Here’s why you should never tie a ribbon on your luggage

If you have ever spent time at an airport, anxiously watching the baggage carousel for your belongings, you can relate to the anxiety of observing numerous similar suitcases moving along the conveyor belt.

While savvy travelers have found that attaching a ribbon to their luggage helps it stand out, an airport employee has cautioned that using personal identifiers may lead to complications that are difficult to resolve.

The prospect of losing luggage while traveling can instill dread even in the most experienced travelers.

To minimize the chances of their bags being mistakenly taken by another passenger or endlessly circling the conveyor belt, many travelers opt to attach vibrant ribbons to their suitcases for easy identification.

However, according to a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, known as John, these common practices may inadvertently create more problems than they solve.

In fact, they could potentially lead to the realization of your worst travel fears.

It is advisable to forgo the ribbon
In an interview with RSVP Live, John explained that affixing identifying ribbons to luggage can result in delays, which may cause your belongings to miss their flight.

“Ribbons that individuals attach to their suitcases for identification can interfere with the scanning process in the baggage area,” John stated. “If the bag cannot be scanned automatically, it may require manual processing, which could prevent your bag from making it onto the flight.”

Checking in your suitcase without any identifiers, such as ribbons or old travel stickers, increases the likelihood of it arriving without issues.

John recommends: “Remove any old stickers from the bag, as they can create confusion during the scanning process.”

Consider braiding or knotting a ribbon on your luggage for a simple method to distinguish your bags. It is also wise to keep spare ribbons in your luggage in case the originals become damaged during your travels.
One potential issue that may arise with your luggage is the inclusion of marzipan, the delectable almond confection. John cautions that bringing it along on your trip could lead to scrutiny from security personnel.

“Never place marzipan in your suitcase. Its density resembles that of certain explosives, which may result in your bag being flagged and you being summoned from the aircraft for a search,” advised the baggage expert from Dublin.

Furthermore, prior to sending your luggage down the narrow conveyor belt to handlers like John, ensure that the wheels are facing upwards to prevent any damage.

The Evolution of Luggage
Luggage has undergone considerable transformation over the past few decades, moving beyond the traditional black, brown, or navy options.

As noted by Travel & Leisure, black luggage is often regarded as one of the most versatile colors, contributing to its widespread popularity.

The publication suggests, “For this reason, opting for a different color can help your luggage stand out at baggage claim. Consider choosing a patterned suitcase or one in a vibrant color such as hot pink.”

If pink is not to your liking, there are numerous bright and bold colors available that will distinguish your belongings from others.

Alternatively, if you prefer to retain your current luggage, you might consider using fabric paint or stickers to create unique identifying features that will not interfere with security scanning.

The insights provided by the Dublin Airport handler are sure to alleviate some of the stress experienced by travelers worldwide.

What recommendations can you provide to help travelers avoid complications at the airport? We invite you to share your thoughts and encourage others to contribute their experiences as well!