MIA Auctions "Lost & Found" Treasures

MIAMI (CBS4) - Every year travelers leave valuable items, from cell phones to luggage to laptops, behind at Miami International Airport.

If the items are still sitting around after two months in 'Lost & Found' they're put up for sale to the highest bidder.

This Saturday auctioneer Paul May will do his part to sell hundreds of 'left behind treasures' include 50 laptops, digital cameras and music players, and cell phones. There are also more than 400 suitcases in a variety of shapes and sizes up for bid but there's a catch - you have to buy them to see what's inside. In addition to the electronics there are also some unique items up for bid including art work and sporting goods.

"What don't we have here," said MIA spokesman Marc Henderson, "luggage, truck tires."

Truck tires?

"Yes, you normally don't leave that behind, you don't take them on a passenger plane," said Henderson, "You put them in cargo, that was a shock for me to see."

Most of the items going up for sale were lost and never claimed. Others were left behind when passengers had to fly, and realized they couldn't afford to pay to carry them on the plane. The airport holds auctions of 'lost & found' items several times a year. This weekend they're hoping for a pretty good pay off.

"I'm expecting (we'll make) at least $50 thousand and it's been done before," said Henderson.

The auction takes place Saturday, March 12th, at 9:30 a.m. at 5600 NW 36th Street, Building 845, Third Floor. Auction attendees can preview the items prior to the auction from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Admission is $3 for adults and free for children 12 and younger; parking is also free.
Remember it's cash and carry; cash only and you have to carry out your purchased items. And be sure before you buy. There are no returns.