Case Summary
- Customer
- Vivian El Shawa
- Item
- Black and blue carry-on suitcase, clothing and an iPad
- Authority
- IGA / Istanbul Airport Lost & Found
- Destination
- California, United States
- Status
- Customs released; continuing toward California
- Final receipt
- Not separately confirmed by the customer
A Lost Suitcase at Istanbul Airport
A Lost Suitcase at Istanbul Airport
When Vivian El Shawa needed assistance recovering a suitcase from Istanbul Airport, she was already in the United States.
Her black and blue carry-on suitcase, containing clothing and an iPad, was being held by the IGA Lost and Found department.
Returning to Istanbul to collect the suitcase was not a practical option. She contacted Ana Kurye for help arranging its recovery and international shipment to California.
Vivian first contacted Ana Kurye on 19 September 2026. Between 21 and 23 September, the communication focused on signatures, authorization paperwork and coordination with the airport.
Authorization and Collection
Authorization and Collection
Ana Kurye coordinated the collection process, helping the customer understand the documents required by Istanbul Airport Lost and Found.
The process involved authorization paperwork, signatures and communication with the airport department.
Once the required release arrangements were completed, Ana Kurye collected the recovered suitcase and coordinated its international shipment through FedEx.
Throughout the process, the customer received regular updates and photographs.
An Unexpected Customs Delay in the United States
An Unexpected Customs Delay in the United States
After the suitcase reached the United States, the shipment was delayed during customs processing in New Jersey.
The recipient worked with FedEx and had to resubmit U.S. Customs Form 3299 three times.
This additional clearance process extended the shipment's journey by approximately two weeks, according to the customer's account.
On 14 October 2026, Vivian reported that customs had released the suitcase the previous day, 13 October, and that it was continuing toward California.
Although this delay occurred after international dispatch, Ana Kurye remained available for communication and assistance.
The latest customer-confirmed status is customs release and onward transit toward California. Delivery information was received on 15 October, but a separate written confirmation of receipt from Vivian was not available at publication.
What the Customer Said
What the Customer Said
Vivian subsequently shared a positive Google review, praising the frequent updates, photographs and professional service.
She also made an important distinction between the work performed by Ana Kurye and the customs delay encountered in the United States.
Her experience demonstrates why reliable communication is essential when recovering personal belongings from abroad.
The quotation below preserves Vivian’s wording. Her attribution of the delay is her own account; this story does not independently establish fault by FedEx. Collection in Istanbul and destination customs processing were separate stages.
Need Help Recovering Lost Property from Istanbul Airport?
Need Help Recovering Lost Property from Istanbul Airport?
Ana Kurye assists international travelers with authorized lost property collection, local handling, packing and coordination of international shipping.
If your suitcase, laptop, tablet or other personal belongings have been found at Istanbul Airport, contact Ana Kurye with your reference information and destination country.
Collection and shipment depend on airport authorization, customs requirements and carrier acceptance.
Vivian El Shawa — original Google review
Service was excellent. Agent provided frequent updates and pictures. Very professional. Customs delayed shipment two weeks, but was not the agent’s responsibility, it was FedEx. Was very happy with agent’s service.Read Vivian El Shawa's Google review
