Tying a bright ribbon onto your suitcase sounds like the perfect travel hack. It makes your bag easy to spot, helps you avoid grabbing the wrong luggage, and feels like a simple way to stand out on a crowded carousel. But an airport baggage handler is warning travelers that this popular trick can backfire—sometimes in ways that could delay your bag or even increase the chance it doesn’t make your flight
The Hidden Problem With Ribbons and Extra Markers
Many travelers add ribbons, straps, dangling tags, or personal identifiers because they’re worried someone else will accidentally take their suitcase. Others do it because black luggage all looks the same, especially after a long flight when everyone is tired and rushing.
However, John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, says those add-ons can interfere with automated baggage scanning systems in the baggage hall.
“Ribbons people tie onto their suitcases can interfere with automated scanning in the baggage hall,” John explained. “If the bag doesn’t scan properly, it may need manual processing, which increases the chance it won’t make your flight.”
In other words, what helps you identify your suitcase on the outside may cause problems behind the scenes, where machines are trying to scan luggage quickly and accurately.
Don’t Forget the Stickers: Old Labels Can Cause Issues Too
It’s not only ribbons. Old travel stickers and leftover airline labels can also create confusion.
John advises removing them because scanners may misread the bag or struggle to process it smoothly. A cleaner exterior reduces the risk of delays during sorting and loading. If your suitcase is covered in old stickers from past trips, it might look cool—but it could slow things down when speed matters most.
A Surprising Packing Warning: Marzipan Can Trigger Extra Screening
Here’s the unexpected one: marzipan.
John says marzipan, the almond-based sweet, can sometimes cause security concerns because its density resembles certain explosive materials on scanners. That doesn’t mean it’s banned, but it can lead to your luggage being flagged for additional screening.
If you pack it, you may be called back for a search—something that can feel stressful when you’re rushing to a gate or trying to make a connection.
One Small Habit That Can Protect Your Suitcase
Before sending your suitcase down the conveyor belt, John recommends placing it wheels-up. This simple step can help reduce damage during handling and transport.
It takes two seconds, but it can make a difference—especially if your suitcase gets bumped, stacked, or moved quickly during loading.
Better Ways to Make Your Luggage Easy to Spot
If ribbons aren’t a great idea, what should you do instead?
A safer alternative is choosing luggage in a bold color or with a unique pattern. This makes your suitcase easy to identify without adding loose items that could interfere with scanning.
If you already own a black or navy suitcase, you can still personalize it in ways that don’t get in the way:
- Use fabric paint for a small, flat design
- Add flat decals that don’t dangle or cover important areas
- Choose a suitcase cover that fits snugly and doesn’t hang loose
The goal is simple: make your bag recognizable without adding anything that could snag, hang, or confuse scanning systems.
Quick Takeaway
A ribbon on your suitcase might seem harmless, but airport staff say it can slow down automated scanning and push your bag into manual processing. Removing old stickers, being mindful with items like marzipan, placing your suitcase wheels-up, and choosing bold luggage colors are small changes that can help your trip go more smoothly—from check-in to baggage claim.