Baggage handler issues warning to passengers who tie ribbons to their suitcases

If you’re one of the millions of travellers who ties this to their suitcase, there’s a new warning why you should stop right away.

Destined for delays.

Avid travellers tend to opt out of checked bags to avoid delayed baggage arrival, difficulty picking out their items or fear of their bag not reaching their destination. But for those who have no choice, they’ll add a personal marker on the suitcase with anticipation, making their baggage pick-up smoother.

However, this age-old luggage hack is delaying your bags from arriving on the baggage carousel.

Travellers have developed a habit of attaching a colourful ribbon, luggage tag or other accessories to make their suitcases stand apart from the hundreds of bags in rotation. Dublin Airport baggage handler John revealed baggage attachments set back passengers’ suitcase arrival.

Having a ribbon on your bag can cause your bags to be delayed.

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

While this added accessory makes it easier to spot, it attracts negative attention from airport luggage scanners.

“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,” the bag handler explained.

Sending your suitcase off without identifiers, such as ribbons and old travel stickers, gives it a better chance of arriving easily.

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

This is why you shouldn't put a ribbon on your bag.

Another reason many people have their bags pulled is because they have Marzipan, also known as almond candy dough, packed inside their suitcases.

“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,” the Dublin baggage expert said.

One of the last things you should do before bag drop-off is to put your suitcase wheels up to avoid damage.

According to the Department of Transportation, airlines are responsible for repairing or reimbursing passengers for damaged baggage.

The handler said all tags and labels should be removed after every flight.

But while there is a solution, waiting for it to be resolved will only prevent you from leaving the airport and enjoying your trip.

The Dublin airport baggage handler’s preventive measures should help alleviate travel stresses for passengers worldwide.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and has been republished with permission