- Rucksacks/backpacks are the most commonly lost item on UK trains, with 1,402 left behind between October 2023 and September 2024.
- Coats and jackets rank second and third, respectively.
- Data on the items most frequently left behind on UK trains between October 2023 and September 2024 was scraped from Missingx.com.
A new study has revealed the 10 items you’re most likely to lose on UK trains, with rucksacks/backpacks taking the top spot.
Luggage shipping experts My Baggage analysed data from Missingx.com to find the most common items that people left behind on UK trains between 1st October 2023 and 30th September 2024. The items most frequently lost during the 12 months determined the final ranking.
Rucksacks/backpacks rank top, with 1,402 reported lost on UK trains between October 2023 and September 2024. South Western Railway recorded the most lost rucksacks/backpacks over the year, at 320, while London Northwestern Railway recorded 290 and Avanti West Coast recorded 236.
Coats rank second, with 651 reported lost on UK trains between October 2023 and September 2024. A total of 146 coats were reported missing on Great Western Railway trains during the 12 months, while South Western Railway recorded 129 and Avanti West Coast recorded 110.
Third in the ranking are jackets, with 595 reported lost on UK trains between October 2023 and September 2024. The most missing jackets were reported lost on South Western Railway trains, at 126. A further 101 were lost on Avanti West Coast trains and another 96 on TransPennine Express trains.
Shopping bags come in fourth, with 550 reported lost on UK trains between October 2023 and September 2024. South Western Railway recorded the greatest number of lost shopping bags over the year, at 194, while Great Western Railway recorded 94 and London North Eastern Railway recorded 81.
In fifth are bags, with 546 reported lost on UK trains between October 2023 and September 2024. A total of 240 bags were reported missing on South Western Railway trains during the 12 months, while Avanti West Coast recorded 203.
Earbuds/wireless headphones come in sixth, with 440 reported lost on UK trains between October 2023 and September 2024. The most missing earbuds/wireless headphones were reported lost on South Western Railway trains, at 90. A further 85 were lost on Great Western Railway trains and another 70 on Avanti West Coast trains.
Seventh on the list are glasses, with 416 reported lost on UK trains between October 2023 and September 2024. South Western Railway recorded the greatest number of lost glasses over the year, at 121, while Great Western Railway recorded 90 and London Northwestern Railway recorded 61.
In eighth place are handbags, with 402 reported lost on UK trains between October 2023 and September 2024. A total of 106 handbags were reported missing on South Western Railway trains during the 12 months, while Avanti West Coast recorded 74.
Earbud cases rank ninth, with 390 reported lost on UK trains between October 2023 and September 2024. The most missing earbud cases were reported lost on South Western Railway trains, at 114. A further 109 were lost on Great Western Railway trains and another 61 on Avanti West Coast trains.
Landing the tenth spot are hats, with 381 reported lost on UK trains between October 2023 and September 2024. Avanti West Coast recorded the greatest number of lost hats over the year, at 121, while London North Eastern Railway recorded 98 and South Western Railway recorded 61.
Most commonly lost items on UK trains – Top 10 ranking
| Rank | Item | Total lost count |
| 1. | Rucksack/backpack | 1,402 |
| 2. | Coat | 651 |
| 3. | Jacket | 595 |
| 4. | Shopping bag | 550 |
| 5. | Bag | 546 |
| 6. | Earbuds/wireless headphones | 440 |
| 7. | Glasses | 416 |
| 8. | Handbag | 402 |
| 9. | Earbud case | 390 |
| 10. | Hat | 381 |
Paul Stewart, Managing Director of My Baggage, commented on the findings:
“Every day, passengers leave behind a surprising range of belongings on UK trains, from the common item to the unexpected. While it can be frustrating to lose a personal item, it’s also never been easier to alert a train company and become reunited with your belongings. The top ten not only offers a snapshot of passenger habits but also reminds us to do that extra check before stepping off the train.”
