If you’ve ever found yourself nervously waiting by the baggage carousel, looking for your suitcase among a sea of similar bags, you’re definitely not alone. Many travelers opt for colorful ribbons, tags, or other markers to help their luggage stand out. However, a baggage handler from Dublin Airport cautions that this common practice may not be the best choice. This is why you should avoid tying a ribbon on your luggage.
John, an experienced baggage handler, shares that attaching ribbons to your luggage can create unexpected problems. “Ribbons that people attach to their suitcases for identification can lead to issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage area,” he explains. Automated baggage systems are built to process bags efficiently, but ribbons can disrupt the scanners. If your bag cannot be scanned correctly, it might require manual handling, resulting in delays or, even worse, missing your flight. This is one of the main reasons why you should refrain from tying a ribbon on your luggage.
What Else To Avoid
Ribbons aren’t the only surprising item to steer clear of. John also recommends against packing marzipan in your suitcase. “It has a density similar to some explosives,” he notes. Bags flagged for security checks because of marzipan or similar items can undergo lengthy searches, adding unnecessary stress to your travel.
So, what should you do instead? Think about options that won’t create issues at the airport. Choose a suitcase in a vibrant, unique color or customize it with stickers, fabric paint, or one-of-a-kind designs. These scanner-friendly techniques help your luggage stand out without the risk of delays or causing unnecessary stress.
By adhering to these suggestions and keeping in mind to never tie a ribbon on your luggage, you can steer clear of avoidable travel troubles, ensure smoother processing at the airport, and boost the likelihood of your bag reaching your destination on time without causing any delays during your journey.
