Attention Detroit Metro Fliers: Did You Forget Something At Security?

Distracted, forgetful airline passengers rushing through Detroit Metro Airport screening checkpoints "donated" $24,200 to the Transportation Security Administration in 2010-12.

The Free Press reports that figure for cash left-behind in plastic bins sent through the X-ray machines.

Nationwide, bills and coins forgotten at TSA conveyor belts totaled $531,392 last year-- almost all in loose change overlooked by travelers, according to a Gannett News Service article.

The abandoned change is spent on civil aviation security, as prescribed by Congress. As of March 31, TSA had spent $6,539.94 of the change collected in fiscal 2012 on translating airport checkpoint signage into foreign languages and "other administrative overhead." . . .

Passengers must file a claim within 60 days to recover money left at a TSA checkpoint.