609091810-05-airtags-travel-lost-bags-luggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/230609091810-05-airtags-travel-lost-bags-luggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 28: Pristine Floyde searches for a friend's suitcase in a baggage holding area for Southwest Airlines at Denver International Airport on December 28, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. More than 15,000 flights have been canceled by airlines since winter weather began impacting air travel on December 22. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo\/Getty Images)\" class=\"image_large__dam-img image_large__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image_large__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"900\" width=\"1600\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bncxc001t3b6m7lfoxe8o@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            The store buys each bag as is, without taking inventory of its contents. The bags are taken to a warehouse, where their items are sorted and cleaned.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bncxc001u3b6mdwwgejew@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Used undergarments are not sold; only new ones that still have price tags on them, Hood said. Tech experts remove personal data from electronic devices and test them to ensure they work.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bncxc001v3b6m5tfocdds@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            About 7,000 new items arrive at the store each day, Hood said.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bncxc001w3b6m1kg2dd5l@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            CNN reached out to a handful of US-based airlines with questions about how their process works. Two \u2014 United Airlines and Southwest \u2014 confirmed that they send lost suitcases to the facility in Alabama after they\u2019ve exhausted options to reunite them with their owners.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bncxc001x3b6mvo5mitoi@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            United said it sends suitcases after 90 days, while Southwest does so after 120 days. Other domestic airlines contacted by CNN did not respond.\n    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40c9pj0000o2e6agyt8dqrk@published\" class=\"image image__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-name=\"019_112024_ATS_UnclaimedBaggage.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6665\" data-original-height=\"1333\" data-original-width=\"2000\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/019-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image__container \" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image__picture\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/019-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/019-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/019-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/019-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/019-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"Wade Dubose, 59, from Scottsboro, describes himself as an Unclaimed Baggage super shopper.  He resells the items he buys at the store.\" class=\"image__dam-img image__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bf6qz001p3b6mhcous78a@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Over the years, items recovered from lost suitcases have reflected changing cultural trends. During the store\u2019s infancy, travelers often left their Walkmans \u2013 portable music players \u2013 on planes, along with cassettes by such \u201870s artists as Joni Mitchell.<strong> <\/strong>Today, travelers leave AirPods, phones and tablets, along with T-shirts and other merchandise from Taylor Swift\u2019s Eras Tour.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40btwe700243b6m7kl0gju9@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            \u201cIt\u2019s a snapshot of what\u2019s going on with travelers, and a slice of society in general,\u201d Owens said.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40btwe700253b6mlh00ly5b@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            The most frequently found items include sneakers, blouses and blue jeans \u2013 although more formal clothing turns up as well<strong>.<\/strong> Filmmaker Daniel Scheinert, who won an Oscar last year for co-directing \u201cEverything Everywhere All at Once,\u201d famously<strong> <\/strong>delivered his acceptance speech in a tuxedo <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/travel\/2023\/03\/13\/daniel-scheinert-oscars-tux-unclaimed-luggage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">purchased from the Unclaimed Baggage store<\/a>.<s\/>\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40btwe700263b6mtfdnxa9z@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Items in the store are priced at between 20% to 80% off retail prices, Hood said. But that doesn\u2019t mean they sell cheap junk, she said.\n    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40cjuj300162e6avoavxg0z@published\" class=\"image image__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-name=\"016_112024_ATS_UnclaimedBaggage.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6665\" data-original-height=\"1333\" data-original-width=\"2000\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/016-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image__container \" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image__picture\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/016-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/016-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/016-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/016-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/016-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"The store's inventory from lost suitcases includes luxury items such as fur coats and designer jewelry.\" class=\"image__dam-img image__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40cctxx000u2e6a6ffdrwkw@published\" class=\"image_expandable image_expandable__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image_expandable\" data-name=\"032_112024_ATS_UnclaimedBaggage.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image_expandable--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6665\" data-original-height=\"1333\" data-original-width=\"2000\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/032-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image_expandable__container \" data-image-variation=\"image_expandable\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image_expandable--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image_expandable__picture\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/032-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/032-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/032-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/032-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/032-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"The Unclaimed Baggage store sells watches left in suitcases, in carry-on luggage and in the plane's seat pockets.