If you’ve ever anxiously scanned the baggage carousel at an airport, searching for your suitcase among a sea of nearly identical bags, you know the stress it can cause. Savvy travelers have found a solution by tying ribbons to their luggage, making it easier to spot. However, an airport worker has issued a cautionary note: using these personal markers might come with unintended consequences you can’t simply leave behind.
Speaking to RSVP Live, Dublin Airport baggage handler John explained that tying identifying ribbons to your luggage can lead to delays, potentially causing your belongings to miss the flight. “Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” John shared. “If the bag can’t be scanned automatically, it may need to be processed manually, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it onto the flight.”
John suggests that checking in your suitcase without identifiers like ribbons and old travel stickers gives it a better chance of arriving on time and intact. “Remove old stickers from your bag, as they can cause confusion during the scanning process,” John advised. Another item that could cause issues is marzipan—the delicious almond-based treat. “Never pack marzipan in your luggage. It has a similar density to some explosives, so your bag might be removed, and you could be called off the plane for a bag search,” the Dublin baggage expert warned.
Finally, before sending your luggage down the conveyor belt to handlers like John, make sure it’s wheels-side up to prevent damage. This simple positioning can go a long way in ensuring your belongings arrive safely at your destination.
Luggage has come a long way in recent decades, and there’s no need to stick with basic black, brown, or navy. According to Travel & Leisure, black luggage is “one of the most—if not the most—versatile colors, which is why it’s so popular.” But if you want your luggage to stand out at baggage claim, you might want to choose a different hue. Consider a patterned suitcase or one in a bold color like hot pink instead.
Credit: Shutterstock
And if pink isn’t your style, don’t worry—you can find luggage in a variety of bright, bold colors that will help your belongings stand out from the crowd. If you’re not ready to part with your current suitcase, consider using fabric paint or stickers to add unique identifying features that won’t interfere with the scanning process.
These tips from the Dublin Airport handler should help ease the stress for travelers around the globe! By being mindful of potential pitfalls and choosing the right luggage and accessories, you can ensure a smoother journey from check-in to baggage claim.
