Anyone who’s ever waited anxiously at an airport baggage carousel knows the relief—and sometimes frustration—of spotting your suitcase quickly. Travelers have long relied on colorful ribbons, straps, or other decorations to make their bags stand out. But John, a veteran baggage handler at Dublin Airport, warns that these seemingly harmless additions might actually slow down your luggage.
Why Ribbons Can Backfire
It might surprise you, but those bright ribbons can interfere with the automated scanning equipment that sorts bags behind the scenes. When scanners can’t easily read a bag tag, the luggage gets flagged for manual handling. That extra step doesn’t just cause minor delays—it can sometimes result in a bag missing its flight entirely.
So while ribbons might make your bag easy to spot at the carousel, they can create problems before your suitcase even reaches the plane. John recommends alternatives that are just as eye-catching but far safer for airport operations.
Smart Alternatives to Ribbons
Instead of tying ribbons or bulky decorations, try one of these ideas:
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