Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling as you watch your suitcase disappear into a sea of lookalikes on the baggage carousel?
You know she’s yours, but can you be sure she’ll be the one to show up? With so many identical bags passing around, it’s easy to imagine someone else unknowingly taking yours, or worse, not showing up at all.
In an effort to stand out, travelers have come up with clever tricks like tying ribbons to their luggage. While this may seem like a foolproof way to find your bag, an airport employee has a warning that might make you think twice before adding that extra flair.
Read on to find out why your attempts to identify your luggage may actually be more trouble than it’s worth!
If you’ve ever spent time at an airport anxiously watching the baggage carousel as suitcase after suitcase slides by, you know the frustration of trying to find your bag in a sea of similar-looking luggage.
Many savvy travelers have found that adding a ribbon to their suitcases helps them stand out from the crowd. However, an airport employee warns passengers that using these personal identifiers can lead to unexpected complications.
Read on to find out why you should rethink that ribbon and avoid certain things on the go.
The fear of losing luggage is something that every traveler, seasoned or not, can relate to. To avoid the dreaded scenario of someone else taking your bag or watching your suitcase endlessly circle the conveyor belt, many people attach colorful ribbons to their luggage. This little personal touch helps them identify the bags from a distance.
However, according to John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, this well-intentioned practice can actually make things worse and could even result in your luggage missing your flight.
Leave the ribbons behind.
In an interview with RSVP Live, John explained that tying ribbons to luggage can cause problems during the baggage scanning process, which can cause delays. “Ribbons on your suitcase can interfere with the automatic scanning process in the baggage hall,” John said. “If a bag cannot be scanned automatically, it may need to be processed manually, which could prevent it from making it onto your flight.”
For a smoother travel experience, John suggests checking in bags without added tags like tape or old travel stickers. “Take off all the old stickers. They can cause confusion during the scanning process.”
Marzipan is another item that could cause problems at security checks. John warns that this sweet almond treat can raise red flags at bag checks. “Never pack marzipan in your luggage. Its density is similar to some explosives, so it could set off a security alarm and cause your bag to be taken for inspection,” he said.
Finally, to prevent damage to your luggage, be sure to place the wheels up when sending it down the conveyor belt.
Upgrade your luggage game.
Luggage has come a long way and gone are the days of using basic black, brown, or navy suitcases.
Travel & Leisure notes that while black luggage is popular for its versatility, it can be difficult to spot at baggage claim. To make your bag stand out, consider choosing a patterned suitcase or a suitcase in a bold color like pink.
If pink isn’t your style, there are plenty of other vibrant colors and patterns available to help you quickly identify your luggage. Alternatively, if you are attached to your current luggage, you can add identification marks with fabric paint or stickers that will not interfere with the scanning process.
By making a few thoughtful changes, you can avoid common luggage headaches and make your travels as smooth as possible.
In conclusion, while it’s tempting to use gimmicks like colorful ribbons and vintage stickers to make your luggage stand out, these little accessories can actually do more harm than good. From delays in scanning to potential security issues with items like marzipan, it’s best to keep your luggage simple and free of unnecessary tags.
Opting for bold luggage in bold colors or patterns is a surefire way to make your bag stand out without overcomplicating the process. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can make traveling more enjoyable and avoid the common headaches associated with handling luggage. Happy travels!