Baggage handler shares urgent warning for travelers who mark their suitcases with ribbons

As the summer travel season kicks into high gear, airports are bracing for record numbers of passengers.

With the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicting one of the busiest seasons ever, travelers are understandably anxious about the potential for lost or mishandled luggage.

In an effort to make their bags stand out from the crowd, many people resort to personalizing their luggage with ribbons, tags, stickers, and other eye-catching accessories.

It’s a low-cost way to add a unique identifier and hopefully prevent someone else from accidentally taking your bag.

But according to insider warnings from airport baggage handlers, this common practice could actually do more harm than good.

The Popularity of Personalizing Luggage

Reasons Behind the Trend

The desire to easily spot one’s luggage on the carousel is the primary motivator behind this trend.

Travelers fear their bags getting lost in transit or picked up by another passenger by mistake.

Tying colorful ribbons to handles, adding luggage tags with names or unique patterns, and plastering the exterior with stickers are some of the most common methods.

Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Some travelers take luggage tracking to extremes.

One vigilant passenger even strapped a GoPro camera to their bag to monitor its journey through the labyrinth of airport conveyor belts.

While this may point to some deeper trust issues, it highlights the lengths people will go to for peace of mind.

Psychological Comfort

Personalizing luggage provides a sense of control in the often stressful and unpredictable world of air travel.

Being able to quickly identify your bag on the carousel thanks to a visual marker can alleviate anxiety and make the whole process feel a bit more manageable.

It’s a small thing, but it can make a big difference psychologically.

The Hidden Dangers of Personalizing Your Luggage

Issues with Baggage Scanners

However, those ribbons and accessories can actually interfere with airport baggage scanners, causing significant issues.

John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, explains:

“Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall.”

The scanners are designed to process standard luggage shapes and sizes.

Anything that deviates from the norm, like protruding ribbons or tags, can confuse the machines and trigger a manual inspection.

Consequences of Manual Processing

“If the bag can’t be scanned automatically it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it to the flight,” John warns.

Even if your luggage does make it onto the plane eventually, the delay caused by a manual inspection could be enough to make you miss your flight.

Case Study: Dublin Airport

The issues caused by luggage customization are a regular occurrence at Dublin Airport, where John works.

He frequently sees bags pulled from the normal processing line because of ribbons, tags, and stickers.

In his experience, it’s one of the most common reasons for delays at the baggage scanning stage.

The Marzipan Mishap: A Unique Warning

The Marzipan-Explosive Confusion

Beyond ribbons and tags, certain packed items can also raise red flags.

John shares a surprising warning: “Don’t ever pack Marzipan in your luggage. It has the same density as some explosives so your bag will be removed and you’ll be called from the plane for a bag search.”

Marzipan, a sweet almond-based confection, is a staple in many European households, especially around the holidays.

But its dense consistency can apparently mimic the properties of certain explosive materials on baggage scans.

Real-Life Incidents

While it may sound far-fetched, marzipan-related luggage mishaps are more common than you might think.

In one incident, a German family was pulled off their flight and interrogated for hours after their holiday marzipan showed up on a scanner.

The ordeal caused them to miss their flight and ruined the start of their vacation.

Best Practices for Smooth Baggage Handling

Avoiding Attachments

To minimize the risk of delays or missed flights, John recommends keeping your luggage exterior as plain and unadorned as possible.

Avoid tying ribbons or attaching any dangling accessories.

“Take old stickers off the bag, it can cause confusion with the scanning process,” he advises.

Strategic Packing Tips

Be mindful of what you pack, avoiding dense or suspicious items like marzipan.

John also suggests placing your suitcase wheels up when checking your bag to minimize the risk of damage in transit.

Using Technology for Identification

If you still want a way to uniquely identify your bag, consider using technology like Apple AirTags or GPS luggage trackers.

These devices can help you locate your bag without interfering with airport scanners or baggage systems.

Plus, they offer more precise tracking than a visual marker alone.

Airline Policies on Damaged and Lost Luggage

Department of Transportation Guidelines

If your bag does get damaged in transit, you may be entitled to reimbursement or repairs from the airline.

The U.S. Department of Transportation requires carriers to compensate passengers for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage up to a certain amount.

Steps to Take If Luggage Is Damaged

To improve your chances of a successful claim, notify the airline immediately upon noticing any damage.

Take photos of the damage and file a report in person with airline staff before leaving the airport.

Save any documentation and follow up with the airline’s customer service department as needed.

Preparing for the Busy Travel Season

FAA’s Expectations

The FAA is gearing up for a record-breaking summer travel season, with predictions of daily passenger volumes exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

On the Friday of Memorial Day weekend alone, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened over 2.7 million travelers, the highest single-day total since the COVID-19 crisis began.

Managing Travel Anxiety

With airports expected to be more crowded and chaotic than ever, it’s important to give yourself extra time and be prepared for potential delays.

Arrive at the airport early, make sure your luggage is properly labeled and secured, and try to maintain a positive attitude.

Remember that even in the worst-case scenario of a lost or damaged bag, it’s ultimately a solvable problem.

Expert Advice from Baggage Handlers

Insider tips like John’s can help make the baggage handling process smoother for everyone.

Taking a few simple steps like removing old tags and avoiding certain packed items can prevent many of the most common luggage issues from the start.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution and simplicity.

Conclusion

While personalizing your luggage may seem like a smart way to keep track of your bag, it can actually backfire and cause more problems than it solves.

By following the advice of experienced baggage handlers like John and opting for tech-based tracking solutions over physical identifiers, you can reduce the risk of delays, missed flights, and lost luggage.

As the busy summer travel season ramps up, it pays to be prepared and informed.

With a little extra care and caution when it comes to your luggage, you can help make the airport experience a bit less stressful for yourself and everyone else.

Safe travels!

Over to You

Do you have any tried-and-true tips for avoiding luggage mishaps?

Share your advice and experiences in the comments below.

And if you found this article helpful, please consider sharing it with your fellow travelers.

Together, we can make the skies a little friendlier for everyone.