Why baggage handlers say you should never tie ribbons to your suitcase

Tying a colorful ribbon to your suitcase may seem like a clever way to recognize it at the airport baggage carousel. However, baggage handlers and travel experts have warned that ribbons and other decorations attached to luggage can sometimes cause problems during baggage handling.

The main concern is that a ribbon can get caught in baggage-handling machinery or interfere with automated luggage processing, potentially delaying your bag or causing it to be handled incorrectly.

Here’s a detailed explanation of why this advice is given, what the actual risks are, and what you can do instead to identify your suitcase easily.

1. The main reason: ribbons can interfere with baggage scanning

After you check in your suitcase, it travels through a baggage-handling system that uses scanners, conveyor belts and sorting equipment to direct bags toward the correct aircraft.

According to Travel + Leisure, a ribbon tied around a handle can sometimes obstruct the barcode on the airline’s baggage tag. If the barcode cannot be read properly, the bag may need manual processing instead of being sorted automatically.

This can lead to:

• Extra handling: Airport staff may need to identify or redirect the bag manually.

• Delays: The suitcase may take longer to reach the aircraft.

• A missed connection: If processing takes too long, the bag could fail to make a connecting flight.

These outcomes are possible, not inevitable. A small ribbon does not automatically cause a suitcase to be lost or miss its flight.

2. Loose ribbons may snag or come off

A long ribbon, loose bow or dangling decoration can potentially catch on nearby luggage or handling equipment. It may also tear off during transit.

This is a practical reason to avoid loose accessories on checked bags. However, the extent of the risk depends on the ribbon’s size, placement and how securely it is attached; it would be misleading to suggest that every ribbon will get caught in machinery.

3. Old baggage tags can cause problems, too

One often-overlooked issue is leaving old airline baggage stickers and barcode tags on your suitcase.

The US Department of Transportation advises travelers to remove tags from previous trips because they can contribute to bags going astray.

Before checking your suitcase, remove old airline labels and make sure the current baggage tag is attached securely and its destination is correct.

4. Better ways to make your suitcase easy to recognize

5. What should you do before your next flight?

Use this quick checklist:

• Remove old airline baggage tags and barcodes.

• Check that your current baggage tag is secure and shows the correct destination.

• Remove long, loose ribbons or decorations from checked luggage.

• Photograph your suitcase before handing it over.

• Keep your baggage receipt until you collect your bag.

• At baggage claim, check the identifying tag before taking a suitcase.

Final verdict

The baggage handler’s warning has a sensible basis, but the headline can make the danger sound more certain than it is.

The key concern is that ribbons can obstruct baggage-tag scanning or become loose during handling. A ribbon is not guaranteed to cause a delay, and there is no reason to assume every ribbon is prohibited.

For the most practical approach, keep the outside of your checked suitcase tidy, remove outdated baggage tags, use secure identification and take a photograph of your luggage before departure. These precautions help make your bag easier to identify and can be useful if it is delayed or misplaced.