Warning from a Baggage Handler: Ribbons on Your Suitcase Could Cause Big Problems!
When you’re getting ready for a vacation, making sure your suitcase stands out is a top priority. Everyone wants to easily spot their luggage at the airport, right? But if you’re thinking of tying a colorful ribbon on your suitcase to make it unique, you might need to think twice! A baggage handler from Dublin Airport has some important advice about this common travel hack.
The Trouble with Decorations
You know how it goes: you’re packing for a dream getaway and you want to ensure that your suitcase doesn’t get mixed up with someone else’s. People go all out, decorating their bags with everything from brightly colored luggage tags to sparkly stickers.
So, can you blame them for wanting to add a ribbon to help find their bag on the carousel? After all, who wants to end up with just a few hotel gift shop items to get through the week?
To take it a step further, one savvy traveler even attached a GoPro camera to their luggage. “I did it to keep an eye on my suitcase,” they said, showing just how much we worry about our things when traveling. Trust issues? Maybe! But that’s another story.
A Cautionary Tale
However, not all those colorful decorations are as helpful as they might seem. John, the experienced baggage handler, has noticed a serious problem with ribbons on suitcases.
He warned travelers that tying a ribbon can actually create confusion in the baggage handling process. “Ribbons people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” he shared with RSVP Live.
If your suitcase can’t be scanned automatically because of those ribbons or other decorations, it might end up in manual processing. This could mean that your bag doesn’t make it onto the flight with you! Just imagine showing up at your sunny destination without your suitcase!
John also advised travelers to remove old stickers from their bags, explaining, “They can cause confusion with the scanning process too.” This could easily lead to delays or even worse—a luggage mix-up!
Helpful Tips for Stress-Free Travel
If you want your luggage experience to be smooth sailing, John has a few more tips up his sleeve. One important suggestion is to place your suitcase wheels up when loading it. This helps prevent damage during handling.
And here’s something you might not expect: if you’re a fan of baking, think twice before packing Marzipan! “My golden rule is to never pack Marzipan,” John said. Why? Because Marzipan, which is made from ground almonds, sugar, and egg, is so dense that it can set off alarms as if it were an explosive.
“Don’t be surprised if you and your bag are pulled aside for a thorough search,” he added with a chuckle. Missing your family holiday because of a bit of Marzipan definitely isn’t worth it!
Final Thoughts
So, it looks like it’s best to leave those ribbons and cake supplies at home if you want to ensure a hassle-free flight. Next time you’re preparing for a trip, remember John’s advice. Safe travels mean saying goodbye to unnecessary decorations and potential delays with your luggage!
What do you think about these tips? Have you ever had trouble with your luggage at the airport? Share your stories in the comments below!
