For anyone who’s spent time anxiously watching a baggage carousel, waiting to spot their suitcase among a sea of similar-looking bags, the stress is all too familiar. Many travelers resort to creative hacks, such as tying colorful ribbons, attaching tags, or securing stickers on their luggage, to make it easier to identify. While this may seem like a brilliant idea, one seasoned baggage handler has revealed that these tricks could do far more harm than good.
In fact, according to the expert, tying a ribbon or personal marker to your bag might actually lead to delays—or worse, your luggage missing its flight entirely. And if that’s not enough to grab your attention, there’s also a surprising warning about marzipan that all travelers need to hear!
Let’s take a closer look at why you should rethink how you mark your suitcase and adopt smarter travel habits for a smoother experience.
Why Ribbons Are a Problem for Your Luggage
Identifying your suitcase among the identical black, navy, or brown bags is no easy task, which is why many travelers have turned to ribbons as an easy solution. However, John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, has issued a stark warning about this practice.
Speaking to RSVP Live, John explained that ribbons can interfere with the automated baggage scanning process in the airport. These scanners are designed to read specific barcodes and tags on luggage. Unfortunately, the addition of a ribbon or other bulky decorations can cause complications.
“Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” John explained. “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.”
In other words, while your colorful ribbon may help you spot your suitcase at baggage claim, it could also delay your bag’s journey to the plane, potentially leaving you stranded without your belongings at your destination.
Remove Old Stickers for Smooth Scanning
Ribbons aren’t the only culprit when it comes to baggage mishaps. John also emphasized that travelers should remove old travel stickers and tags from their suitcases.
Why? Because these leftover stickers can confuse the airport’s scanning system, which is programmed to detect barcodes and process luggage efficiently. Old stickers may send mixed signals to the system, causing delays and unnecessary manual intervention.
To ensure your bag has the best chance of arriving on time, it’s wise to strip away anything unnecessary before checking it in. That includes old stickers, outdated tags, and excessive decorations.
Surprising Security Risks: Avoid Packing Marzipan
If you thought ribbons were the only unexpected luggage hazard, think again! John shared another little-known travel tip that might save you from a major inconvenience: don’t pack marzipan in your luggage.
Marzipan, the sweet almond-based treat, might seem like an innocent snack to take on vacation, but it can cause serious issues at airport security. Due to its density, marzipan closely resembles certain explosives when scanned by security machines.
John warned, “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.”
The last thing any traveler wants is to be pulled off a plane and subjected to additional screening—especially over a sugary treat. Save yourself the stress and avoid packing marzipan altogether.
The Best Way to Handle Your Luggage
Beyond ribbons and marzipan, John offered a few more tips to help travelers ensure their luggage arrives safely and in good condition:
- Position Your Luggage Correctly: When placing your suitcase on the conveyor belt at check-in, make sure it’s wheels-side up. This helps prevent damage and allows baggage handlers to process it more efficiently.
- Stand Out Without Complications: While ribbons and bulky decorations are risky, you can still make your luggage identifiable in other ways. Consider opting for brightly colored or patterned suitcases instead of the standard black.
Travel & Leisure magazine recommends choosing vibrant shades such as hot pink, bright yellow, or bold patterns to make your luggage stand out. This eliminates the need for ribbons while still ensuring you can spot your suitcase quickly at baggage claim.
- Get Creative with Safe Identifiers: If you’re not ready to part with your existing luggage, there are alternative ways to personalize it without interfering with scanners. Fabric paint, stickers, or luggage covers are excellent options that won’t disrupt the scanning process.
By using these methods, you can avoid potential delays while still ensuring your suitcase is easy to recognize.
The Evolution of Modern Luggage
In the past, most suitcases came in a limited range of colors—black, brown, and navy being the most common. While black luggage remains popular due to its versatility, it can make spotting your bag a daunting task.
Today, travelers have far more options. Suitcases are available in bright hues, bold prints, and even custom designs. Whether you prefer electric blue, neon green, or a playful pattern, modern luggage options allow you to express your personality while ensuring your bag stands out.
Additionally, you can purchase protective covers that not only add flair but also keep your suitcase safe from scratches and wear. These covers are easy to remove and won’t interfere with the baggage scanning process.
Final Thoughts: Travel Smart and Stress-Free
The next time you’re preparing for a trip, keep these expert tips in mind to ensure your luggage arrives safely and on time:
- Skip the ribbons and other bulky decorations that can disrupt the scanning process.
- Remove old stickers and tags to avoid confusing the system.
- Avoid packing marzipan or other dense items that could trigger security alerts.
- Opt for colorful or patterned luggage that stands out without causing delays.
- Position your suitcase correctly at check-in to minimize the risk of damage.
By following these simple yet effective tips from an experienced baggage handler, you can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy a smoother travel experience.
The days of losing luggage—or waiting endlessly at the baggage carousel—can be a thing of the past. Travel smart, travel prepared, and enjoy every journey!
