Why Airport Staff Warn Against Tying Ribbons on Luggage Despite Its Popularity

Anyone who has stood at a crowded baggage carousel anxiously watching suitcase after suitcase roll by understands how stressful it can be to locate their own luggage among dozens of nearly identical bags. To make their suitcases easier to spot, many travelers rely on a simple trick: tying a bright ribbon to the handle. While the idea seems harmless and practical, an airport baggage handler is warning that this popular habit could actually increase the risk of luggage delays or even cause bags to miss flights entirely.

The fear of lost luggage is one of the most common anxieties associated with air travel. Whether traveling for business or leisure, passengers rely heavily on their belongings arriving at the same destination and at the same time they do. To reduce the risk of accidental mix-ups or endless scanning at the carousel, travelers have adopted creative ways to make their suitcases stand out, with ribbons being among the most widely used identifiers.

However, a baggage handler based at Dublin Airport, who goes by the name John, has shared that these well-meaning personal markers can interfere with the automated systems used to process luggage. Rather than helping bags move more efficiently through the system, ribbons and similar attachments may slow things down at a critical point in the journey.

Speaking about the issue, John explained, “Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall. If the bag can’t be scanned automatically it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it to the flight.” Automated scanners rely on clear surfaces and unobstructed tags to correctly read and route luggage. When ribbons or other loose accessories interfere with this process, the bag may be diverted for manual inspection, delaying its progress.

John also warned that older travel stickers can create similar problems. “Take old stickers off the bag, it can cause confusion with the scanning process,” he advised. When outdated barcodes or destination labels remain on a suitcase, automated systems may misread the information, increasing the chance of errors during sorting.

Beyond ribbons and stickers, John highlighted another surprising item that could cause security delays: marzipan. The sweet almond-based confection is popular in many countries, but its physical density can resemble that of certain prohibited materials when scanned. “Don’t ever pack marzipan in your luggage. It has the same density as some explosives, so your bag will be removed and you’ll be called from the plane for a bag search,” he said. While marzipan is perfectly legal to carry, its properties can trigger additional security screening, potentially delaying both the passenger and their luggage.

He also offered a practical tip on how to place suitcases on the conveyor belt at check-in. Travelers are encouraged to place their luggage with the wheels facing upward. This simple adjustment helps reduce the risk of damage as bags move through sorting machinery and are transferred between belts, carts, and aircraft holds.

As concerns about luggage handling grow, many travelers are also rethinking the appearance of their suitcases altogether. For decades, black, brown, and navy have dominated the luggage market due to their versatility and understated look. Industry experts note that black luggage remains one of the most common choices because it pairs well with almost any style and hides visible scuffs and dirt.

However, the very reason these colors are so popular also makes them difficult to distinguish at baggage claim. With so many travelers opting for neutral tones, identifying one black suitcase among dozens of others can become frustrating. Travel experts increasingly suggest choosing a suitcase in a bright or unusual color to eliminate the need for external identifiers such as ribbons.

Bold shades like hot pink, lime green, bright blue, and vibrant orange are now widely available and make bags instantly recognizable from a distance. Patterned suitcases with unique designs also offer a way to stand out without adding anything that could interfere with scanning equipment.

For travelers who already own neutral-colored luggage and are not ready to invest in new suitcases, there are still safe alternatives for personalization. Using fabric paint, sewn-on patches, or flat stickers placed in areas that do not interfere with barcodes or scanning zones can offer visual distinction without creating technical issues during processing. These options allow travelers to identify their luggage quickly while minimizing the risk of delays.

Airports handle tens of thousands of bags each day, relying heavily on automated sorting systems to keep operations running on schedule. Even small obstructions can have an outsized impact when multiplied across thousands of passengers. What may seem like a minor personal touch can turn into an unintended logistical obstacle behind the scenes.

The advice from baggage handlers like John offers insight into the complexity of airport operations that most travelers never see. From scanning technology and security checks to conveyor belt mechanics and aircraft loading schedules, each piece of luggage must move through a tightly controlled system. When that system is disrupted, even briefly, it can lead to missed connections, delayed arrivals, or luggage ending up on the wrong flight.

While tying a ribbon to a suitcase may make sense from a passenger’s perspective, the warning highlights the importance of understanding how small actions can affect larger processes. Simple adjustments—such as removing loose accessories, clearing old travel stickers, and choosing more distinctive suitcase colors—can improve the chances that luggage arrives on time and without complications.

As travel continues to rebound and airports face growing passenger volumes, efficiency in baggage handling remains a top priority. For travelers hoping to avoid unnecessary stress at baggage claim, these practical tips could help ensure that their belongings arrive safely and without delay.