Avanti West Coast lost property: How to get your missing items back

If you notice you’ve left one of your belongings behind on an Avanti West Coast train after you’ve finished your journey, the first thing you should do is access Avanti West Coast's lost and found portal to check if your item has already been found and registered. Avanti is partnered with MissingX for lost and found items on their trains.

Just search for your item with one word, choose the date of your travels, and you’ll be shown a list of found items with Avanti West Coast from that date. If you find an item matching the description of your lost belonging, you can register a claim, including details proving the item belongs to you.

If you can’t find your item listed there, you can register the details of your lost item by clicking the Register Lost Item button at the bottom of the page. This will allow you to be contacted if a matching item is found.

You will be asked to enter more details about when and where you lost your item and what it is. Make sure to include as many details as possible: any identifying features will really help match your item to you. Then just enter your contact details and submit your report.

It’s worth noting that there is often a delay of a few days to weeks before items are handed in, so don’t despair if you don’t hear back right away.

Items left on trains will be handed in at the train’s terminating station, which may be managed by another train operating company or by Network Rail. You should contact whoever manages the station your train terminated at, as well as registering your item on Avanti West Coast’s portal. Please note that Network Rail will charge a handling fee for processing the return of your lost item.

Avanti West Coast’s lost property portal will give you guidance on where to collect your lost item if it is found, as this will depend on where it was lost.

Depending on the provider handling your lost item, your item can either be collected or a delivery can be arranged. Some common hubs that Avanti West Coast trains frequently terminate at include London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham New Street.

• London Euston: Pickup point at Lost Property Office, located in a building behind the main concourse. Open Monday–Friday, 09:00 to 17:30.
• Manchester Piccadilly: Pickup at Excess Baggage/Left Luggage on Platform 10. Open Monday–Saturday, 07:00 to 23:00 and Sunday, 08:00 to 23:00.
• Birmingham New Street: Pickup at Left Luggage/Excess Baggage on the station forecourt. Open Monday–Saturday, 07:00 to 23:00 and Sunday, 08:00 to 23:00.

Although Avanti West Coast recommends registering your lost property on their portal, you can also contact their Lost Property team by calling 0345 528 0253.

Try to have as much specific information about your lost item as possible. For example, if you lost a phone, tell them the make and model, colour and your wallpaper. It is also helpful to mention where you think you might have left it on the train and when.

• Handling fees may apply when retrieving your lost item. These can range from £2 to £25, depending on the type of item and storage duration.
• Avanti West Coast encourages passengers to report lost items as soon as possible.
• Unclaimed items may be auctioned or donated after a certain period of time – usually 3 months.

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