Content creator buys abandoned luggage, reveals surprising finds

Scott Fensome, 26, of Hampshire, has built a full-time business around buying unclaimed luggage from airports. After the three-month window commonly used by airports to hold bags, many are sold to third parties or at auctions. Fensome resells lost property, returns and liquidation stock, and he documents the unpacking of these bags for online audiences.

His videos have drawn a large, loyal following. One clip detailing an unclaimed Nike backpack has racked up millions of views and thousands of likes, illustrating the appeal of peeking into passengers’ lost belongings and the unpredictability of what such bags may contain. Fensome’s channel curates a steady stream of unboxings, blending practical thrift with the unpredictability of late-arrival finds, and the operation has evolved into a substantial part of his workday.

In a recent video, he unboxed a discarded Nike Air backpack valued at about £10. The haul began with a cigarette butt and filters, which he noted as a less-than-promising start. As he continued to sift through the front area, he pulled out a pen, a fob, pieces that looked like shrapnel, two SIM cards and several empty plastic bags. The back of the bag revealed more items, including a pair of runaway trainers, DeWalt headphones, reading glasses, safety gloves and an empty energy drink can. Other objects in the haul included a jacket, a bricklayers’ tool, a newspaper, a hi-vis vest, deodorant, an invoice from a hotel and a tangle of electrical cables. He acknowledged that the find started with high hopes that didn’t fully materialize, illustrating the wide range of items that can end up in unclaimed luggage.

Viewers weighed in with mixed reactions in the comments, ranging from amusement at the mundane to concern about the cleanliness and provenance of the items. Some noted the random assortment as evidence of how people travel and what they leave behind, while others joked about the condition of some finds. A few warned about possible health risks or insisted on wearing protective gloves when handling such contents.

The rare glimpses into these bags aren’t just about what’s inside. Fensome points out that the most valuable discoveries often involve designer clothing and accessories, frequently new with tags. He emphasizes that the process is regulated: legally, items cannot be returned to their original travelers, and personal information is removed before the luggage is sold. The suppliers filter out anything that cannot be legally resold, and the resale chain keeps to strict privacy standards, with no access to the travellers’ details.

In another video, he unpacks a different suitcase whose contents were less eye-catching, featuring broken Beats headphones, a battery pack, assorted clothing and shoes, and a set of stained white pants. The overall tone remains one of curiosity rather than sensationalism, offering a window into the realities of lost-property markets where value is uncertain and surprises are common.

The broader context is that airports and airline networks frequently auction or pass along unclaimed bags after the hold period ends. For many bargain-hunters and risk-takers, these auctions offer the allure of hidden gems, while others see the process as routine liquidation of assets that customers left behind. Fensome’s experience illustrates the blend of entrepreneurship and chance that characterizes this niche, where the chances of finding something valuable are mixed with the likelihood of unremarkable or problematic items.

This phenomenon sits at the intersection of culture and entertainment, highlighting a modern pastime built on curiosity, thrift and quick-turn consumption. As viewers tune in to see what a bag might reveal, the videos also raise questions about privacy, ownership and the ethics of resale. By showcasing what is found and what is not, Fensome contributes to a broader conversation about the fate of unclaimed belongings and the growing appetite for unlikely online discoveries.