Have you ever thought about tying a bright ribbon to your suitcase to make it easier to spot at the baggage claim? If you have, you might want to rethink that idea. While it seems like a smart way to identify your luggage quickly, it turns out that these decorations might cause more headaches than you expect. John, a seasoned baggage handler at Dublin Airport, shared some insider tips that could save you from travel mishaps.

Let’s face it—airports can be chaotic. It’s a common sight to see travelers staring anxiously at the luggage carousel, trying to spot their bags among a sea of identical black suitcases. To avoid mix-ups and make their bags stand out, many people personalize their suitcases with colorful ribbons, funny stickers, or even luggage tags. Some go as far as attaching small gadgets like GoPro cameras to monitor their bags’ journey. But according to John, these personal touches can sometimes do more harm than good.

John understands why people want to make their bags easily recognizable. Nobody wants to be the last person at baggage claim, waiting and wondering if their suitcase got lost. But here’s the problem: those ribbons and tags can interfere with the airport’s automated systems. When your luggage is checked in, it goes through a series of scanners designed to read barcodes that direct your bag to the right flight. If a ribbon or tag is dangling off your bag, it could block the scanner from reading the barcode correctly.

“People think they’re being clever by adding a ribbon, but they don’t realize it can mess with the system,” John explains. “If the scanner can’t read the code properly, your bag might get sent for manual processing. And when that happens, there’s a real chance it could miss your flight.” Imagine arriving at your destination, ready to enjoy your vacation, only to find out your luggage didn’t make it because of a decorative ribbon. It’s certainly not worth the risk, is it?

But the potential issues don’t stop there. John also warns travelers about the dangers of leaving old airline stickers on their luggage. It might be tempting to keep those stickers as travel souvenirs, but they can confuse airport scanners. If the scanner picks up an old barcode, it might mistakenly send your bag to a completely different destination. “We’ve seen bags sent to the wrong country just because of an outdated sticker,” John says. “Take a moment to peel those off before your next trip.”

Another practical tip from John is to always place your suitcase with the wheels facing up when you check it in. It might seem like a small detail, but it can actually protect your suitcase. By positioning the wheels upward, you reduce the chance of them getting damaged during handling. Luggage is often tossed around on conveyor belts, and placing it this way helps keep the wheels from getting banged up.

Now, here’s a surprising piece of advice for those who love to pack sweet treats. If you’re thinking of bringing marzipan in your suitcase, you might want to reconsider. John explains that marzipan, which is made from sugar, eggs, and ground almonds, has a density similar to that of certain explosives. Yes, you read that right. Security scanners can mistake marzipan for something more dangerous, leading to a thorough inspection of your bag—and possibly even yourself.

“I’ve seen passengers held up at security for ages just because of a small piece of marzipan,” John recalls. “It’s not worth missing your flight over a sweet treat.” If you’re a fan of marzipan or other dense foods, it’s best to leave them out of your carry-on or checked luggage. Consider buying them at your destination instead, or have them shipped to avoid unnecessary delays.

At the end of the day, while it’s tempting to decorate your suitcase with ribbons or stickers to make it easy to spot, John advises against it. The potential complications far outweigh the benefits. Instead, opt for a distinctive luggage tag or purchase a suitcase in a unique color. You can also consider adding a discreet mark on your bag that doesn’t interfere with the scanning process. By keeping your luggage simple, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure it reaches your destination safely.

To sum it up, here are a few key takeaways from John’s years of experience as a baggage handler:

Avoid tying ribbons or attaching tags to your suitcase handles. They can obstruct scanners, causing your bag to be misdirected or delayed.
Remove old airline stickers before your trip. Outdated barcodes can confuse scanners and send your luggage to the wrong place.
Position your suitcase with the wheels facing up when checking it in. This small step can prevent damage to the wheels, ensuring your luggage stays in good condition.
Be cautious about packing dense foods like marzipan. These items can trigger security alarms, leading to time-consuming inspections that could cause you to miss your flight.
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can make your travel experience smoother and avoid common pitfalls that could ruin your trip. So next time you’re getting ready to travel, leave the ribbons and extra decorations at home, pack smartly, and focus on making your journey as hassle-free as possible.

Traveling doesn’t have to be stressful if you prepare wisely. Take John’s advice, and you’ll be one step closer to a worry-free adventure. Safe travels, and may your suitcase always arrive with you, intact and on time!