Travelers rushing through the airport left behind nearly a million dollars at security checkpoints in the 2018 fiscal year, according to a new report from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
From Oct. 1, 2017, to Sept. 30, 2018, $960,105.49 was left in plastic bins at airport checkpoints, USA Today reported. This is a steady increase from previous years, with more than $869,000 left in 2017, according to the TSA, and more than $867,000 left in 2016, Vox reported.
{mosads}John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York made up the largest portion of last year’s funds, collecting $72,392.74. Los Angeles International Airport made up more than $70,000, and Miami International Airport collected $50,504.49. Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport were also in the top five for this found cash.
TSA spokeswoman Jenny Burke said one reason for this trend is that more people are traveling, USA Today reported. Airports have seen record-high numbers of crowds in previous years, leading to more money and items left behind at checkpoints.
The TSA uses the money to “maintain and improve security operations,” according to their website. This includes promoting the TSA PreCheck program, USA Today reported.
The money may also become available to other government agencies. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) considered using $3 million of the loose change accumulated over multiple years to pay for border operations, according to an NBC report. This would fund part of the $232 million request from the DHS to the TSA for border security.
The TSA advises travelers to carry any money or change in a “zip-tip plastic bag” or “favorite fanny pack” to keep belongings safe during future trips.