Baggage Handler Warns Passengers Against Tying Ribbons To Their Suitcases

June has arrived, and that means one thing: the holiday season is in full swing.

Whether you're planning a trip within the US or venturing out to Europe, there's plenty to get excited about.

Vacations are all about fun, yet it's no secret that the airport part can often be pretty stressful.

A common stressor is dealing with checked luggage, which many people try to avoid.

Many of us put ribbon on our baggage. Getty Stock Photo

When there's no other option but to check a bag, many travelers put a unique marker on their suitcase to easily spot it when it arrives.

But, it turns out this popular travel trick might be causing delays in getting your bags off the plane.

A lot of luggage looks alike, which has led many travelers over the years to attach things like colorful ribbons, tags, or other items to make their bags stand out.

While this might seem helpful, a Dublin Airport baggage handler has shared that these add-ons could actually slow down the arrival of your bags.

In an interview with RSVP Live, John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, explained:

Avoiding ribbons can speed up the process of picking up cases. Getty Images

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

While these ribbons help you spot your luggage easily, they draw unwanted attention from the luggage scanning systems at airports.

John pointed out that, "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."

He also mentioned that old stickers from previous trips could pose similar problems:

"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."

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There are several other reasons why your luggage might get held up at the airport, some more surprising than others.

For instance, packing certain items can cause your bags to be flagged. 

According to John: "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."

He also offered another useful tip for when you check in your luggage: place your suitcase with the wheels up to avoid any damage.

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These insights from a professional can help make your travel a bit smoother and keep your belongings safe and sound.