If you’ve ever stood at an airport baggage carousel, anxiously scanning for your suitcase among a sea of black, navy, and gray bags, you’re not alone. Many travelers go to great lengths to make their luggage stand out—whether it’s by adding colorful ribbons, stickers, keychains, or even bold patterns. While these efforts are understandable, one Dublin Airport baggage handler is urging passengers to think twice before personalizing their suitcases in certain ways.
John, a seasoned baggage handler, has issued a warning that could save your holiday from unnecessary stress: avoid tying anything to your suitcase, especially ribbons. His advice might seem counterintuitive, but it comes with good reason—and it could mean the difference between your luggage arriving on time or being delayed.
The Problem with Ribbons and Decorations
When you tie a ribbon, attach a trinket, or slap on old travel stickers, you may think you’re making your bag easier to spot. However, John explains that these additions can actually cause significant issues during the baggage handling process. Specifically, ribbons and other embellishments can interfere with the automated scanning systems used in airports.
“Ribbons people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” John told RSVP Live. If the automated system cannot scan your bag properly due to obstructions like ribbons or bulky decorations, it gets flagged for manual processing. This extra step increases the likelihood of delays, meaning your suitcase might not make it onto the same flight as you.
Old stickers are another culprit. Even if they’re remnants from past trips, leftover destination labels can confuse scanners and lead to similar problems. “Take old stickers off the bag,” John advises. “It can cause confusion with the scanning process.”
What Happens When Bags Are Delayed?
For many travelers, the idea of their luggage going missing is enough to induce panic. Imagine arriving at your dream destination only to realize your suitcase is stuck in transit—or worse, lost entirely. Not only does this disrupt your plans, but it also forces you to scramble for essentials like clothes, toiletries, and medications. And let’s face it: no one wants to spend their vacation shopping for underwear at the local convenience store.
By keeping your suitcase free of ribbons, stickers, and other potential scanning hazards, you significantly reduce the risk of your bag being delayed or misplaced. It’s a small change that could have a big impact on your travel experience.
Other Tips for Stress-Free Travel
In addition to avoiding ribbons and stickers, John shared a few more tips to ensure smooth sailing (or flying) with your luggage:
- Place Your Suitcase Wheels-Up: When checking in your bag, always place it wheels-up on the conveyor belt. This helps prevent damage to fragile items inside and ensures the bag moves smoothly through the system.
- Skip the Marzipan: If you’re planning to bring homemade treats along, consider leaving the marzipan at home. Made from ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites, marzipan has a density similar to certain explosives—a fact that often triggers security alerts. If your bag is flagged for inspection because of marzipan, you could find yourself subjected to additional screening, which might delay your journey.
- Keep It Simple: Instead of relying on external decorations, opt for a brightly colored or uniquely patterned suitcase. These visual cues are less likely to interfere with airport processes and still help your bag stand out on the carousel.
A Word on Trust Issues and Over-Personalization
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