BBC: The secrets of lost luggage auctions-2

Passengers want it too. People say, "If I can track my pizza delivery, why can't I track my bag?"

Let's go back to the fun side for a moment. People have found everything from laptops to champagne bottles, designer shoes, children's clothes, and even ancient artefacts in lost luggage. 

Which leads us to our last word today: artefacts. Artefacts are objects by humans, often with historical or cultural importance. For example, Egyptian burial masks and ancient coins have been found in lost suitcase. 

It's amazing to think that an ordinary-looking suitcase could hide something so valuable. 

Alright, let's go back to our quiz. We asked: What percentage of lost luggage is eventually reunited with its owners?

a) about 50%  b)about 70%   c)about 92%   or  d)about 99%

And the answer is...c) about 92%.

That's right! Most lost luggage does find its way back. But the unlucky few end up at auction houses, waiting for someone new to take a chance. 

Let's quickly review today's six words.

Gambling: risking money or taking a chance with an uncertain result. 

Belongings: personal items that belong to someone. 

Unclaimed: not collected by the rightful owner. 

Mishandled: managed badly or carelessly.

Automation: machines or computers doing jobs instead of people 

Artefacts: objects made by humans, often with cultural or historical value. 

Six useful words to help you talk about travel, airports, and even surprise discoveries. 

And maybe next time you see a suitcase at an auction, you'll know just what kind of adventure you might be buying into.

That's all for today's Quick-Takes English. Thanks for joining us!

And remember- whether you're traveling with your suitcase or bidding on someone else's, always tag your bags. 

See you next time!