The TSA got to keep $ 675,000 in spare change dropped by travellers at airport security last year . Over the past five years , airline passengers have left behind more than $ 2.7 million in quarters and dimes . And the funds collected appear to be increasing every year , according to figures from the Transportation Security Administration . The funds collected by the TSA appear to be increasing every year , according to figures from the Transportation Security Administration . Last year the TSA were allowed to keep $ 675,000 in spare change - almost double what was collected in 2008 at $ 383,414 , . The sum was $ 107,000 more than what passengers left behind in 2012 , and more than $ 150,000 than 2011 . According to federal law , if no one comes back to claim the money the TSA are allowed to keep it . The agency is then free to spend anything they feel will improve the civil aviation security . TSA officials said the agency 'makes every effort to reunite passengers with items left at the checkpoint , however there are instances where loose change or other items are left behind and unclaimed . The TSA got to keep $ 675,000 in spare change left behind by travellers at airport security last year . 'Unclaimed money , typically consisting of loose coins passengers remove from their pockets , is documented and turned into the TSA financial office , ' the agency said in a statement . In 2005 , Congress gave the agency the ability to use the forgotten money to help fund security operations . Some airports , such as Phoenix and Columbus , Ohio , and Denver International Airport , offer travellers the opportunity to donate money to local charities at collection boxes at checkpoints . According to federal law , if no one comes back to claim the money it stays with the TSA .
airline passengers left behind almost $ 675,000 in spare change in 2013 . TSA airlines keep the money to spend on improving civil aviation security . The figure is $ 300 more than 2012 and double that figure in 2008 .