IGA Istanbul Airport Lost and Found: Suitcase Recovery and Shipping to the USA

Recovering a Lost Suitcase from IGA Istanbul Airport

Passengers who leave belongings at Istanbul Airport often discover the loss after returning to their home country.

This creates an additional challenge: the item may already have been located by the airport, but the owner is no longer in Türkiye to collect it.

In September 2026, a traveler in California requested assistance recovering a carry-on suitcase held by the IGA Lost and Found department.

The suitcase contained clothing, an iPad and other personal belongings.

Step 1: Confirming the Lost Property Case

Before an independent courier can collect an item, the airport must confirm that the property is available for release and that the required authorization has been accepted.

In this case, the collection process required communication with the airport and preparation of signed authorization documents.

The customer also needed to ensure that the required paperwork reached the correct airport department.

Step 2: Authorized Collection in Istanbul

After the necessary documentation was coordinated, the suitcase was collected from Istanbul Airport.

Photographs and operational updates helped the customer follow the process while remaining in the United States.

This illustrates the role of a local independent collection service when travelers cannot return to Istanbul themselves.

Step 3: International Shipping Through FedEx

Following collection, international shipment to California was arranged through FedEx.

The shipment subsequently encountered a delay during United States customs processing in New Jersey.

The recipient was asked to complete customs formalities involving Form 3299 and reported having to resubmit the document three times.

Step 4: Customs Release

On October 14, 2026, the customer confirmed that the suitcase had been released from customs the previous day and was continuing toward California.

The delay demonstrates that airport collection, international transportation and destination-country customs clearance are separate stages, each with its own requirements.

Important Information for International Travelers

If your belongings are held at Istanbul Airport Lost and Found, first obtain confirmation from the airport department.

Ask which authorization forms are required for collection by a representative.

For international shipping, provide accurate destination information, an item description and any details requested by the carrier.

Items containing lithium batteries, medications or restricted goods may require additional review or may not be accepted for shipment.

Customs release times cannot be guaranteed by a local courier service.

This case records customs release and onward movement, not a customer-confirmed final handover. Delivery information received on 15 October had not yet been followed by a separate written receipt confirmation from the customer.

Vivian El Shawa’s Google Review

Service was excellent. Agent provided frequent updates and pictures. Very professional. Customs delayed shipment two weeks, but was not the agent’s responsibility, it was FedEx.
Was very happy with agent’s service.

Read the original Google review

The review is the customer’s own account. Ana Kurye handled collection and shipping coordination in Istanbul; destination customs processing was a separate stage. This account does not independently attribute fault for the delay.