A Baggage Handler Explains Why You Should Never Tie a Ribbon to Your Luggage
Tying a bright ribbon to your suitcase handle is one of the most common travel tips out there. It helps you spot your bag on the carousel and adds a personal touch. But according to airport baggage handlers, that ribbon could be causing more problems than it solves.
Here’s why you might want to rethink the ribbon — and what to do instead. 👇
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Always follow your airline’s baggage guidelines.
⚠️ Why Ribbons Can Be a Problem
1. They Can Get Caught in the Machinery Airport baggage handling systems are filled with conveyor belts, rollers, and scanners. A loose ribbon can easily get caught in the machinery, causing your bag to be delayed, damaged, or even lost. It can also cause a jam that delays other passengers’ luggage.
2. They Can Fall Off Ribbons can come untied or snap during transit. If your ribbon falls off, you lose the very identifier you were relying on. Worse, it can become a tripping hazard for baggage handlers.
3. They Can Cause False Alarms Loose ribbons can trigger security scanners or be mistaken for something suspicious. This can lead to your bag being pulled aside for manual inspection, causing delays.
4. They Can Be Mistaken for Something Else In some cases, ribbons have been mistaken for tampering or suspicious items, leading to unnecessary security checks.
5. They Can Damage Your Bag If a ribbon gets caught, it can tear the handle or zipper of your suitcase, causing permanent damage.
💡 What to Do Instead
Use a brightly colored luggage tag: Attach a sturdy, clearly labeled tag to the handle. It’s secure, easy to spot, and won’t get caught.
Use a unique strap: A luggage strap around the body of the suitcase is secure and easy to identify.
Use stickers or a distinctive pattern: Decorate your suitcase with stickers or choose a unique color.
Take a photo of your bag: Before you check it in, take a photo of your suitcase. It helps if you need to file a claim.
Remove old tags and ribbons: Before you travel, remove any old tags, ribbons, or stickers that could get caught.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really bad to tie a ribbon to my suitcase? Yes — it can get caught in baggage handling machinery, fall off, or cause delays.
What is the best way to identify my luggage? Use a sturdy luggage tag with your name and contact information, and consider a unique luggage strap or stickers.
Can a ribbon cause my bag to be lost? Yes — if it gets caught in machinery, your bag can be delayed, damaged, or lost.
What do baggage handlers say about ribbons? Many baggage handlers advise against ribbons because they cause jams and delays.
Can I use a ribbon if it’s tied tightly? It’s still not recommended. Even a tightly tied ribbon can come loose or get caught.
What about luggage straps? Luggage straps are generally safe if they are properly secured and don’t have loose ends.
Should I remove old tags before traveling? Yes — old tags and ribbons can get caught and cause confusion. Remove them before you check in.
What if my bag is damaged because of a ribbon? Report it to the airline immediately. They may cover the damage, but it depends on their policy.
Can I use a colorful ribbon inside the bag? Yes — you can use a ribbon or marker inside the bag to identify it if it’s opened. Just don’t attach anything loose to the outside.
What’s the best luggage tag? A sturdy, bright tag with your name, phone number, and email address. Avoid tags with long strings that can get caught.
