Anyone who’s ever stood anxiously at an airport baggage carousel knows the feeling: hundreds of nearly identical suitcases gliding past as you desperately search for yours. Black, gray, navy—most look the same, and after a long flight, spotting your bag can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

For years, many travelers have relied on a simple solution—tying a colorful ribbon, bandana, or string around the handle of their suitcase to make it stand out. It seems harmless and even clever, but according to airport staff, this well-intentioned travel hack might actually be working against you. What seems like a way to make your luggage easier to recognize could, surprisingly, be the very thing that delays or even separates you from your bag.

The Hidden Risk of Luggage Ribbons

An experienced baggage handler from Dublin Airport, identified only as John, recently explained why travelers should think twice before adding any kind of ribbon or decorative item to their bags. Speaking to RSVP Live, he warned that these identifying accessories can cause serious issues in the automated baggage scanning system.

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

In simpler terms, those brightly colored ribbons might block sensors or jam parts of the conveyor system. When that happens, the bag can’t be routed efficiently and may require human inspection, slowing down the process. The result? Your suitcase could be left behind while you’re already halfway to your destination.

John’s advice is straightforward: leave the ribbons at home. If you really want your luggage to stand out, there are safer and more reliable ways to do it without risking a delay or damage.

How to Avoid Baggage Scanning Problems

The first step to ensure your luggage travels smoothly is to keep it clean and clutter-free. According to John, old travel stickers and faded airline tags can also confuse the scanning system. “Take old stickers off the bag,” he advises. “They can cause confusion with the scanning process.”

Each barcode or tag that remains on your suitcase can be misread by the automated system, causing the machine to send your bag to the wrong destination. This is a surprisingly common reason why luggage gets misplaced.

Another tip from John: when you check in your luggage, make sure it’s placed wheels-side up on the conveyor belt. While this might sound trivial, it helps prevent damage to the wheels and ensures smoother handling. Little details like this can make a big difference when thousands of bags are being processed in a short time.

Surprising Things You Shouldn’t Pack

While ribbons might delay your luggage, certain items can cause even more serious issues. John mentioned a surprising example—marzipan, the sweet almond-based confection popular around holidays.

“Don’t ever pack marzipan in your luggage,” John cautioned. “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.”

Security scanners analyze the density of materials, not just their appearance. Foods like marzipan, cheese, or certain thick toiletries can sometimes trigger alarms, leading to unnecessary delays and inspections. To avoid this, it’s best to keep questionable items out of your checked baggage—or declare them if necessary.

Making Your Luggage Stand Out—The Smart Way

If you’re wondering how to make your bag recognizable without using ribbons or strings, experts recommend other creative options that don’t interfere with airport machinery.

Instead of relying on ribbons, choose luggage that already stands out. Travel & Leisure notes that black remains the most common color for suitcases because it’s versatile and classic—but that popularity also makes it easy to lose in a sea of similar bags. The publication suggests selecting a unique color like teal, maroon, or even hot pink to help your luggage stand out at baggage claim.

If bright colors aren’t your style, there are still subtle ways to personalize your suitcase safely. Consider using non-obstructive luggage tags, bold stickers, or even a small patch of fabric paint. These methods give your suitcase character while ensuring it moves through security and scanning systems smoothly.

Another practical option is to invest in patterned luggage—polka dots, geometric designs, or prints. With so many manufacturers now offering stylish options, you can find something that reflects your personality while remaining travel-friendly.

Travel Smarter, Stress Less

The key takeaway from John’s insight is simple: the more streamlined and scan-friendly your luggage is, the better your travel experience will be. Avoid adding anything that can catch on machines or confuse sensors, and you’ll minimize the chances of delays or damage.

In an era where thousands of bags are processed every hour, even a small decoration can slow things down. And when your suitcase is one of many on a long journey from check-in to aircraft, efficiency matters more than ever.

Beyond ribbons, travelers can take other proactive steps to protect their belongings:

• Label clearly but discreetly: Always include your name and contact details inside and outside your suitcase.

• Use sturdy zippers and locks: Weak hardware can break during handling.

• Weigh your luggage: Avoid excess weight to prevent overhandling and additional fees.

• Check travel advisories: Certain airports have specific baggage policies—knowing them ahead of time can save you time and trouble.

The Final Boarding Call

Whether you’re traveling for business, vacation, or family visits, every traveler wants the same thing—arrive with peace of mind and with all your belongings intact. While a colorful ribbon may seem like an easy fix for the “which one is mine?” dilemma, it’s a small choice that can lead to big complications.

The next time you pack for a trip, resist the urge to tie that bow. Instead, pick a bag that reflects your style, add a durable luggage tag, and keep it free of extra decorations. You’ll not only make airport staff’s job easier, but you’ll also increase your chances of having your suitcase arrive safely and on time.

Travel smarter, not harder—because when it comes to flying, even the smallest details can make all the difference.