I landed in Las Vegas for SneakerCon with a Pelican case containing five pairs of sample Jordans worth $12,000. The carousel spun for an hour. My case never appeared. I marched to the baggage office, and the airline rep handed me a pamphlet stating their liability was limited to $3,800 per passenger. I was out $8,000 before I even checked into the hotel.
Key Takeaways
- Airline Caps are Real: Domestic US flights cap liability at roughly $3,800 per passenger. International flights (Montreal Convention) cap it even lower (approx $1,700).
- “Valuables” Exclusion: Airlines explicitly exclude “jewelry, electronics, and collectibles” from checked bag liability. They might pay you $0.
- Credit Card Secondary Coverage: Premium travel cards (Amex/Chase) cover lost luggage, but usually only after the airline pays, and they also have per-item limits (often $500 per item).
- Carry-On is Mandatory: Never check heat. If it doesn’t fit in the overhead, don’t bring it.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Contract of Carriage
Every ticket you buy agrees to the Contract of Carriage.
I pulled up Delta and United’s 2026 contracts. Both state: “We are not liable for the loss, damage, or delay in delivery of… heirlooms, paintings, jewelry, negotiable papers, and collectibles.”
They treat your $2,000 Travis Scotts the same way they treat a bag of dirty laundry—actually worse, because they can legally deny payment entirely for “excluded items.”
The Investigation (I Called Them)
I looked for a way to insure shoes while flying.
1. The Airlines (Declaring Excess Value)
- The Test: I tried to “declare excess valuation” at the check-in counter.
- The Result: The agent looked at me like I was an alien. Most agents don’t know how to do it. Even if they do, they refuse to cover “fragile or valuable items” even if you pay extra.
- The Verdict: Don’t bother.
2. American Express Platinum / Chase Sapphire Reserve
- The Test: I read the “Lost Luggage Reimbursement” guide.
- The Result: They cover up to $3,000. However, they also exclude “items excluded by the Common Carrier.” So if the airline excludes collectibles, the credit card might too.
- The Verdict: Risky safety net.
3. Wax / specialized Floater
- The Test: I asked if my “Transit Coverage” applies to checked bags.
- The Result: Yes. If I have a worldwide coverage policy, it covers the shoes anywhere, including inside a lost Pelican case.
- The Verdict: The only safe way to check bags.
Comparison Table
| Method | Limit | Collectibles Covered? | Cost |
| Airline Standard | ~$3,800 (Domestic) | NO (Usually excluded) | Free |
| Credit Card | ~$3,000 | Maybe (Read fine print) | Annual Fee |
| Collector Policy | Full Agreed Value | YES | ~$10/mo |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
You are packing for the convention.
- AirTag Everything: Put a hidden AirTag (with speaker removed) inside the lining of the suitcase, not just in the shoe box. You need to know if the bag is in the terminal or stolen.
- Carry-On the Top 3: Prioritize. Your most expensive pairs go in a duffle bag that never leaves your sight. Check the bricks/lower value pairs.
- Photo Evidence at Check-In: Take a photo of the open suitcase showing the shoes at the airport. This proves they were actually in the bag when you handed it over.
- If Lost: File a claim with the airline regarding “Clothing,” not “Collectibles.” Describe them as “Men’s Footwear.” Do not volunteer the word “limited edition” unless pushed. Let them hit the $3,800 cap.
FAQ
Q: Can I buy travel insurance just for the trip?
A: Yes. Companies like Allianz offer travel insurance. However, check the “Baggage Delay/Loss” limit. It’s often low ($500). You need “High Value Item” upgrades.
Q: TSA stole my shoes. Who pays?
A: TSA Claims. You can file a claim directly with TSA (tort claim). It takes 6 months and they deny 60% of claims, but it’s your only route if the airline proves they handed the bag to TSA.
[IMAGE: Photo of a Pelican case with an “Airline Liability Limitation” sticker on it, next to a screenshot of the “Excluded Items” list from United.com.]