A colourful ribbon tied to a suitcase may seem like a clever way to identify your luggage at the airport. When dozens of similar black, grey, and blue suitcases appear on the baggage carousel, a bright ribbon can make yours much easier to recognise.
However, baggage-handling professionals have warned that ribbons and other loose decorations can sometimes create problems during baggage processing.
Before your next flight, here is what you should know about this common travel habit and the safer ways to make your suitcase stand out.
Why Can Ribbons Cause Problems at Airports?
1. They May Interfere With Baggage Scanning
Checked luggage passes through scanning and sorting systems before it reaches the aircraft. These systems use baggage tags and automated equipment to help direct each bag to the correct destination.
A ribbon that covers or obstructs the baggage tag could make it harder to read the barcode. If a bag cannot be scanned automatically, airport staff may need to process it manually, potentially causing delays.
2. Loose Decorations Can Get Caught
Long ribbons, dangling straps, and loose accessories may snag on equipment or other luggage during handling.
This is a practical concern rather than a universal airport rule banning ribbons. The risk depends on the accessory, how securely it is attached, and the baggage system being used.
3. Your Ribbon Could Fall Off
A ribbon can become loose or detach while a suitcase moves through the baggage system. If you rely entirely on that ribbon to recognise your luggage, you may find it less useful when your bag arrives.
4. Old Baggage Stickers Can Cause Confusion
Previous airline baggage tags and destination stickers should be removed before a new journey. Keeping old labels on your suitcase may create confusion during handling or scanning.
Better Ways to Identify Your Suitcase
You do not need to leave your luggage completely unmarked. Instead, choose identification methods that are secure and do not interfere with baggage tags.
- Use a distinctive suitcase: Choose an unusual colour or design that is easy to recognise.
- Add a secure luggage tag: Attach a durable tag that does not obstruct the airline’s baggage label.
- Choose a fitted luggage cover: A properly fitted cover can help distinguish your suitcase without loose fabric hanging from it.
- Use a unique handle wrap: A short, securely fitted wrap may help identify your bag. Check that it cannot interfere with the baggage tag or handling equipment.
- Take a photograph: Photograph your suitcase before checking it in. A picture can help airline staff identify it if it goes missing.
- Remove old travel labels: Check your suitcase before every trip and remove outdated baggage stickers.
What Should You Do Before Checking In Your Luggage?
Before handing your suitcase to the airline, take a moment to inspect it.
- Remove old baggage tags and destination stickers.
- Make sure the current airline baggage tag is clearly visible.
- Secure loose straps, cords, and decorative accessories.
- Check that zippers and pockets are properly closed.
- Keep essential medicines, travel documents, valuables, and other important items in your carry-on bag where permitted.
- Keep your baggage receipt until you have collected your luggage.
These simple steps can help make your journey smoother and make it easier to report a missing bag if necessary.
Is It Actually Forbidden to Tie a Ribbon to Luggage?
Not universally. The warning is primarily practical advice from baggage-handling professionals, not evidence of a worldwide airport prohibition.
A ribbon does not automatically cause a suitcase to be lost or miss its flight. The main concern is that a loose accessory may obstruct a tag or interfere with handling.
Follow your airline’s instructions and keep the outside of checked luggage as secure and uncomplicated as possible.
Final Thoughts
Tying a colourful ribbon to a suitcase may help you recognise it at the baggage carousel, but loose decorations can sometimes interfere with baggage processing.
For a simpler and potentially more reliable option, use a distinctive suitcase, a secure luggage tag, or a fitted cover. Remove old baggage labels and ensure that the current airline tag remains unobstructed.
Travel tip: Make your luggage easy to identify without adding unnecessary loose accessories, and always follow your airline’s baggage instructions.