Many travelers think tying a bright ribbon to their suitcase is a clever way to spot it quickly at baggage claim.
But according to one experienced baggage handler, that little trick might actually be the reason your luggage doesn’t make it onto the plane.
A Dublin Airport worker named John shared that while ribbons and personal tags help passengers identify their bags, they can cause major issues during the airport’s automated scanning process.
“Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” John explained. “If the bag can’t be scanned automatically, it ends up in manual processing—and that could mean your luggage misses the flight.”
His advice? Keep your luggage simple and clean. Remove old travel stickers or labels that could confuse the scanners.
And if you’re thinking of packing marzipan as a souvenir or snack—don’t.
John warned that marzipan has a density similar to some explosives, meaning it can trigger extra security checks or even get your bag pulled aside for inspection.
Before checking your luggage, he also suggests placing it wheels-up on the conveyor belt to prevent damage during handling.
Better Ways to Make Your Bag Stand Out
Instead of ribbons, try something that won’t interfere with airport equipment—like a bold-colored suitcase, a unique pattern, or decorative stickers that are flat and safe for scanning.
Travel experts also recommend choosing luggage in bright shades like teal, yellow, or even hot pink—colors that are easy to recognize from a distance.
With these small adjustments, you can keep your luggage both stylish and flight-ready—without any risk of delays.
What about you—do you have a travel tip that’s saved you from airport headaches?
Share your ideas in the comments, and pass this story along to someone who’s always losing their suitcase at baggage claim!