Picture this: You’re standing at baggage claim, anxiously watching the conveyor belt, hoping your suitcase will appear.
But instead, you’re faced with a sea of nearly identical black bags, each looking exactly like the other. It’s the stuff of travel nightmares. To make your luggage stand out, many travelers have resorted to adding colorful ribbons or tags to their suitcases, thinking they’ve found an easy solution.
However, this common practice has a surprising downside that can actually cause more problems than it solves. Read on to find out why your best intentions could lead to a travel disaster and why airport professionals recommend ditching the tapes.
If you’ve ever found yourself at an airport anxiously searching the baggage carousel among a sea of identical suitcases, you know how stressful it can be. Many travelers have started using tapes to distinguish their luggage, but a warning from an airport worker reveals that this common tactic can actually cause more problems than it solves.
Read on to find out why you should think twice before using ribbons or packing marzipan in your suitcase.
The fear of losing luggage is a real problem for even the most experienced travelers. To prevent their bags from being mistaken for others, many people tie colorful ribbons to their suitcases to quickly and easily identify them. But according to John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, this seemingly useful method can actually do more harm than good.
John explains that tapes attached to luggage can cause delays in the scanning process. “The ribbons that people tie on their suitcases to help identify them can cause problems with scanning the bag in the baggage hall,” he told RSVP Live. “If a bag can’t be scanned automatically, it can end up being manually processed, which can result in the bag missing the flight.”
It advises travelers to avoid using ribbons, old travel stickers, or any other identifiers that could interfere with the scanning process. “Remove old stickers from the bag as they can cause confusion with the scanning system,” advises John.
In addition, John warns travelers to pack marzipan in their luggage. The sweet almond treat is thick and has the texture of some explosives, which may lead to your bag being flagged by security. “If you take marzipan in your luggage, your bag will likely be removed and you may even be removed from the plane for screening,” he warns.
Finally, John shares another simple tip: make sure your suitcase is placed on the wheel conveyor belt facing up to avoid damage during handling.
As luggage design has evolved, there is no need to settle for plain black, brown, or navy bags. According to Travel & Leisure, black luggage is highly versatile but also fits easily with other bags. For better visibility at baggage claim, choose a suitcase in a bold color or choose a suitcase with a unique pattern. If you’re not ready to part with your current luggage, consider adding identifying features such as fabric paint or stickers that won’t interfere with the scanning process.
By following these helpful tips from a Dublin airport handler, travelers can reduce stress and avoid common baggage mishaps!
In conclusion, while personal identifiers like ribbons may seem like a smart way to make your luggage stand out, they can actually be more trouble than it’s worth. According to baggage handlers at Dublin Airport, such markings can interfere with the scanning process and potentially cause delays or even prevent your baggage from getting on your flight.
In addition, you should avoid items such as marzipan in your luggage, which may be labeled with a security label. Instead of relying on ribbons or stickers, consider choosing bold luggage in bold colors or patterns that won’t interfere with the scanning process. By following these tips, travelers can reduce stress and ensure their luggage reaches their destination smoothly and without complications. Safe travels!