Why Airport Experts Say You Should Think Twice Before Tying a Ribbon to Your Suitcase

A common travel habit could cause unexpected delays at the airport.

Many travelers tie colorful ribbons, scarves, or fabric strips to their suitcases to make them easier to identify at baggage claim. While the practice seems practical, airport baggage handlers and industry professionals say it may actually create problems behind the scenes.

According to baggage handling experts, modern airports rely heavily on automated systems to process luggage quickly and efficiently. Every checked bag passes through a series of scanners, conveyor belts, and sorting machines designed to read baggage tags and direct luggage to the correct destination.

A ribbon attached to a suitcase can sometimes interfere with this process.

How Ribbons Can Cause Delays

Airport baggage systems depend on barcode scanners that must clearly read luggage tags. If a ribbon hangs near the tag or partially covers it, the scanner may have difficulty identifying the bag correctly.

When a tag cannot be read automatically, luggage often has to be removed from the automated process and inspected manually by airport staff. This additional step can slow down processing and increase the possibility of delays.

In busy airports handling thousands of bags every hour, even small interruptions can affect efficiency.

More Than Just a Scanning Issue

Experts point out that ribbons may create other complications as well. Loose fabric can become caught in conveyor belts, rollers, or sorting equipment.

In some cases, the ribbon may snag on another suitcase, become tangled with machinery, or flip over a baggage tag. Any of these situations can increase the risk of a bag being delayed, routed incorrectly, or removed for manual inspection.

While such incidents are not guaranteed, airport personnel say they occur often enough to justify their recommendation against using ribbons.

Better Ways to Identify Your Luggage

Travelers still need a way to distinguish their bags from dozens of similar-looking suitcases. Fortunately, there are alternatives that are less likely to interfere with airport systems.

Recommended options include:

• Unique-colored luggage
• Distinctive luggage covers
• Personalized hard-shell designs
• Durable identification tags
• Bright luggage straps that fit securely

These alternatives make bags easier to recognize without introducing loose materials that could affect automated handling systems.

A Small Detail That Can Make a Difference

For many travelers, tying a ribbon to a suitcase seems harmless. However, baggage handlers say the practice may occasionally create unnecessary complications in an environment that depends on speed and automation.

As airports continue to improve their baggage handling technology, ensuring that luggage tags remain fully visible and unobstructed can help reduce the chances of delays and make the travel experience smoother for everyone.

The next time you prepare for a trip, it may be worth considering a different way to make your suitcase stand out.