"Is This Acceptable?" Guitar Thrown Around...Airport Baggage Handling Controversy [Video]

A video showing a baggage handler at Los Angeles International Airport in the United States throwing an expensive guitar onto the runway has been released on social media, sparking widespread controversy.

On March 26, Yonhap News TV, citing the New York Post, reported that as the video spread rapidly, there have been growing concerns locally regarding the overall baggage handling practices.

The released video shows an airport employee taking a guitar case from a mobile luggage conveyor and roughly placing it on the ground as they load it. X (X)

원본보기 아이콘

The incident occurred at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The released footage captured an airport worker retrieving a guitar case from a mobile luggage conveyor and roughly tossing it onto the ground before loading it. The video was filmed by a university student in their twenties, who witnessed the situation on March 16 while traveling from Los Angeles to New York. In an interview with local media, the student stated, "I felt something was wrong," and added, "I hoped the guitar owner's instrument would be safe."

The video quickly went viral online, garnering over 4 million views, and internet users criticized it as "inappropriate behavior" and stressed the importance of "respecting others' property." Some argued for strict punishment, pointing out that the equipment could be high-priced, worth thousands of dollars. The airline affiliation of the staff member in question has not been identified.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, airlines must allow musical instruments that meet certain standards to be carried onboard or checked as baggage. If an instrument fits in the overhead bin or under the seat, it can be brought onboard; for larger instruments, purchasing a separate seat for carriage is permitted. If carrying it onboard is not possible, the instrument must be checked as baggage. However, each airline has different size, weight, and additional fee policies, so prior confirmation is necessary.

The video quickly spread online, garnering over 4 million views, and netizens criticized it as "inappropriate behavior" and emphasized that "one must respect others' property." Some argued for strict punishment, stating that the equipment could be high-end worth thousands of dollars. X (X)

원본보기 아이콘

Especially regarding compensation for damaged baggage, different rules apply for international and domestic flights. For international flights, compensation is provided under the Montreal Convention, with a maximum limit of about 2 million to 2.3 million won. For U.S. domestic flights, most airlines recognize liability up to approximately 5 million won. However, for high-priced or fragile items such as musical instruments or electronic devices, airlines may limit or exclude compensation according to their terms and conditions, requiring passengers to exercise caution. To receive compensation, travelers must report to the airport's baggage service desk immediately upon arrival and submit photos of the damage and purchase receipts. Additionally, claims must be filed within the period specified by each airline.

Generally, for musical instruments checked as baggage, hard cases, additional internal padding, and "Fragile" labels are used to prevent damage. However, whenever possible, carrying the instrument onboard or purchasing an extra seat is considered the safest option. This is because guitars, violins, and similar instruments are highly susceptible to damage from shock and temperature changes during baggage handling. Meanwhile, this video has reignited debate over airport baggage handling practices, the scope of airline responsibility, and the need for passengers to take proactive measures in advance.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.