Anyone who’s ever anxiously watched the baggage carousel knows the stress of trying to spot their suitcase among rows of nearly identical bags.
Savvy travelers often tie bright ribbons to their luggage to make it easier to identify, but an airport employee has recently warned that these personal markers could have an unexpected downside.
Keep reading to learn why you might want to rethink using ribbons—or even packing marzipan!
Losing luggage is a nightmare scenario for any traveler, no matter how experienced. To avoid the frustration of someone else mistakenly taking their suitcase—or endlessly circling the carousel—many opt for colorful ribbons to make their bag stand out.
However, John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, cautions that this well-intentioned practice might actually increase the risk of your luggage being delayed.
In an interview with RSVP Live, John explained that attaching ribbons can interfere with the automated scanning process in the baggage hall. “Ribbons that people attach for easy identification can block the scanner, causing the bag to be processed manually. This delay might prevent the luggage from making it onto the flight,” he said.
To ensure your luggage reaches its destination without issue, it’s better to avoid adding extra identifiers like ribbons or old travel stickers. These simple adjustments can help prevent delays and ensure a smoother trip for your bags.
