Have you ever found yourself running back to an airport security checkpoint because you forgot a personal item?
Apparently, not very many airline passengers bother to return for the spare change they are forced to deposit into bowls at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. According to the government, in 2010, travelers left behind $409,085.56 in loose change at TSA security areas.
The exact breakdown: $376,480.39 in dollar coins, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies, plus another $32,605.17 in foreign currency.
So, who are these wealthy flyers, who forget or choose not to collect their change when exiting the security screening areas?
The TSA reports that passengers flying out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport left behind the most coins. A whopping $46,918.06 was never claimed. Next in line are flyers departing from Los Angeles International. They reportedly left behind $19,110.83 in change. Hartsfield Atlanta International collected $16,523.83 in unclaimed coins, while the TSA checkpoints at San Francisco International and Miami International gained $15,908.02 and $15,844.83 respectively.
David Stempler, president of the Air Travelers Association, told USA Today that he believes many of the people who leave money behind at airports may be rushing through a checkpoint or heading to a foreign country and may not have use for U.S. coins.
For the record, TSA reps say they “make every effort to reunite passengers with items left at the checkpoint,” including money. However, if the change can’t be returned to its owner it goes to good use. The TSA uses unclaimed coins to fund some of its programs and pay for operational costs. However, that’s not sitting well with some lawmakers, especially Republican Rep. Jeff Miller. The legislator from Florida recently drafted a proposal that would force the TSA to turn over any unclaimed change and hand it over to the USO.
Where would you like to see the money go?
Related Articles:
Family Lanes at Airport Screening Areas
More Ways To Avoid Nasty Looks At Airport Security Screening Areas
How To Avoid Nasty Looks At Airport Security Screening Areas