Have you ever tied a colorful ribbon to the handle of your suitcase, hoping it would stand out on the crowded luggage carousel? If so, you might want to rethink that strategy! While many travelers think these decorations help avoid confusion, they may actually cause more trouble than you realize. According to John, an experienced baggage handler at Dublin Airport, those well-meaning attempts to personalize your luggage could backfire in ways you might not expect.

It’s common for people to personalize their suitcases with ribbons, tags, and stickers, especially if they’ve ever faced the frustration of trying to find their bag among a sea of identical black suitcases. After all, no one wants to be the person standing at baggage claim, waiting endlessly because they can’t spot their luggage. To avoid this hassle, some people even go as far as attaching GoPro cameras to their bags, hoping to track their journey from start to finish.

But John has a different perspective. He understands why people want to make their bags easily identifiable but warns that these add-ons can interfere with the airport’s automated baggage systems. In busy airports, where thousands of bags are processed daily, your luggage goes through multiple scanners to ensure it gets to the correct destination. If a ribbon or tag is tied to the handle, it could block the scanner’s view, causing the system to misread or skip your bag altogether. This means that instead of heading to your flight, your suitcase might get pulled aside for manual handling. And if there’s not enough time, it might miss your flight entirely.

“People don’t realize that even a small ribbon can mess up the automatic scanning process,” John explains. “If the scanner can’t read the barcode properly because it’s obstructed, your bag could get delayed or even left behind.” He advises against tying anything to your suitcase handles, as it increases the risk of your luggage being misdirected or delayed.

But it’s not just ribbons that can cause issues. John also points out that old airline stickers can create confusion. Many travelers like to leave these stickers on their bags as souvenirs of previous trips. However, if an outdated barcode is still visible, it might get scanned accidentally, potentially sending your luggage on an unexpected detour to a destination you never intended. “Removing old stickers can save you a lot of hassle,” John suggests. “It’s a simple fix that can prevent a lot of headaches.”

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Another piece of practical advice from John is to place your suitcase with the wheels facing up when checking it in. This may sound odd, but it’s actually a clever way to protect your luggage. By positioning the wheels upward, you reduce the chances of them getting damaged as your suitcase moves through conveyor belts and loading ramps. It’s a small adjustment that can help keep your luggage in better shape, especially during long-haul flights where rough handling is more likely.

For travelers who enjoy packing sweet treats like marzipan, there’s another potential pitfall you might not be aware of. John warns that marzipan, which is made of sugar, eggs, and ground almonds, has a density similar to certain types of explosives. Yes, you heard that right—packing marzipan could set off alarms at airport security! This means your luggage could be flagged for additional screening, resulting in delays and possibly causing you to miss your flight. “I’ve seen passengers get pulled aside for detailed inspections all because of a small piece of marzipan,” John recalls. “It’s not worth the risk.”

Imagine the frustration of being held up at security over something as innocent as almond paste. To avoid this, it’s better to leave marzipan and other dense food items out of your carry-on. If you must bring them, consider shipping them separately to avoid unnecessary delays at the airport.

Ultimately, while it’s tempting to decorate your luggage with ribbons, stickers, or other identifiers, John advises against it. The potential risks outweigh the benefits. Instead, opt for a unique luggage tag or simply choose a distinctive suitcase color or design that makes it easy to spot without causing issues at the airport. By keeping your luggage straightforward and scanner-friendly, you can minimize the chances of delays and misrouted bags.

Traveling can be stressful enough without worrying about whether your suitcase will make it to your destination. By following John’s advice, you can make your travel experience smoother and less prone to complications.

So, as you prepare for your next trip, think twice before you tie that ribbon or attach that cute sticker to your suitcase. Sometimes, less is more, especially when it comes to ensuring your luggage arrives safely. And remember, if you’re traveling with delicate foods, leave the marzipan at home or consider alternatives that won’t trigger security concerns.

Keep your packing simple, remove those old stickers, and protect your wheels by facing them up. These small adjustments can make a big difference in ensuring that your travels are hassle-free. Happy travels, and may your suitcase always arrive safely by your side!