If you’ve ever stared at a conveyor belt of near-identical suitcases, you know the stress of spotting your own luggage. Many travelers tie colorful ribbons or use stickers to make their bags stand out—but according to an airport worker, those simple tricks can actually backfire.
Ribbons Aren’t Always Helpful
John, a Dublin Airport baggage handler, warns that ribbons, old stickers, or other personal markers can interfere with the automated scanning system. Bags that can’t be read properly may get flagged for manual processing—meaning your luggage could miss the flight entirely.
“Ribbons and old travel stickers can confuse scanners,” John explained. “If the bag can’t be scanned automatically, it might not make it onto the plane.” His advice: remove old stickers and check in your luggage without any dangling decorations that might cause delays.
Avoid Packing Certain Foods
John also cautions travelers against packing marzipan or other dense sweets. Why? Security systems sometimes mistake these treats for explosives due to their density. Your bag could be pulled aside for a thorough inspection, delaying your travel.
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