Have you ever tied a colorful ribbon to your luggage to help it stand out on the baggage carousel? If so, you might want to rethink this seemingly clever trick. While many of us personalize our suitcases to avoid confusion, it turns out that these decorations can cause more issues than you might expect. John, a seasoned baggage handler at Dublin Airport, has shared some insider advice that might make you reconsider how you identify your luggage.
It’s understandable why so many people want their bags to be easily recognizable. After all, there’s nothing worse than trying to spot your suitcase among a sea of identical bags at a busy airport. To avoid this hassle, travelers often turn to ribbons, tags, or even quirky stickers to personalize their bags. Some people go as far as attaching a GoPro to their luggage to track its journey and ensure it doesn’t get lost. However, John warns that these well-meaning efforts can backfire in unexpected ways.
Personalizing your luggage may seem like a good idea, but according to John, it can sometimes interfere with the airport’s automated systems. When bags are processed, they pass through various scanners that read barcodes to route them to the correct flight. If a ribbon, tag, or sticker is attached to the handle, it might obstruct the scanner, leading to a manual check. This manual intervention could delay your luggage, or worse, cause it to miss your flight entirely. Imagine arriving at your destination only to find out your suitcase didn’t make it on the plane because of a decorative ribbon!
“People often don’t realize that these little add-ons can disrupt the scanning process,” John explains. “If the scanner can’t read the barcode clearly due to a ribbon or other obstruction, your luggage might be set aside for manual processing. And if the staff is busy or overwhelmed, there’s a chance it could be left behind.”
While it’s tempting to adorn your suitcase with bright ribbons to spot it easily, it’s not a risk worth taking if it means your luggage might not reach your destination. Instead, John advises travelers to rely on other, less risky methods of personalization. For instance, using a unique luggage tag or even purchasing a distinctive suitcase can be just as effective without the risk of interfering with airport machinery.
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Another important tip from John is to remove any old airline stickers from your suitcase. While you might be tempted to leave them on as mementos of past trips, these outdated stickers can also confuse scanners. The baggage system might misread an old barcode, potentially sending your bag to the wrong location. “I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count,” John says. “People don’t realize that these old stickers can lead to misplaced or delayed luggage.”
John also shared a practical tip for protecting your suitcase: position it with the wheels facing upward when you check it in. This may sound odd, but it actually helps prevent damage to the wheels during handling. When luggage is loaded onto conveyor belts and into cargo holds, wheels are often the first part to get battered. By facing them upward, you reduce the chance of breakage, extending the life of your suitcase.
And if you’re someone with a sweet tooth who likes to bring treats home, John offers another word of caution: be careful with what you pack. For example, marzipan—a treat made of sugar, eggs, and ground almonds—might seem harmless, but it can cause unexpected problems at airport security. Due to its dense consistency, marzipan can appear similar to certain explosives on scanners. “I’ve seen bags get pulled aside for additional screening just because someone packed a small piece of marzipan,” John notes. “It’s not worth the risk of missing your flight over something like that.”
Imagine the frustration of having your luggage thoroughly searched, or worse, missing your flight just because of a few treats tucked away in your suitcase. It’s better to be cautious about what you pack, especially if it might trigger a security alert. Instead, consider purchasing those goodies at your destination or shipping them separately.
In summary, while it’s tempting to decorate your suitcase with ribbons, stickers, or other accessories, it’s generally best to avoid doing so. These items, though seemingly harmless, can interfere with airport scanning equipment, potentially leading to delays or even lost luggage. Additionally, removing old airline stickers and keeping your luggage simple can reduce the likelihood of it being misrouted.
Lastly, keep in mind that packing certain foods, like marzipan, can unintentionally trigger security alerts. By following these recommendations, you’re more likely to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. So, leave the ribbons and extra decorations at home, and focus on keeping your luggage straightforward and easy for the scanners to process. Happy travels, and may your journeys be free of luggage mishaps!
