Many travelers have adopted the habit of tying a ribbon, strap, or colorful tag to their suitcase to make it easier to spot on the baggage carousel. It’s a simple trick that helps distinguish your luggage from the sea of similar-looking bags. However, a seasoned baggage handler has recently issued a surprising warning that has left many frequent flyers rethinking this common practice. If you’re someone who ties a ribbon on your suitcase, you might want to consider the potential risks involved. Here’s why.

The Problem with Tying a Ribbon on Your Luggage

While tying a ribbon to your suitcase may seem harmless, it can actually cause problems during the baggage handling process. According to the baggage handler, loose ribbons, straps, and tags can easily get caught in the conveyor belts and sorting machines used to transport luggage behind the scenes at airports. When this happens, it can lead to your luggage becoming jammed, delayed, or even damaged.

Imagine your carefully packed suitcase getting stuck in the machinery because of a decorative ribbon. The result could be anything from minor delays in retrieving your luggage to more severe damage, such as the ribbon causing the bag to tear open or the machinery pulling off the handle or zipper.

What Happens If Your Luggage Gets Stuck?

If your suitcase gets caught in the airport’s conveyor system, it can lead to a series of frustrating issues:

Delayed Delivery: Your bag might be delayed, meaning it doesn’t arrive on the baggage carousel with the rest of the luggage. In some cases, it could even miss your connecting flight, leaving you without your belongings at your destination.

Damaged Luggage: The force exerted by the machinery on a stuck ribbon or strap can damage your suitcase. This could result in broken handles, ripped seams, or even the contents of your bag spilling out.

Lost Items: If the bag tears or opens during handling, you risk losing personal items. Even if airport staff recover your belongings, it might take time to reunite you with everything.

Potential Safety Hazards: In more severe cases, a jam caused by a ribbon could lead to bigger disruptions in the baggage handling system, causing delays for multiple passengers and requiring repairs to the equipment.

How to Safely Identify Your Luggage

Given these risks, what’s the best way to ensure you can easily identify your luggage without causing potential problems? Here are a few safer alternatives:

Luggage Tags: Use sturdy, secure luggage tags with your name and contact information. Make sure they’re attached securely and aren’t likely to get caught in the machinery.

Unique Luggage Covers: Consider using a luggage cover with a unique pattern or color. These covers can help protect your suitcase while making it easy to spot.

Permanent Markings: Use a permanent marker or paint to add your initials or a distinctive symbol to your suitcase. This won’t catch on machinery and can still help your bag stand out.

Luggage Bands: If you prefer to use a strap, opt for a tight, adjustable luggage band that wraps securely around your suitcase. These are less likely to get caught in the machinery than loose ribbons.

Bright Stickers or Decals: Decorate your suitcase with bright, eye-catching stickers or decals. These are a safe way to make your luggage stand out without adding any loose attachments.

Conclusion

While it might seem like a harmless way to make your luggage more recognizable, tying a ribbon to your suitcase could lead to unexpected problems at the airport. From delayed bags to potential damage, the risks are more significant than most travelers realize. By choosing safer alternatives, you can still make your luggage stand out on the carousel without compromising the integrity of your bag or risking delays.

Next time you’re packing for a trip, consider these tips and avoid the potential headaches that a simple ribbon could cause. For more detailed advice and traveler experiences