Goods Up for Grabs at Miami International Airport Lost Luggage Auction

Electronics, luggage and other treasures to be auctioned Saturday

People take all sorts of things on flights with them aside from their luggage but sometimes lose or leave it behind at the airport, and when they do, you get a chance at keeping it and you never know what you might find.

At Miami International Airport's lost & found auction this weekend, you could walk away with just about anything for a few bucks. Items like laptops, iPads and art are fully on display while boxes and suitcases contain surprises for buyers.

"People are curious what's in these bags and I guess that's why we get so many people," auctioneer Paul May said. "They hope they'll get a lot of good stuff, bags of jewelry, the laptops, they're always looking for a bargain."

The auctions draw hundreds of people all bidding against each other. A suitcase alone could cost you $50 or depending on the interest, maybe $200-$300.

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"I wouldn't call it sport but I think yes, it's the element of surprise," MIA spokesman Marc Henderson said.

Henderson and May say it's a matter of luck and instinct.

"About a year ago we had someone bid on a box of baseball cards and in there it might've been a very valuable card," Henderson said.

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"About seven or eight years ago we had someone bid on a suitcase and inside was 10,000 pounds of English money" May said. "That was the biggest one that we've had here."

The auction takes place Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at 5600 Northwest 36th Street, building 845. Admission is $3 and they highly recommend you arrive early.

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