Anyone who’s ever waited anxiously at the airport baggage carousel knows the challenge of picking out their suitcase among a sea of lookalikes.
Many travelers have tried to solve this problem by tying colorful ribbons to their bags, hoping to make them easier to spot. However, a seasoned airport employee cautions that these personal touches might actually create more problems than they solve.
The fear of losing your luggage can unsettle even the most experienced globetrotters.
To prevent their bags from being mistakenly taken by someone else—or from endlessly circling the carousel—travelers often attach ribbons or other markers to their suitcases. While this may seem helpful, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, known as John, warns that these tactics can backfire.
In fact, using ribbons could turn your travel worries into reality.
It’s best to skip the ribbon.
Speaking to RSVP Live, John explained that adding ribbons or similar identifiers can interfere with the automated scanning process in the baggage area. “Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” he said. “If the bag can’t be scanned automatically it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it to the flight.”
For the smoothest journey, John recommends removing all ribbons and outdated travel stickers before checking in your suitcase, as these can confuse the scanning machines.
He advises: “Take old stickers off the bag, it can cause confusion with the scanning process.”
Some travelers suggest braiding or tying ribbons for easy identification and carrying extras in case one falls off, but John’s advice is to avoid anything that might disrupt baggage handling.
Surprisingly, John also warns against packing marzipan—a sweet almond treat. Its density is similar to certain explosives, which could trigger a security alert and result in your bag being pulled aside and searched.
“Don’t ever pack marzipan in your luggage. It has the same density as some explosives, so your bag will be removed and you’ll be called from the plane for a bag search,” he cautioned.
Another tip: when placing your suitcase on the conveyor belt, make sure the wheels are facing up to help prevent damage.
Upgrade Your Luggage
Luggage design has come a long way, and you’re no longer limited to plain black, brown, or navy suitcases. Travel & Leisure points out that black is popular because it’s so versatile, but that also means it’s harder to spot.
To make your bag stand out, opt for a patterned suitcase or one in a bright, bold color like hot pink. If that’s not your style, there are plenty of other vibrant options available.
If you don’t want to buy new luggage, consider decorating your current bags with fabric paint or stickers—these can help your suitcase stand out without interfering with airport scanners.
By following these tips from a Dublin Airport baggage handler, you can make your next trip a little less stressful.
Do you have any travel tips to help others avoid airport hassles? Share your suggestions and spread the word so more travelers can benefit!
