If you’ve ever spent any time at an airport checking the luggage carousel for your precious goods, you’ll realize how stressful it is to witness hundreds of nearly identical bags pass past on the conveyor belt. While enterprising travelers learned that attaching a ribbon to their luggage makes it stand out from the crowd, an airport employee warns customers that employing personal markings comes with baggage that cannot be unloaded. The prospect of missing luggage when traveling can make even the most experienced traveler nervous.
People are adding colorful ribbons to their suitcases to make them stand out from others and to reduce the chance of another passenger taking their baggage or having to watch bags slowly swirl by on the conveyor belt. However, according to a Dublin Airport luggage handler named John, these famous methods are causing more harm than good. In fact, it has the potential to turn your worst travel nightmare into reality.
Leave the ribbon at home.
John told RSVP Live that attaching identifying ribbons to your luggage might cause delays, which could mean your items miss the flight.
“Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” John told the news agency. “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.”
Checking in your bag without identifiers such as ribbons and old travel tags increases the likelihood that it will arrive safely. John has this suggestion: “Take old stickers off the bag; it can cause confusion with the scanning process.”
Braid or tie a ribbon around your baggage to easily distinguish it from your bags. Store extra ribbons in your suitcase to prevent any damage during your journey.. #mrdiy #travelhack #luggagetags
Posted by Mr. DIY on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
Another item that might cause trouble with your luggage is marzipan, a delectable sweet almond confection, which John cautions may be highlighted by security if brought on vacation.
“Never pack marzipan in your suitcase. It has the same density as some bombs; therefore, your suitcase will be confiscated, and you will be summoned off the plane for a bag search,” the Dublin baggage expert explained. Finally, before sending your luggage down the little conveyor belt to handlers like John, make sure the wheels are facing up to prevent damage.
No more basic luggage.
Luggage has grown dramatically over the last several decades, and you no longer need to carry standard black, brown, or blue luggage. Travel & Leisure says black luggage is “one of the most—if not the most—versatile colors.” According to the publication, “If you want your luggage to stand out at baggage claim, you should choose a different color.” Instead, choose a patterned suitcase or one in a bright hue, such as hot pink.
If you don’t like pink, you may purchase luggage in various bright, vivid colors that can help your belongings stand out. If you would rather not leave with your present containers, try using fabric paint or stickers to add distinguishing elements that won’t interfere with scanning. The advice from the Dublin Airport handler should alleviate tension for tourists all around the world!
What recommendations can you provide passengers to assist them in preventing airport mishaps? Please share your opinions with us, and then share this story so that others may hear from you!