Welcome to the land of Unclaimed Baggage!
I was so excited about the opportunity to work with the Huntsville Tourism Board and I was equally surprised to learn we were going to a place called the Unclaimed Baggage Center which I knew nothing about and I consider myself to be in the “know” regarding discount shopping establishments.
The Unclaimed Baggage Center has been featured in Vogue and The Wall Street Journal along with a host of National and local TV channels as a treasure trove for bargain hunters all over the world.
Do you know what happens to your luggage once it’s lost? Have you ever even thought about it? Unclaimed Baggage works with most major airlines including Delta, United, and American. Once the airlines have made an every attempt possible to find the owner then the luggage is sent to the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, AL. What if I told you that you could find designer bags, cameras, Ipads, clothing, headphones along with an assortment of books and other novelty items.
How does Unclaimed Baggage Center get your bags?
First off, the airlines aren’t stealing your luggage on purpose to make additional profits. Lost luggage in the United States, is incredibly uncommon. Brenda Cantrell advised me only one-half of 1% of checked bags fail to make it to the baggage claim, and of those roughly 80-90% are returned within 48 hours. Within a week, that number jumps to 98%. Then, for the next 90 days, the airlines does everything possible to match bags with its owners.
What if I told you that you in that 1% of lost luggage that ends up at the Unclaimed Baggage Center there is everything from designer bags, cameras, Ipads, clothing, headphones along with an assortment of books and novelty items from movie sets and so much more at the Unclaimed Baggage Center.
The store itself is massive — over 40,000 square feet with enough departments to satisfy the pickiest shopper. Prices are about 1/3 of what you’d find at a retail store, coming in extremely cheaper than market value. There’s even a museum to house the Center’s most unique finds like the Dwarf named Hoggle, from the movie Labyrinth.
If you love TJ Maxx and Marshalls, like I do then Unclaimed Baggage Center, will exceed your expectations but I must warn you that just like other discount stores it could be a hit or miss all depending on the shipment they received before your visit.
I literally was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the facility but I had a game plan because I have been wanting to purchase a Nikon camera but the way my checking and savings account set up it has been on the back burner. My first stop was to the electronics section and OMG! There were hundreds of cameras and I was able to score a Nikon D7000 including the lens and I was able to get my new baby for $246.00 and this camera normally retails around $1500.00.
I couldn’t believe there were even wedding gowns, Rolex watches, Louis Vuitton sneakers, diamond wedding rings, Tory Burch and Valentino Bags! Who forgets they have a Rolex watch or their wedding gown and say “eff it” I don’t need that or I will get another watch.
Again, Sure, this place is a hit-or-miss destination, and that is to be expected as with any discount retail store. You can easily spend 5 hours in Unclaimed Baggage so ensure you allow enough time so you can experience all of the different departments because you will need to take your time and get the full experience.
The Unclaimed Baggage Center has become a major tourist attraction over the years. The store is only about 30 minutes from the Georgia and Tennessee state lines so if you are looking a quick day trip Unclaimed Baggage is just for you. But if you’re still upset about losing your luggage or if you left an item on the plane as you were de-boarding like I lost my Fitbit you just might find it in Scottsboro, AL at the Unclaimed Baggage Center!
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I’m also amazed how people can forget such valuable stuff while travelling
That’s a unique concept to sell them at a discount
I really like authentic stuff so it will be nice to buy from such a place
It was literally like Tj Maxx and Marshalls on steroids
I love your post on this. I was so busy looking at party dresses and books that I never really wandered over to electronics. I obviously missed out!
you missed your blessing! literally hundreds of ipads and cameras.. I am going back in a few weeks to find a lens for my camera
WOW that’s a STEAL for the camera. I’ve heard of this place and was interested in going. Now that I know what to expect, I think it’s worth the trip.
I am going to go back because I need a lens for my camera so I am making a day trip
I can’t believe first that people lose and or leave their stuff. I check and check again for mine before I leave. But very interesting.
I was shocked as well. Who does that!
The airline lost my luggage before and I got it back a week later. But there’s no way I’d give up on getting it back. Nobody’s selling my stuff!
This place is amazing!! everything was there from wedding dresses to all kinda electronics
Listen, I’m about to plan a road trip with my girls to this place right here. This is so crazy. Really shows how much material things don’t matter to some people.
Wayment. People aren’t claiming their iPads and cameras? That is insane! I don’t know how I’d feel about going through someone’s valuables, but the statistics made me feel like every effort is made to return the items to the rightful owners. Now I wanna check this out!
They try everything possible to reunite the luggage with the owner and the owner has 90 days to claim their luggage. I have never seen so many ipads and cameras in one place that people just leave. Wedding gowns and diamond rings! girl, just crazy
HOW could people not claim some of the things I see pictured? I wouldn’t even leave my soap, lol. This place looks like a museum, lol.
Wow! Great deals and a really well kept secret. I’d lose my mind in there!