Why Baggage Handlers Say You Shouldn’t Tie Anything to Your Suitcase

Many travelers tie ribbons or colorful tags to their suitcases to easily spot them at baggage claim—but this well-meaning habit could actually cause more problems than it solves.

According to John, a seasoned baggage handler at Dublin Airport, decorative ribbons or attachments can interfere with automated baggage scanning systems.

When a bag can’t be scanned properly, it may be pulled aside for manual processing, increasing the chance it could miss your flight altogether.

Personalizing your bag is understandable—no one wants their luggage to get lost in a sea of similar-looking suitcases.

But baggage experts warn that not only ribbons, but also old travel stickers can confuse scanners, potentially causing delays or misrouted luggage.

Removing outdated tags and keeping your bag clean and simple helps ensure it moves smoothly through airport systems.

John also shared a practical tip: place your suitcase wheels-up when checking it in. This small habit helps prevent damage during handling and may extend the life of your luggage.

And if you’re planning to bring food along, especially homemade treats like marzipan, think twice.

Marzipan’s dense texture is surprisingly similar to some explosives on airport scanners, which could trigger extra security checks—and possibly cause you to miss your flight.

So before your next trip, consider skipping the ribbons and keeping things simple.