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2d ago

Viral TikTok Shows LAX Baggage Handler Throwing Guitar Cases

The clip sharpened questions about contractor oversight in handling fragile instruments.

Stock image of airport baggage claim. A viral video from the TSA showed a raw chicken prepping for flight.
Screenshots of a video showing an LAX baggage handler tossing guitars onto the tarmac.
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows An airport worker in an orange vest tosses a guitar case onto the ground, where other guitar cases are already lying, Image 2 shows An airport worker carelessly throws guitar cases onto the ground from a luggage cart
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Overview

  • The video, filmed at LAX Terminal 4 on March 16 by 21-year-old Nick Ruiz, appears to show a baggage handler tossing several guitar cases onto the tarmac.
  • Ruiz’s TikTok drew about 4 million views within a week as viewers condemned the conduct and called it a fireable offense.
  • News outlets report they have not verified the footage and have not identified whether the worker is employed by an airline or a third-party ground crew.
  • Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, small instruments can travel in the cabin and larger ones may use a purchased seat, and the agency urges hard cases, Fragile labels, padding, and loosening strings.
  • Airports often rely on contractors with varied training, and the DOT notes some airlines limit liability for instrument damage on domestic trips, which can leave travelers paying for repairs unless they buy extra coverage.