If you’ve ever spent time at an airport waiting for your baggage, you know the stress of watching a seemingly endless stream of identical suitcases pass by on the conveyor belt. To make their luggage stand out, many travelers attach ribbons or stickers, hoping to spot their belongings quickly. However, an airport worker is warning passengers that these common tricks could lead to more trouble than they’re worth.

Keep reading to discover why you should think twice before using ribbons or packing marzipan in your luggage.

The Baggage Nightmare: The Importance of Avoiding Common Travel Mistakes

The fear of losing your baggage can haunt even the most experienced travelers. To reduce the chances of someone else mistakenly taking your suitcase or of having to wait endlessly for your bag to appear, many people add colorful ribbons or travel stickers to their luggage. While this may seem like a simple solution, according to a Dublin Airport baggage handler, it can actually cause more problems.

Why Ribbons Can Cause Delays

John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, shared with RSVP Live that the seemingly harmless ribbons can create significant delays during the check-in process. “Ribbons tied to suitcases can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” John explained. “If the bag can’t be scanned automatically, it may end up being manually processed, which could mean your bag misses the flight.”

John also advised that travelers should remove any old travel stickers from their bags, as these can confuse the scanning system, leading to further delays.

The takeaway? When checking in your suitcase, avoid attaching ribbons or old stickers, as it improves the chances of your bag making it to the flight without unnecessary complications.

The Marzipan Dilemma: What You Need to Know

In addition to ribbons, John warned against packing marzipan in your luggage. While marzipan is a beloved treat for many, it can cause issues at airport security. “Marzipan has the same density as certain explosives, so it can trigger security concerns,” John explained. “Your bag might be flagged, and you could even be pulled from the plane for a bag search.”

To avoid this issue, it’s best to leave marzipan out of your luggage when traveling internationally. Instead, consider packing other snacks that are less likely to raise red flags with security.

Other Tips for Smooth Travel

John also shared a few additional tips for ensuring your luggage travels smoothly. For example, make sure your suitcase is placed with the wheels side up on the conveyor belt to prevent any damage. Small adjustments like this can help keep your bag in good condition while it’s being handled.

Stand Out with Stylish Luggage

While choosing a luggage color might seem like a minor decision, it can make a significant difference in helping you spot your bag easily at baggage claim. Travel experts recommend opting for a vibrant color or a patterned suitcase to help your luggage stand out from the sea of basic black, brown, and navy bags.

According to Travel & Leisure, “Black luggage is one of the most versatile colors, which is why it’s so popular. However, if you want your luggage to be easily identifiable, consider a suitcase in a bold color like hot pink or patterned design.”

If you’re not ready to part with your old suitcase, consider adding some custom features like fabric paint or non-interfering stickers to make it unique without hindering the scanning process.

Conclusion: Travel Smarter and Stress-Free

With these expert tips from a Dublin Airport baggage handler, travelers can avoid common mistakes and ensure their luggage arrives smoothly at its destination. From skipping ribbons and marzipan to opting for more distinctive luggage, these simple adjustments can help reduce stress during your travels. Happy flying!