Why You Should Never Tie a Ribbon on Your Luggage, According to a Baggage Handler

A simple ribbon may seem helpful at the airport, but baggage experts say it could actually cause delays and complications.

For many travelers, tying a colorful ribbon to a suitcase has become a common habit. The idea is simple: make your luggage easier to spot among dozens of nearly identical bags on the baggage carousel. However, according to an experienced baggage handler, this seemingly harmless travel trick may create unexpected problems.

Airport baggage systems rely heavily on automated scanning technology to identify, sort, and transport luggage efficiently. When a suitcase enters the baggage handling system, barcode labels attached to the bag are scanned multiple times before the luggage reaches its destination.

According to the baggage handler, ribbons, strings, and other decorative attachments can sometimes interfere with these automated systems. If a bag cannot be scanned properly, it may need to be removed from the automated process and inspected manually. This can slow down handling and, in some cases, increase the risk of luggage arriving late.

While a ribbon may appear harmless, anything attached to the exterior of a suitcase can potentially create complications. Modern baggage systems are designed to process thousands of bags every hour, and even minor obstructions can affect efficiency.

Why Airport Staff Recommend Simplicity

Many airport professionals suggest keeping luggage as simple as possible. Instead of attaching ribbons, travelers can make their bags recognizable by choosing unique suitcase colors, distinctive patterns, or luggage designs that naturally stand out.

Another option is using brightly colored luggage straps specifically designed for travel. Unlike loose ribbons, these accessories are often more secure and less likely to interfere with baggage handling equipment.

Other Items That May Cause Delays

The baggage handler also highlighted another surprising item travelers should avoid: old destination stickers left on suitcases.

Many frequent flyers leave previous baggage tags or airport stickers attached to their luggage. However, outdated labels can sometimes create confusion during the scanning process. If a system reads an old barcode instead of the current one, it may trigger additional checks or delays.

Removing old tags before a trip helps ensure that only the current baggage label is visible and readable.

Smarter Ways to Identify Your Bag

Instead of ribbons, experts recommend:

• Choosing luggage in unique colors.
• Using personalized luggage tags.
• Adding distinctive luggage covers.
• Selecting suitcases with recognizable patterns.
• Using brightly colored travel straps designed for baggage handling systems.

These methods can help travelers quickly identify their belongings without potentially interfering with airport operations.

A Small Change That Could Save Time

For travelers eager to avoid airport stress, the advice is straightforward: keep luggage free from unnecessary attachments and remove outdated labels before checking bags.

Although a ribbon might seem like a convenient way to spot a suitcase, baggage handlers say it could create more problems than it solves. By choosing alternative identification methods, travelers can reduce the chances of delays and help ensure their luggage reaches its destination smoothly.