Unclaimed Baggage

Where Lost Luggage Goes to Get a Second Life

Unclaimed Baggage is at 509 West Willow Street in Scottsboro, about 45 minutes northeast of Huntsville. It is the only store in the United States that buys unclaimed bags from airlines after they go through the standard claims process and are never picked up, then cleans, sorts, and resells what is inside. The business has been doing this since 1970 and has grown into a sprawling retail store that regularly turns up designer clothing, electronics, jewelry, and outdoor gear at a fraction of retail price.

What to Expect

New merchandise hits the floor daily, so the selection changes constantly and regulars treat it like treasure hunting. The store also has a free museum of unusual found items (things like medieval armor and a Jim Henson puppet from the film Labyrinth have turned up over the years).

Plan the Trip

Pair it with a stop at Cathedral Caverns State Park on the way, since both are a similar drive northeast of Huntsville toward DeKalb and Jackson counties.