If you’ve ever spent any amount of time at an airport scanning the baggage carousel for your prized possessions, you’ll understand the stress of seeing hundreds of near identical suitcases passing by on the conveyor belt.

While resourceful travelers discovered that securing a ribbon to their luggage makes theirs stand out from the rest, an airport worker is warning passengers that using personal markers comes with the kind of baggage you can’t unload.

The thought of losing baggage while travelling can strike fear into even the most seasoned of travelers.

To reduce the risk of having luggage taken by another passenger, or of watching luggage slowly swirl by repeatedly on the conveyor belt, travelers are attaching colorful ribbons to their suitcases to make sure it stands apart from the rest.

But according to a Dublin Airport baggage handler, who goes by the name John, these popular tricks are doing more harm than good.

In fact, it can make your worst travel nightmare come true.

Speaking to RSVP Live, John revealed that tying identifying ribbons on your luggage can cause delays, meaning your belongings might miss the flight.

“Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” John told the outlet. “If the bag can’t be scanned automatically it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it to the flight.”

Checking in your suitcase without identifiers, like ribbons and old travel stickers, gives it a better chance of arriving easily.

John offers: “Take old stickers off the bag, it can cause confusion with the scanning process.”

Braid or knot a ribbon on your luggage for an easy way to tell your bags apart. Keep spares in your luggage in case your ribbons are torn during your trip. 😁 #mrdiy #travelhack #luggagetag

Posted by MR DIY on Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Another thing that can cause problems with your baggage is marzipan, the delicious sugary almond treat, and John warns you may be flagged by security if you take it on vacation.

“Don’t ever pack marzipan in your luggage. It has the same density as some explosives, so your bag will be removed and you’ll be called from the plane for a bag search,” the Dublin baggage expert said.

Lastly, before sending your luggage down the small conveyor belt to handlers like John, make sure it’s wheels side up to avoid damage.

No more basic baggage

Luggage has evolved significantly in the past few decades and you no longer need to carry basic black, brown or navy baggage.

According to Travel & Leisure, black baggage “is one of the most – if not, the most – versatile color, which is why it’s so popular.”

The outlet writes, “For this reason, it’s worth selecting a different hue if you want your luggage to stand out at baggage claim. Instead, consider a patterned suitcase or perhaps one that comes in a bold color like hot pink.”