A travel expert explains why tying a ribbon to your bag is a bad idea.
Can a colored ribbon actually damage your luggage? While it may seem
like a small detail, experienced airport workers warn that this popular
identification trick can cause more problems than good.
Why do travelers tie ribbons?
Many travelers tie ribbons, key rings or other decorations to their
suitcases to quickly identify them at the baggage belt. This is
understandable, especially since most of their luggage is the same
color, dark. However, as travel expert and former airport worker Michał
Kowalski explains, this practice can affect the safety and timely
delivery of luggage.
Disruption of the scanning process
“Modern luggage sorting systems are based on automatic scanning of
barcodes on airline baggage labels,” says Kowalski. “If the tape covers
the label or gets caught on the belt, the bag may be held for manual
handling. This delays the process and increases the risk that the bag
will not arrive on time for the flight.”
Old labels? Remove them!
Another common mistake is leaving old labels on your suitcases from previous trips. According to the expert, this can confuse the systems and lead to your luggage being sent on the wrong flight. “Always remove old labels – it’s a simple step that really makes a difference,” he adds.
How to safely separate your luggage?
Instead of tying up strings, the expert suggests other solutions:
Choose a suitcase with an unusual color or pattern (e.g. yellow, purple or geometric patterns),
Use a protective cover with a distinctive pattern,
Mark your luggage with a permanent sticker or fabric paint – make sure it doesn’t cover the label.
Summary
While tying strings to your suitcases may seem harmless, it can lead to
delays and even the loss of your luggage. That’s why it’s worth
considering other, safer ways to separate your bag. When traveling –
especially on a plane – details really do matter.