If you’ve ever tied a ribbon or attached a trinket to your suitcase to make it stand out, you’re not alone. Many travelers personalize their luggage with colorful strings, key rings, or ribbons to easily spot their bags on the carousel and avoid mix-ups. However, according to a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, doing so could actually harm your chances of your luggage making it to your destination.
The Issue with Ribbons and Decorations
John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, has issued a warning to travelers who tie ribbons or other decorations onto their luggage. While it may seem like a clever way to make your suitcase easy to identify, these personal touches can interfere with the baggage scanning process.
In an interview with RSVP Live, John explained:
“Ribbons people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall.”
The automated scanning systems used in airports are designed to process luggage quickly and efficiently. However, ribbons, stickers, and other decorations can block barcodes or obscure the shape of the luggage, causing delays. If your bag isn’t scanned properly, it could be sent for manual processing, which increases the risk of it missing the flight.
How to Avoid Scanning Issues
To ensure your luggage gets on the plane without a hitch, John suggests travelers remove any old stickers or labels that could confuse the scanning system. These leftover stickers from previous trips can interfere with the barcode reading and result in the same issue as ribbons—delays and manual processing.
Other Handy Luggage Tips
In addition to avoiding ribbons and decorations, John shared some other useful advice for a stress-free luggage experience:
- Place Suitcase Wheels Up: When packing or placing your bag on the conveyer belt, make sure to position the suitcase with the wheels facing up. This helps reduce damage during the loading process.
- Avoid Packing Marzipan: While it may seem strange, marzipan—the almond-based paste used in baking—has a similar density to some explosives. This means it could trigger extra security checks, delaying your luggage and potentially you as well. For bakers, it’s better to leave the marzipan at home.
Rethink How You Identify Your Luggage
Instead of attaching ribbons or other items that could get tangled or block scanning, consider safer alternatives:
- Use a bright or patterned luggage tag.
- Opt for a distinctive luggage cover.
- Buy a colorful suitcase or add unique but secure stickers in places that won’t interfere with scanning.
These methods can still help your bag stand out without risking delays or lost luggage.
Final Thoughts
While personalizing your luggage seems like a harmless way to avoid mix-ups at the baggage carousel, it could do more harm than good. According to John, the Dublin Airport baggage handler, decorations like ribbons can interfere with the automated baggage handling systems, leading to delays and even the possibility of your luggage not making it onto the plane. By following his advice and using less intrusive methods to distinguish your luggage, you can enjoy a smoother, more stress-free travel experience.
And remember, leave the marzipan and any other baking supplies at home! Missing your holiday for a baking ingredient just isn’t worth it.
