Anyone who has ever stood at an airport baggage carousel knows the stress of trying to identify their suitcase among a sea of nearly identical bags. For years, savvy travelers have relied on bright ribbons, colorful straps, or other personal markers to make their luggage stand out. However, a surprising warning from an airport baggage handler might make you reconsider this popular practice.
As it turns out, what seems like a smart way to avoid mix-ups at baggage claim could actually increase the chances of your luggage being delayed—or even missing your flight entirely. Intrigued? Let’s dive into why something as seemingly harmless as a ribbon might not be the best solution for your next trip.
The Problem with Ribbons on Luggage
Losing luggage is every traveler’s worst nightmare. Whether you’re on a business trip or vacation, the thought of your carefully packed belongings ending up in the wrong place—or not arriving at all—is enough to cause serious anxiety. To avoid such mishaps, many travelers tie bright ribbons, colorful straps, or even pieces of fabric to their bags for easy identification.
While this seems like a foolproof strategy, John, a seasoned baggage handler at Dublin Airport, has a different perspective. In an interview with RSVP Live, he shared a little-known drawback of these popular luggage markers. According to John, ribbons and straps can interfere with the automated scanning systems in the baggage hall.
“Ribbons that people attach for easy identification can block the scanner, causing the bag to be processed manually. This delay might prevent the luggage from making it onto the flight,” John explained.
The automated scanning process is designed to identify and sort luggage quickly and efficiently. However, when ribbons, straps, or other items get caught in the system, the bag may need to be removed from the automated line for manual inspection. This extra step adds time to the process and increases the likelihood that your bag could miss its connection to your flight.
Old Travel Stickers Are Also a Culprit
Ribbons aren’t the only thing that can trip up the baggage system. John also warned against leaving old travel stickers or tags on your luggage. These outdated identifiers can confuse the scanning system, causing delays similar to those created by ribbons.
“People often forget to remove tags from previous trips,” John noted. “This can lead to misrouting or delays, as the system might read the old information instead of the current one.”
Keeping your luggage free from unnecessary clutter, including ribbons and outdated stickers, is a simple yet effective way to ensure it reaches its destination without complications.
So, What’s the Best Way to Identify Your Luggage?
If ribbons and straps are out, what’s the best way to make your suitcase stand out? There are still plenty of options that won’t interfere with the scanning process or risk delaying your bag.
- Invest in a Unique Luggage Design: Consider purchasing a suitcase in a distinctive color or pattern. Many brands offer bright and eye-catching designs that are easy to spot on the carousel.
- Use Luggage Tags: A sturdy luggage tag with your name and contact information is an essential travel item. Choose a tag in a bold color or unique shape to make your bag easier to identify.
- Personalized Luggage Covers: Customizable luggage covers are another great way to make your suitcase stand out. They not only help with identification but also provide added protection for your bag.
- Consider Non-Obstructive Markers: If you really want to add a personal touch, opt for small, unobtrusive items like a colored zipper pull or a unique luggage handle wrap. These won’t interfere with the scanning process but can still help your bag stand out.
What About Packing Odd Items?
John’s advice doesn’t stop at ribbons and stickers. He also highlighted how certain packed items can cause issues during the luggage scanning process. For instance, he noted that packing marzipan—a popular almond-based confection—can sometimes trigger alarms due to its dense texture, which scanners may mistake for something suspicious.
While marzipan might not be a common item in most travelers’ suitcases, it serves as a good reminder to be mindful of what you pack. Unusual items or dense materials could lead to additional inspections, potentially delaying your bag.
A Smoother Journey for Your Luggage
Traveling is stressful enough without adding unnecessary complications to the process. By avoiding ribbons, straps, and old travel stickers, you can help ensure that your luggage passes through the airport’s automated systems without a hitch. Simple steps like choosing a unique suitcase design or using personalized tags can make your bag easy to spot while keeping the baggage system running smoothly.
Ultimately, the goal is to get your suitcase to your destination as quickly and efficiently as possible. While ribbons might seem like a harmless way to identify your bag, the potential delays they can cause aren’t worth the risk. Next time you pack for a trip, keep these tips in mind to ensure a hassle-free experience for both you and your luggage.
Travel smarter, and you’ll spend less time worrying at the baggage carousel and more time enjoying your destination!
