Tying a ribbon around your suitcase to make it easier to identify is a common trick among travelers. However, according to airport staff, this habit can slow down the process of your luggage and even prevent it from being loaded onto the plane. And that's not the only detail to consider before traveling.
Almost all of us have done it before going on vacation: tying a colorful ribbon around our suitcase so that we can spot it more quickly at the baggage belt. Practical, simple, reassuring... except that this little trick can actually cause you more problems than you think. An airport employee recently explained why this widespread habit can slow down your luggage or even prevent it from being loaded onto the plane. And that's not the only detail you need to be aware of.
Why you shouldn't tie a ribbon to your suitcase anymore
When traveling, we all have the same fear: not recognizing our suitcase or, worse, that someone will take ours by mistake. That’s why many travelers tie a ribbon, scarf, or string to the handle of their luggage.
But airport staff say this trick can interfere with the automatic baggage sorting system. At airports, suitcases are automatically scanned and sorted using barcodes. If something blocks the scan, like a ribbon or an object stuck to the handle, your suitcase may be moved aside for manual processing.
As a result, your luggage may be delayed or not loaded on the same plane as you.
