If you’ve ever stood at an airport baggage carousel, scanning through rows of similar-looking suitcases, you know how stressful it can be to locate your luggage. Many travelers attempt to solve this problem by tying bright ribbons, straps, or other markers to their bags, making them easier to spot among the crowd. While this strategy seems practical, an experienced baggage handler has issued a warning that might make you think twice about this approach.
This surprising piece of advice comes from John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport. He recently shared how adding ribbons or other identifiers to your suitcase could unintentionally create problems and even increase the likelihood of delays. While these colorful additions are intended to simplify the process of finding your luggage, they can interfere with the baggage-handling system in ways most travelers don’t realize.
The Risks of Losing Luggage
Losing luggage is every traveler’s worst nightmare. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional vacationer, the thought of arriving at your destination without your belongings is enough to ruin a trip. To prevent such mishaps, many people take extra precautions, like adding bright ribbons, stickers, or straps to their suitcases. These personal touches make it easier to identify your bag and help avoid the dreaded mix-up where someone else accidentally walks off with your luggage.
While these intentions are good, John has revealed an often-overlooked downside. In an interview with RSVP Live, he explained that these seemingly harmless additions could disrupt the highly automated scanning systems used in baggage handling.
How Ribbons Can Delay Your Luggage
At modern airports, most luggage is processed using automated systems designed to quickly scan, sort, and route bags to the appropriate flights. These systems rely on scanners to read the luggage tags and sort the bags efficiently. However, when ribbons, straps, or other items are attached to a suitcase, they can interfere with this process.
“Ribbons that people attach for easy identification can block the scanner, causing the bag to be processed manually,” John explained. “This delay might prevent the luggage from making it onto the flight.”
If a bag cannot pass through the automated system because of these obstructions, it must be manually inspected and sorted by airport staff. This process takes extra time and increases the risk that your bag will not make it onto the plane, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or connecting flight.
Old Travel Stickers: Another Hidden Problem
Ribbons and straps aren’t the only culprits that can cause issues. John also pointed out that old travel stickers or tags left on suitcases from previous trips can confuse the scanners. These outdated identifiers can cause the system to misread the information, potentially leading to delays or even routing your luggage to the wrong destination.
“People often forget to remove old travel tags,” John said. “This can lead to the system reading incorrect information, which may result in the bag being delayed or sent to the wrong location.”
To avoid this problem, travelers should always remove old tags and stickers before checking their luggage. A clean, uncluttered surface ensures that the scanners can read the current information accurately, reducing the chances of any mishaps.
Better Ways to Identify Your Suitcase
If tying ribbons or straps isn’t ideal, there are still plenty of effective ways to make your suitcase stand out without causing delays:
- Choose Unique Luggage: Opt for a suitcase with a distinctive color or pattern. Many luggage brands offer bright, bold designs that are easy to spot on the carousel.
- Use High-Quality Luggage Tags: A sturdy, brightly colored luggage tag with your contact information is a great way to personalize your bag without obstructing scanners.
- Add Small, Non-Intrusive Markers: Consider using items like colored zipper pulls or unique handle wraps. These won’t interfere with the baggage system but can still make your bag recognizable.
- Consider a Luggage Cover: Customizable luggage covers not only make your suitcase stand out but also provide extra protection during transit.
Be Mindful of What You Pack
Interestingly, John also mentioned that certain packed items can trigger issues during the scanning process. For example, he highlighted marzipan—a dense almond-based confection—often mistaken by scanners for something suspicious due to its texture. While marzipan might not be a common item in most travelers’ suitcases, it serves as a good reminder to be cautious about what you pack. Dense or unusual items can lead to additional inspections, delaying your luggage further.
A Smoother Journey for Your Luggage
Traveling is stressful enough without unnecessary complications. By avoiding ribbons, straps, and outdated travel stickers, you can ensure that your luggage moves smoothly through the automated systems and reaches its destination on time. Instead, choose simple, non-obstructive ways to personalize your suitcase while keeping it scanner-friendly.
Next time you pack for a trip, remember these tips. Avoiding common mistakes like attaching ribbons or leaving old stickers on your luggage can save you from the frustration of delays or lost bags. Traveling smarter not only makes your experience more enjoyable but also helps the hardworking baggage handlers who ensure your trip goes as planned. Safe travels!
