At baggage claim, the conveyor belt spins like a roulette wheel of chaos, spitting out suitcases that blur into a sea of black, navy, and beige sameness. For years, travelers have tied colorful ribbons, scarves, or DIY markers to their bags, a visual trick to distinguish their luggage from the crowd. But what seems like a clever hack may actually invite a travel nightmare—one that could delay your bag, trigger security alarms, or even leave you stranded at the gate.
A Dublin Airport baggage handler, John, has issued a stark warning: ribbons, stickers, and decorative tags on luggage aren’t just unnecessary—they’re dangerous. And the consequences go far beyond aesthetics.
The Ribbon Risk: A Traveler’s Hidden Liability
Ribbons and stickers are meant to simplify identification. But according to John, they often do the opposite. “If the bag can’t be scanned automatically, it gets flagged,” he explains. “Manual processing means slower handling—and a higher chance your bag won’t make the flight.”
Modern airports rely on automated scanning systems to track luggage via barcodes or RFID tags. Loose items like ribbons can obscure these codes , jam machinery, or snag on conveyor belts, halting operations entirely. In worst-case scenarios, bags with attachments are rerouted to manual inspection, a bottleneck that delays them by hours—or sends them to the wrong city.
“Tying a ribbon is like adding a bullseye for trouble,” John says. “It’s a gamble: your bag might end up in Dubai while you’re stranded in Denver.”
Marzipan: The Sweet Saboteur
But ribbons aren’t the only culprits. John also warns against packing marzipan , the sugary almond treat beloved in European confectionery. “Its density mirrors that of certain explosives,” he cautions. “If a scanner flags it, your luggage gets pulled for a manual search. You could end up deplaned while authorities investigate a bag of candy .”
This isn’t mere speculation. In 2022, a passenger was detained at Heathrow Airport when marzipan triggered a false positive in a security scan, causing a ripple effect of delays. The lesson? Even innocent indulgences can morph into security theater.
Wheels Up: The Simple Fix That Works
While travelers fret over ribbons and snacks, John offers a no-brainer tip: always load luggage wheels-up . “Wheels are the most fragile part of a suitcase,” he says. “If they get crushed or bent in transit, they’ll never survive the next trip.”
A single flipped bag can save your suitcase from becoming a wheeled cripple. It’s a small act of defiance against the chaos of baggage handling.
The Better Way to Stand Out
So, how do you avoid the “sea of sameness” without risking delays? Experts recommend:
- Bold Colors & Patterns : Opt for neon pink, geometric prints, or polka dots. “Vibrant hues like teal or sunflower yellow are game-changers,” says Travel & Leisure .
- Fabric Paint or Stickers : Customize your bag with permanent, flat markers that don’t interfere with scanners. Avoid metallic or raised designs.
- Smart Tags : Use GPS-enabled tags or brightly colored luggage locks for subtle flair that won’t disrupt systems.
As for ribbons? Save them for gift wrapping. “They’re not worth the risk,” John insists.
The Bottom Line: Travel Smart, Not Fancy
The goal of air travel is to arrive safely, with your belongings in tow. Ribbons, stickers, and marzipan may seem harmless, but in the labyrinth of airport logistics, they’re liabilities.
John’s advice is simple: “Travel light. Travel clean. And let your suitcase speak the system’s language.”
So next time, skip the bows. Your bag—and your peace of mind—are worth more than a fleeting fashion statement.
Stay informed. Travel wisely.
