TSA Says Passengers Left Nearly $1 Million In Loose Change at US Airports

This gives a new meaning to "nickel and diming" people: the Transportation Security Administration says passengers lost nearly a million bucks' worth of loose change last year.

As travelers race through TSA screening checkpoints to make their flights, they may not think about the coins they've forgotten in those little security bins or in other screening locations -- but in 2018, all those dimes, quarters, pennies and nickels added up to more than $960,000.

The unclaimed money, which included $85,000 in foreign currency, is deposited into a special fund in order for the agency.

The unusual source of revenue for the TSA has been on the rise over the past several years, up from $867,812 in 2016 and $869,837 in 2017.

"TSA always seeks to make sure that all traveler property, including loose change, finds its way back to the proper owner," the agency said in a report acquired by  ABC News. "However, when loose change does not, it will be directed to critical aviation security programs.

Since 2005, Congress has directed the TSA to account for unclaimed money at individual airports, and direct it towards airport security costs, like checkpoint maintenance, translation of checkpoint signage into different foreign languages and adjudication center enhancements.