Baggage Handlers Warn That Tying a Ribbon to Your Suitcase Can Be a Costly Mistake

Adding a bright ribbon to your luggage might seem like a smart travel trick. It helps your bag stand out on the carousel, makes it easier to grab quickly, and reduces the risk of someone else taking it by mistake. However, airport baggage handlers are cautioning travelers that this common habit can actually cause problems—sometimes serious enough to delay your suitcase or even prevent it from making your flight.

Why Ribbons and Extra Accessories Can Cause Trouble

Many travelers attach ribbons, straps, hanging tags, or other markers to their suitcases because they worry about mix-ups, especially when so many bags look alike. After a long flight, a clear identifier can feel like a lifesaver.

But according to John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, these additions can interfere with automated luggage systems.

“Ribbons tied to suitcases can disrupt automated scanning in the baggage hall,” John explained. “If a bag doesn’t scan correctly, it often has to be processed by hand, which increases the risk that it won’t make it onto the flight.”

Essentially, what makes your bag easy to spot for you can create complications behind the scenes, where machines are designed to scan and route luggage quickly and efficiently.

Old Stickers and Labels Can Also Create Problems

It’s not just ribbons that cause issues. Old airline tags and travel stickers left on suitcases can confuse scanners as well.

John recommends removing outdated labels before you travel. Scanning systems may misread them, slowing down the sorting process. While a suitcase covered in stickers might look stylish or well-traveled, it can create delays when speed and accuracy are crucial.

A Surprising Packing Issue: Marzipan

Here’s one many travelers wouldn’t expect: marzipan.

John notes that marzipan’s dense texture can resemble certain explosive materials on airport scanners. While it’s not prohibited, it may cause your bag to be flagged for additional inspection.

If you pack marzipan, be prepared for possible extra screening, which can be stressful—especially if you’re trying to catch a connecting flight or already running short on time.

A Simple Habit That Helps Protect Your Luggage

Before placing your suitcase on the conveyor belt, John suggests positioning it with the wheels facing up. This small step can reduce the chance of damage during handling and transport.

It only takes a moment, but it can help protect your bag if it’s bumped, stacked, or shifted during loading.

Better Ways to Make Your Luggage Stand Out

If ribbons aren’t ideal, what’s a better option?

Choosing luggage in a bright color or with a distinctive pattern is one of the safest ways to make your bag easy to recognize—without adding loose items that might interfere with scanning.

If you already own a black or dark-colored suitcase, you can still personalize it safely by:

Using fabric paint for a flat, simple design

Applying decals that lie flush and don’t hang

Using a snug-fitting suitcase cover with no loose edges

The key is to make your bag identifiable without adding anything that could snag, dangle, or confuse airport systems.

Key Takeaway

While tying a ribbon to your suitcase may seem harmless, baggage handlers warn that it can disrupt automated scanning and push your bag into manual processing. Removing old stickers, being cautious with dense foods like marzipan, placing your suitcase wheels-up, and choosing distinctive luggage designs are small changes that can help ensure a smoother journey—from check-in all the way to baggage claim.