Cars, gadgets and odd finds at Pittsburgh airport's auction
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Don't you hate it when you forget to pick up your Mercedes? Photos: Chrissy Suttles/Axios
A curious collection of things left behind at Pittsburgh International Airport is on the auction block, from jewelry and electronics to abandoned cars.
The big picture: Each year, thousands of unclaimed lost-and-found items are auctioned off alongside retired airport vehicles and surplus equipment.
Zoom in: This year's lineup includes a folding e-bike, Casio G-Shock watch, replica Rolexes (we won't tell), luggage, backpacks, strollers, toys and rings — if your love language is a good deal.
- Electronics up for grabs include phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, hordes of AirPods, Oura rings and portable chargers.
- There are roughly 20 abandoned vehicles, among them a 2008 Mercedes, two Toyotas and a 2005 Acura.
How it works: The auction is online-only and run by Joe R. Pyle Auctions.
- All items start at $1, with bidding closing starting at 6pm on Sept. 8. It uses a "soft close," format meaning any bid in the final 30 seconds extends bidding until no new bids come in. This mimics an in-person auction and keeps bidders engaged, auctioneers say.
- Pickup is Sept. 10-11, primarily at the company's Washington County warehouse, with shipping available.
- The airport auctions typically draw bidders from about 30 states.
Context: PIT holds lost items for 30 days. If they aren't claimed during that window, they become property of the Allegheny County Airport Authority and can be donated or auctioned.
- PIT launched a digital lost-and-found system last year that lets travelers file claims, track belongings and get automated updates.
- Auction proceeds benefit the ACAA Charitable Foundation, which supports workforce development and education in aviation.
Between the lines: Deals are common, from discounted tech to cars selling around wholesale value. Jalopies can go for under $1,000, and collectibles can fetch tens of thousands.
- Cars come with clean titles, but many have sat for up to two years and won't start, so expect to tow them.
- Bidders must be at least 18, and purchases carry a 15% buyer's premium.
What's next: Register to bid and browse the full catalog here.