Tying a bright ribbon onto your suitcase sounds like the perfect travel hack. It makes your bag easy to spot, helps you avoid grabbing the wrong luggage, and feels like a simple way to stand out on a crowded carousel. But an airport baggage handler is warning travelers that this popular trick can backfire—sometimes in ways that could delay your bag or even increase the chance it doesn’t make your flight.
Best vacation packages
For illustrative purposes only
The Hidden Problem With Ribbons and Extra Markers
Many travelers add ribbons, straps, dangling tags, or personal identifiers because they’re worried someone else will accidentally take their suitcase. Others do it because black luggage all looks the same, especially after a long flight when everyone is tired and rushing.
However, John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, says those add-ons can interfere with automated baggage scanning systems in the baggage hall.
“Ribbons people tie onto their suitcases can interfere with automated scanning in the baggage hall,” John explained. “If the bag doesn’t scan properly, it may need manual processing, which increases the chance it won’t make your flight.”
In other words, what helps you identify your suitcase on the outside may cause problems behind the scenes, where machines are trying to scan luggage quickly and accurately.
For illustrative purposes only
Don’t Forget the Stickers: Old Labels Can Cause Issues Too
It’s not only ribbons. Old travel stickers and leftover airline labels can also create confusion.
Best vacation packages
John advises removing them because scanners may misread the bag or struggle to process it smoothly. A cleaner exterior reduces the risk of delays during sorting and loading. If your suitcase is covered in old stickers from past trips, it might look cool—but it could slow things down when speed matters most.
