If you’ve ever stood at a baggage carousel, watching an endless stream of nearly identical suitcases go by, you’ve probably thought, “Hey, I’ll just tie a ribbon on mine so it stands out.” Sounds smart, right? Well, according to airport insiders, that colorful ribbon could be doing more harm than good.

A veteran baggage handler at Dublin Airport recently revealed that those personal touches we think make things easier are actually messing with the system—and could even be the reason your suitcase doesn’t make it onto the plane. Yep, it turns out the road to travel hell might be paved with good intentions… and decorative ribbons.

The Problem With Ribbons and Tags

It might feel like a simple fix: slap on a neon green ribbon and boom—you’ve personalized your bag. But here’s the issue: baggage scanning machines aren’t fans of flair.

According to “John,” a Dublin-based baggage handler who spoke with RSVP Live, “Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall.”

In simple terms? That little ribbon could interfere with the system that routes your bag to the right flight. If the machine can’t scan your suitcase automatically, it gets flagged for manual processing. That’s a fancy way of saying: your luggage might miss the flight entirely.

Video: Baggage handler issues warning to passengers who tie ribbons to their suitcases

Old Stickers = New Headaches

Ribbons aren’t the only issue. Those old travel stickers from your last trip to Barcelona or Bangkok? Get rid of them.

They can confuse automated systems by displaying outdated airport codes or barcodes. A scanner might misread an old tag and send your luggage to the wrong destination. Imagine landing in L.A. while your bag enjoys a solo vacation in Lisbon.

Pro tip? Give your suitcase a clean slate before every flight. No ribbons. No leftover stickers. Just a clearly visible, up-to-date bag tag and a solid shell.

Marzipan? That’s a No-Go, Too

Surprise twist—your snacks can mess things up too.

John issued a strange but serious warning: never pack marzipan in your checked luggage. Sounds harmless, right? But here’s the thing—marzipan has the same density as certain types of explosives. Yikes.

“Your bag will be removed and you’ll be called from the plane for a bag search,” John said.

So unless you want to be the reason your flight gets delayed—or worse, grounded—maybe skip the almond paste souvenirs next time.

Wheels Up… Literally

Another little-known trick from the pros? Always send your suitcase wheels side up when you place it on the belt at check-in.

Why? It reduces the chance of wheel damage and helps handlers like John move your bag more efficiently through the loading process. Think of it like putting your shopping cart away properly—it makes everyone’s life easier.

Say Goodbye to Basic Black

Okay, so ribbons are out. Stickers are risky. What’s left?

Instead of accessorizing, just buy a suitcase that stands out on its own. Travel experts suggest skipping the standard black, navy, or brown luggage that blends into the crowd.

Go for bold colors—bright red, electric blue, even hot pink if you’re feeling flashy. Better yet, pick something with a pattern or a custom graphic. Not only does it reduce the need for extra identification, but it also adds a personal touch that doesn’t interfere with airport scanners.

How to Safely Personalize Your Luggage

Video: Why You Should Never Tie a Ribbon on Your Luggage – Airport Insider Explains!

Still want to mark your bag without risking delays? There are safer ways to stand out:

• Use a bold luggage tag with your name and contact info.
• Apply fabric-safe paint or permanent markers to write your initials on the handle or underside.
• Attach a flat luggage label that doesn’t dangle or flap.
• Buy stickers made specifically for travel that are scannable and TSA-approved.

These simple changes let your bag stay scannable while still giving it that one-of-a-kind look you want.

Why These Tips Matter More Than You Think

Losing your luggage isn’t just annoying—it can wreck an entire trip. Whether it’s clothes, medications, or that perfectly packed outfit for a big event, your suitcase holds more than just stuff. It holds your peace of mind.

So when baggage handlers give advice, it’s not just random rules. It’s insider knowledge from the people who see what really goes wrong behind the scenes. And most of the time, it’s avoidable—with a little know-how and fewer ribbons.

Conclusion: Smarter Travel Starts With Smarter Packing

Tying a ribbon on your suitcase might seem harmless—or even helpful—but it can end up being the reason your bag doesn’t make it onto your flight. Airport baggage systems are more sophisticated than ever, but even small details like dangling ribbons, old stickers, or a chunk of marzipan can throw a wrench in the process.

If you want your suitcase to make it from point A to point B without hiccups, follow the advice of those who move your bags for a living. Keep your luggage clean, clear, and easy to scan. Pick a bold color or pattern, skip the DIY flair, and leave the marzipan at home.

Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to fly—it’s to arrive with everything you packed, right where it belongs.