Why Tying a Ribbon to Your Luggage Could Cause Problems, According to Baggage Handlers

The bright red ribbon tied around your suitcase handle seems like a clever idea.

After all, when dozens of nearly identical black suitcases begin circling the baggage carousel after a long flight, spotting your own luggage quickly feels like winning a small victory. Travelers have been using colorful ribbons, scarves, oversized bows, and decorative tags for years, believing these additions make their bags easier to recognize from a distance.

But according to many airport baggage handlers, that simple travel hack may actually increase the chances of your luggage being delayed.

What looks like a harmless decoration to passengers can become an unexpected obstacle for the highly automated systems that move millions of bags through airports every day. Modern baggage handling relies on speed, precision, and technology. Every suitcase passes through a complex network of conveyor belts, scanners, and sorting machines that read barcodes in seconds before directing each bag toward the correct aircraft or baggage carousel.

The entire system is designed to work almost flawlessly.

Until something interferes.

One of the most common causes of unnecessary delays can be objects attached to the outside of a suitcase. Loose ribbons, dangling straps, decorative bows, oversized luggage tags, or scarves can sometimes cover part of the baggage label, prevent barcode scanners from getting a clear reading, or become caught in conveyor equipment. When the automated system cannot properly identify a bag, it often removes it from the normal flow for manual inspection.

That extra step may only take a few minutes, but during busy travel periods, those minutes can turn into much longer delays. In some cases, luggage may even miss its intended flight and arrive hours—or even days—after its owner.

The ribbon that was supposed to help you find your suitcase faster may actually be the reason it arrives last.

Airport staff also warn travelers about another surprisingly common mistake: leaving old airline baggage stickers attached to suitcases.

Many frequent travelers accumulate labels from previous vacations and business trips without giving them much thought. While these stickers may seem harmless or even sentimental, they can confuse automated scanners. If an old barcode remains readable, the system may briefly interpret it as the current baggage label, increasing the possibility of routing errors.

Removing outdated airline tags before each trip helps ensure that only the current baggage barcode is visible, allowing the system to process the suitcase correctly.

Another lesser-known source of delays isn't attached to the outside of your luggage at all.

It's hidden inside.

Certain dense foods can appear unusual when viewed through airport X-ray equipment. Confections such as marzipan, dense fruitcakes, large blocks of cheese, or other compact food items sometimes resemble materials that require closer examination during security screening. These foods are generally permitted in checked luggage, but their appearance on scanning equipment may prompt additional inspection by security personnel.

While this doesn't necessarily mean your bag has done anything wrong, it can add another step to the screening process and potentially delay its journey.

Even the way you place your suitcase onto the conveyor belt can make a difference.

Experienced baggage handlers often recommend positioning wheeled suitcases with the wheels facing upward whenever possible. This orientation helps reduce stress on the wheels and handles as the luggage moves through conveyor systems and loading equipment. Since wheels are among the most commonly damaged parts of modern suitcases, this simple habit may help protect them from unnecessary wear during transit.

So how can travelers make their luggage easy to identify without interfering with airport systems?

The best solution is often the simplest one.

Instead of tying ribbons or attaching bulky decorations, consider purchasing luggage that's naturally distinctive. A brightly colored suitcase, a unique printed design, or a recognizable hard-shell pattern is much easier to spot on the baggage carousel without creating obstacles for automated handling equipment. If you prefer using luggage tags, choose slim, securely attached versions that don't dangle excessively or cover the airline baggage label.

You can also personalize your luggage with permanent identifiers such as unique-colored luggage covers designed for travel, personalized name tags that remain flat against the suitcase, or distinctive but securely attached accessories that won't interfere with scanners or conveyor systems.

At first glance, tying a ribbon to your suitcase seems like a harmless travel shortcut.

But airports process thousands—sometimes tens of thousands—of bags every day using sophisticated automated systems that depend on clear barcode readings and unobstructed handling. Even small obstacles can slow that process down.

Sometimes the best travel hack isn't adding something extra to your luggage.

It's making sure nothing gets in the way of the journey.