A baggage handler’s warning about tying ribbons or colorful tags to suitcases has gone viral. Learn whether ribbons can really affect baggage handling, what travelers should use instead, and how to make luggage easier to identify.
Baggage Handler Issues Warning to Anyone Who Ties a Ribbon on Their Suitcase at the Airport
If you have ever tied a bright ribbon, scarf, or piece of fabric to your suitcase to make it easier to recognize at baggage claim, you may want to think twice.
Colorful ribbons can certainly make luggage easier for passengers to spot, but baggage-handling systems are designed to move suitcases through automated equipment, and anything attached to a bag can potentially create problems.
Why Do Travelers Put Ribbons on Their Bags?
The main reason is simple: identification.
When dozens of black, navy, or gray suitcases arrive on the same carousel, a brightly colored ribbon can make your luggage stand out.
Travelers often attach:
- Ribbons
- Scarves
- Keychains
- Large luggage tags
- Decorative straps
- Other identifying items
These can be useful for quickly recognizing a suitcase, especially after a long flight.
Can a Ribbon Cause Problems?
Potentially, yes.
Loose straps, ribbons, and other accessories can become caught on conveyor belts or other baggage-handling equipment. This is why some airlines and airports recommend keeping luggage free of loose objects that could interfere with automated handling.
A ribbon that is securely attached and kept short is different from a long, loose piece of fabric hanging from the suitcase.
The safest approach is to avoid anything that can easily become detached or caught.
What About Personalized Luggage Tags?
A luggage tag is generally much more practical than a decorative ribbon.
Make sure your tag is securely attached and contains enough information to identify you if the suitcase is misplaced.
It’s also wise to keep your contact information inside the suitcase, because an external tag can become damaged or detached during handling.
Why Should You Remove Old Baggage Stickers?
This is one of the most useful habits for frequent travelers.
Old airline baggage tags and destination stickers can potentially confuse baggage-processing systems or baggage handlers.
Before checking your suitcase for a new flight, remove old tags and labels from previous journeys.
Keep only the current baggage tag provided for your trip.
The Best Way to Make Your Suitcase Easy to Recognize
You don’t necessarily need a ribbon.
Instead, consider choosing luggage with a distinctive color or pattern, using a properly secured luggage tag, or adding a small identification feature that doesn’t hang loosely from the bag.
Before checking your luggage, make sure:
- All straps are secured.
- Loose accessories are removed.
- Old baggage stickers are taken off.
- Your luggage tag is firmly attached.
- Your name and contact information are also available inside the suitcase.
- Any external decoration cannot easily become caught in baggage equipment.
Don’t Forget About Your Carry-On
The same principle applies to cabin luggage.
Loose objects attached to bags can snag on seats, overhead compartments, security equipment, or other luggage.
Keeping your bags relatively streamlined makes them easier to handle throughout the journey.
Is the Viral Warning Completely True?
The popular claim that any ribbon will automatically cause your suitcase to be rejected or lost is an exaggeration.
A small decorative ribbon does not guarantee that something will go wrong with your luggage. The real concern is whether an attachment is loose, oversized, or capable of becoming caught during automated baggage handling.
So you don’t necessarily need to panic if you’ve used a ribbon before.
The practical lesson is simply this: make your suitcase identifiable without adding anything that could interfere with baggage handling.
Final Takeaway
A colorful ribbon can make your suitcase easier to spot, but it isn’t necessarily the best luggage identifier.
For safer and more convenient travel, use a secure luggage tag, remove old baggage labels, keep loose straps and decorations under control, and make sure your suitcase can be identified from the outside and inside.
That small amount of preparation can make your next trip a little easier—and may save you from wondering which of the dozens of identical suitcases on the carousel is actually yours.