I watched from the terminal window as the baggage handler tossed my Gibson Les Paul onto the conveyor belt like it was a bag of mulch. When I opened the case in Nashville, the headstock was completely severed from the neck, held on only by the strings. I filed a claim immediately, but United Airlines sent a denial letter three days later: “Damage resulted from improper packaging. Case was not ATA-300 certified.”
Key Takeaways
- The “Flight Case” Requirement: Airlines and insurance companies often require musical instruments to be in an ATA-300 (Air Transport Association) rated flight case to be covered. A standard hardshell case is insufficient.
- The Montreal Convention: For international flights, airline liability is strictly capped (around 1,288 SDRs, roughly $1,700 USD in 2026), which rarely covers a pro-level instrument.
- “Gate Check” is a Legal Grey Area: If you gate check it, it enters the cargo hold. The same liability limits apply as checked bags.
- Dedicated Music Insurance is Mandatory: Homeowners insurance usually excludes damage during “paid professional use” or transit. You need a specialized policy (Clarion, Heritage, MusicPro).
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Improper Packing” and “Limited Liability.”
Airlines have a clause in their Contract of Carriage that absolves them of liability for musical instruments unless they are in a hard-sided case designed for travel. However, even if you have a hard case, they often argue the internal padding was insufficient.
Furthermore, standard homeowner’s policies have a “Business Pursuit” exclusion. If you were flying to a gig where you get paid, your personal insurance denies the claim because it was a business trip. You are stuck between an airline that caps payouts and an insurer that excludes business activity.
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Carriers)
I compared how three entities handle a snapped headstock.
United / Delta / American (The Airlines)
- The Reality: They will fight you. You have to prove the case was pristine before the flight.
- The Payout: Even if you win, they usually cap it at ~$3,800 for domestic flights (DOT regulations), but they depreciate that value heavily.
Heritage Insurance Services
- The Pro: They specialize in high-end instruments. They cover “diminished value.” A repaired Gibson is worth less than a pristine one. Heritage pays for the repair and the lost market value.
- The Condition: They strongly advise flight cases but generally cover “handling damage” regardless of the carrier’s negligence.
MusicPro
- The Pro: Designed for working musicians. Covers the instrument worldwide.
- The Experience: Fast claims for breakage. $100 deductible. They don’t make you fight the airline first; they pay you and subrogate (sue) the airline later.
[IMAGE: Photo of a Gibson Les Paul with a clean break at the headstock inside a plush lined case]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Airline Liability | Homeowners Rider | Heritage / MusicPro |
| Broken Neck Coverage | Denied (often) | Maybe (if not for biz) | Covered |
| Diminished Value | No | No | Yes |
| Case Requirement | Strict (ATA-300) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Deductible | N/A | $500 – $1,000 | $100 – $250 |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Buy a Calton or Hiscox Case: Do not fly with a standard plywood TKL case. It will break. Get a fiberglass flight case.
- Slacken the Strings: Before closing the case, tune the strings down. It reduces tension on the neck if the case takes a hit.
- Pack the Headstock: Stuff t-shirts or bubble wrap under and around the headstock. It should not wiggle at all.
- Photograph Before Handoff: Take a photo of the guitar in the case at the airport check-in. This proves it was intact when they took custody.
FAQ
Can I carry it on?
According to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, yes, if there is space in the overhead bin at the time of boarding. If you board last, you are out of luck.
Does TSA insurance cover this?
No. TSA is for security screening. If they break it during inspection, you can file a claim (SF-95), but it is a bureaucratic nightmare.
Is the case covered?
If the case is destroyed saving the guitar, dedicated music insurance usually covers the case replacement. Airlines view the case as “packaging” and often refuse to pay for scuffs or cracks to the case itself.