Tying a ribbon around your suitcase to identify it more quickly is a common trick among travelers. However, according to airport employees, this habit could slow down your luggage and even prevent it from being loaded onto the plane. And that’s not the only detail to consider before traveling.
Almost all of us have done it before going on vacation: tied a colorful ribbon around our suitcase to spot it more quickly on the baggage carousel. Practical, simple, reassuring… except that this little trick could actually cause you more problems than you imagine. An airport employee recently explained why this widespread habit can slow down your luggage, or even prevent it from being loaded onto the plane. And that’s not the only detail you need to be aware of.
Why you should no longer attach ribbon to your suitcase
When we travel, we all share the same fear: not recognizing our suitcase or, worse, that someone will take ours by mistake. That’s why many travelers tie a ribbon, scarf, or string to their luggage handle.
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But according to airport employees, this trick can disrupt the automated baggage sorting system. At airports, suitcases are scanned and sorted automatically using barcodes. If something obstructs the scan, such as a ribbon or an object caught on the handle, the suitcase may be set aside for manual processing.
As a result, your luggage may be delayed or not loaded onto the same plane as you.
We don’t always think about it, but stickers stuck on suitcases can also disrupt the scan, especially if they are old stickers with barcodes still visible.
The advice from professionals is simple: before travelling, remove old tags and stickers from your luggage. This will prevent any confusion during automatic sorting.
To easily identify your suitcase, it’s best to choose a suitcase of a different color, use a protective cover, or opt for a clearly visible tag with your name. It’s a simple and effective travel tip .