\" class=\"image_expandable__dam-img image_expandable__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image_expandable__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40cd4ui000w2e6ai78o1x1u@published\" class=\"image_expandable image_expandable__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image_expandable\" data-name=\"044_112024_ATS_UnclaimedBaggage.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image_expandable--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6665\" data-original-height=\"1333\" data-original-width=\"2000\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/044-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image_expandable__container \" data-image-variation=\"image_expandable\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image_expandable--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image_expandable__picture\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/044-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/044-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/044-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/044-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/044-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"Before phones at the Unclaimed Baggage store are sold to the public, they are wiped of any traces of past owners.\" class=\"image_expandable__dam-img image_expandable__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image_expandable__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40btwe700273b6muyekoncm@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            \u201cWe are not a thrift store. Thrift stores are full of things that people no longer want. Our store is full of things that people loved so much, they packed them to take on vacation. So it\u2019s usually going to be nicer items.\u201d\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40btwe700283b6my1l64lw3@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Wade Dubose, 59, is a self-proclaimed super shopper who goes to the store several times a day to hunt for bargains.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40btwe700293b6mz0yr0bth@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            \u201cIt\u2019s like going on an adventure \u2014 you never know what you\u2019re gonna get,\u201d he said.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40btwe7002a3b6m12wedw5n@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            On a recent visit, he scattered his planned purchases on the floor around him. They included a pair of Nikon binoculars, tailgating fans, hand warmers and a golf cart cover.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40btwe7002b3b6m5ql2mr27@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            As an entrepreneur who purchases items and resells them, Dubose relies on the store for his inventory. \u201cI buy anything, as long as it\u2019s a deal,\u201d he said.\n    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40c6q9r000k2e6aafdf5h5e@published\" class=\"image image__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-name=\"034_112024_ATS_UnclaimedBaggage.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.7745\" data-original-height=\"1549\" data-original-width=\"2000\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/034-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image__container \" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image__picture\"><source height=\"1549\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/034-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1549\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/034-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1549\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/034-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1549\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/034-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/034-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"Andolyn Parrish, 28, from Nashville, poses with her shopping cart at the Unclaimed Baggage store.\" class=\"image__dam-img image__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"1549\" width=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40btg2q00223b6m3axgbh4k@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Andolyn Parrish, 28, grew up in Scottsboro but moved to Nashville, where she works as a salesperson. She visits her hometown regularly to see family and shop at the store.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bv4y2002i3b6mhzez938w@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            On a recent trip, she pushed a shopping cart overflowing with clothes. At the top was a silver $10 jacket that she said would spruce up her work outfits.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bv4y2002j3b6mkvjbh8j9@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            One of Parrish\u2019s most expensive purchases was a vintage Louis Vuitton duffel that cost her $350 but retails for thousands of dollars.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bv4y2002k3b6m4fjjjxgc@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            \u201cSomething that I could never afford at retail prices, but I was able to pick it up here,\u201d she said.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bv4y2002l3b6mn2bm5zie@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Hood, the store\u2019s spokesperson, said their most expensive item ever was a platinum Rolex watch that retailed for $64,000 but was sold at the store for half that. The store\u2019s current top-ticket item is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unclaimedbaggage.com\/collections\/womens-rings\/products\/18k-white-gold-round-six-prong-solitaire-diamond-ring\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a solitaire diamond ring<\/a> priced at $19,491.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bv4y2002m3b6m6cl2tqe0@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            \u201cWhen I look around here, I see a store full of found things,  not lost things \u2014 items given a second chance,\u201d said Hood, who started working at the store in high school as a fitting room helper.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bv4y2002n3b6mdjbl8gzz@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            \u201cThrough loss, there\u2019s a chance for hope and redemption. Through our donations, we transform lives. Loss in any way is devastating. But how incredible is it to transform that into something positive for others?