If you’ve ever spent time at an airport watching the baggage carousel, you know the stress of spotting your suitcase among hundreds of look-alikes. Many travelers have found that securing a ribbon to their luggage makes it stand out from the rest. However, an airport worker is warning passengers that using personal markers like ribbons could bring more trouble than you’d expect.
Trying to avoid the horror of lost baggage can make even the most seasoned traveler anxious. To lower the risk of having their luggage accidentally taken by someone else, or having it endlessly circle on the conveyor belt, many travelers attach colorful ribbons to their suitcases. But according to a Dublin Airport baggage handler named John, these popular tricks might be causing more harm than good.
John explains that tying ribbons on your luggage can actually cause delays and might result in your belongings missing the flight. He shared with RSVP Live that ribbons can interfere with the automatic scanning process in the baggage hall. “If the bag can’t be scanned automatically, it may require manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it onto the flight,” John revealed.
To improve the odds of your luggage arriving promptly, it’s best to check in your suitcase without adding any identifying ribbons or holding onto old travel stickers. John advises, “Remove old stickers from your bag as they can confuse the scanning process.”
In addition to being cautious about ribbons and old stickers, John also warns against packing marzipan, that delicious sugary almond treat. This sweet could get flagged by security, potentially causing more delays on your journey.
So next time you pack for a trip, think twice before adding that ribbon to your luggage. A little extra caution could save you from unnecessary travel headaches.
