Airport passengers are often warned not to attach ribbons, straps, stickers, or other identifying items to their luggage handles because they can create problems during baggage handling. The warning has become common at many airports because of the way modern baggage systems work.
Why ribbons on luggage can be a problem
- They can interfere with automated baggage systems
- Many airports use conveyor belts and automated scanners to sort luggage.
- Loose ribbons, strings, or straps can get caught in machinery, causing:
- bags to jam,
- delays in baggage processing,
- damage to the luggage or the sorting equipment.
- They may affect baggage scanning
- Some luggage systems use cameras and scanners to read baggage tags.
- A ribbon or decoration placed near the tag area may block the scanner’s view, making it harder for the system to identify the bag correctly.
- They can increase the chance of bags being delayed
- If a bag cannot be automatically sorted, it may need to be manually inspected or redirected.
- This can slow down delivery to the aircraft or delay the bag arriving at the destination.
- They may create confusion at baggage claim
- Many passengers use similar ribbons or tags as identifiers.
- A ribbon can help you spot your bag, but it should not replace official airline baggage tags and should be attached carefully.
Safer ways to identify your luggage
Airlines and airport staff generally recommend:
- Using a strong luggage tag with your contact information.
- Choosing a suitcase with a distinctive colour or pattern.
- Adding a small, securely attached identifier that does not hang loose.
- Taking a photo of your bag before checking it in.
- Keeping your baggage receipt until you collect your luggage.
If you already use a ribbon
You do not necessarily need to remove it immediately, but make sure:
- it is tightly secured,
- it does not cover the baggage tag or barcode,
- it cannot get caught in conveyor belts,
- it is not long or loose.
The warning is mainly about loose ribbons that can affect automated baggage handling, not about every small decoration on luggage.