\u201d\n    <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cm40bvc09002p3b6m4k1y3d1j@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"the-store-is-not-a-lost-and-found-but-one-woman-discovered-her-old-ski-boots\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n        The store is not a lost and found \u2014 but one woman discovered her old ski boots<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40c7vd2000m2e6a068303a1@published\" class=\"image image__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-name=\"040_112024_ATS_UnclaimedBaggage.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6665\" data-original-height=\"1333\" data-original-width=\"2000\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/040-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image__container \" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image__picture\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/040-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/040-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/040-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/040-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/040-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"Sonni Hood, senior manager of communications at Unclaimed Baggage, shows how items in lost suitcases are inspected and divided into different categories.\" class=\"image__dam-img image__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bujft002g3b6myncee7mc@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            The store rarely reunites people with their lost items.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bwxtv002u3b6m2jioa0mb@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Owens and Hood recalled only one known case a few years ago, when a shopper from Atlanta attended the store\u2019s annual November ski sale, which draws people from all over the nation. Lines wrap around the building, and some customers pitch tents in the parking lot overnight to secure a spot at the front.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bwxtv002v3b6mrwugobv2@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            The man bought ski boots that day for his girlfriend. When he got home, they discovered her name engraved in the boots and realized they were the same pair she\u2019d lost during a trip. The airlines had already compensated her for the lost luggage.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bwxtv002w3b6muemwofjo@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            \u201cThey ended up in our store, and they came full circle back to her,\u201d Owens said.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bwxtv002x3b6m02meusah@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            The store has a procedure for destroying documents, IDs, prescriptions and other sensitive information found in suitcases. Eyeglasses are donated to the local Lions Club.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bwxtv002y3b6m9okqu02j@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            \u201cWe are not in the business of reunification,\u201d Hood said. \u201cWe are in the business of giving these items a second life.\u201d\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bwxtv002z3b6m55ho7u7x@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            The store\u2019s customers are happy to help with that effort. Aronds left the store last week with a bag of clothes \u2014 minus the wedding dress.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bwxtv00303b6m786i85i9@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            \u201cHe hasn\u2019t proposed, so why should I get it?\u201d she said with a laugh. \u201cCome on, a man has to ask first.\u201d\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bwxtv00313b6mrwaz90gf@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            Stewart chuckled. \u201cI\u2019m going to marry this woman one day,\u201d he said.\n    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm40bwxtv00323b6myjriyopo@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">\n            If he does, Aronds plans to give a wedding<strong> <\/strong>dress from the store another walk down the aisle.\n    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/image\/instances\/cm40chjuw000y2e6awdxuo5i8@published\" class=\"image image__hide-placeholder\" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-name=\"006_112024_ATS_UnclaimedBaggage.jpg\" data-component-name=\"image\" data-observe-resizes=\"\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\" data-original-ratio=\"0.6665\" data-original-height=\"1333\" data-original-width=\"2000\" data-url=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/006-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?c=original\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"image__container \" data-image-variation=\"image\" data-breakpoints=\"{\" image--eq-extra-small=\"\">\n       <picture class=\"image__picture\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/006-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/006-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1015,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/006-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1160,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" media=\"(max-width: 479px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/006-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_680,c_fill\/f_webp\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.cnn.com\/api\/v1\/images\/stellar\/prod\/006-112024-ats-unclaimedbaggage.jpg?q=w_1110,c_fill\" alt=\"A man poses for a photo at Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro, Alabama. The store draws hundreds of thousands of visitors  annually.\" class=\"image__dam-img image__dam-img--loading\" onload=\"this.classList.remove('image__dam-img--loading')\" onerror=\"imageLoadError(this)\" height=\"1333\" width=\"2000\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1660802\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2024\/11\/30\/travel\/unclaimed-baggage-store-alabama-cec\/index.html\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Scottsboro, Alabama CNN \u00a0\u2014\u00a0 Vee Aronds gazed at her reflection in the mirror as she tried on a satin-and-lace wedding dress. She patted the fitted bodice and twirled to see &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=131892\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-131892","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-entertainment","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131892","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=131892"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131892\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=131892"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=131892"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=131892"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}