When travelling, many people add colourful ribbons, tags, or stickers to their luggage to make it easier to spot on the carousel. However, baggage handlers at airports, including one from Dublin, have issued a warning about why this common practice can actually cause problems.
According to John, a seasoned baggage handler, tying a ribbon on your suitcase can interfere with the airport’s scanning systems. These automated systems are designed to process bags quickly, but ribbons can obstruct the scanners, potentially leading to manual processing, delays, or even your bag not making it onto your flight.
Another issue with ribbons is the risk of them getting caught in baggage handling equipment, which can result in your suitcase being damaged.
Instead, John suggests using a suitcase in a distinctive colour or personalising it with stickers or fabric paint. These alternatives won’t disrupt the scanning process and are less likely to cause delays or damage.
Additionally, John advises travelers to avoid packing items like marzipan, which can be flagged by security scanners due to its similarity in density to explosives.
By avoiding ribbons and using other simple methods to personalise your luggage, you can help ensure that your bags make it to your destination smoothly and on time, without unnecessary delays or mishaps. You can read more on this advice in full articles from and .
Leave a Reply