Have you ever thought about tying a bright ribbon to the handle of your luggage to help it stand out? Well, get ready for some news that might make you reconsider that strategy!

It’s natural to want your luggage to be easy to spot, especially when you’re trying to find it among countless similar bags in a busy airport. Many of us personalize our suitcases with tags, ribbons, or even funny stickers to prevent mix-ups and keep our belongings safe.

However, according to John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, these well-meaning decorations could actually cause more issues than they solve.

While it’s understandable to want your luggage to stand out, especially to avoid the frustration of losing it in a sea of similar bags, John advises against using these kinds of embellishments. Some people even go as far as attaching GoPros to track their bags’ journey. But before you decorate your suitcase, consider John’s advice. While adding ribbons to the handles might seem like a smart way to make your luggage more identifiable, it can sometimes backfire.

John explains that when people attach ribbons or similar decorations to their luggage, it can interfere with the scanning process at baggage claim. He mentions that if the suitcase can’t be automatically scanned and requires manual processing, there’s a chance it might not make it onto the flight at all.

Imagine this: your suitcase, adorned with a colorful ribbon, doesn’t get scanned properly and is left behind, causing unnecessary travel headaches. It’s a risk that’s probably not worth taking!

Another recommendation from John is to remove any old stickers from your suitcase. Although they may carry sentimental value, these expired stickers can confuse the scanning system, leading to delays or even lost baggage. While it’s hard to part with travel memories, removing those old stickers can help ensure a smoother trip.

One more practical tip from John: when placing your suitcase on the conveyor belt, make sure the wheels are facing up. This simple trick helps protect the wheels from getting damaged and ensures your luggage stays in good shape during the journey.

For travelers with a sweet tooth, here’s another heads-up: avoid packing marzipan in your luggage. Why? According to John, marzipan—which is made from sugar, egg whites, and ground almonds—has a density that can resemble certain explosives. Yes, you read that right! Bringing marzipan could trigger extra security checks, resulting in detailed inspections of your luggage, and possibly causing you to miss your flight.

The idea of having your bag thoroughly checked because of a small amount of almond paste is more hassle than it’s worth. Missing out on vacation because of marzipan? Definitely not ideal!

Ultimately, while it may be tempting to decorate your suitcase with ribbons or personalize it with stickers, it’s often better to skip it. This advice also applies to packing certain food items like marzipan. By following these tips, you’re more likely to enjoy a smooth, stress-free travel experience.

So, leave those ribbons at home and enjoy a worry-free journey!