Why a ribbon on your suitcase might be a bad idea? An expert explains the risks and safe alternatives.

 

A travel expert explains why tying a ribbon to your bag is a bad idea.
Can a colored ribbon really harm your luggage? While it may seem like a minor detail, experienced airport workers warn that this popular identification trick can cause more trouble than good.

Why do travelers tie ribbons?
Many passengers tie ribbons, key rings, or other decorations to their suitcases to identify them more quickly on the baggage carousel. This is understandable, especially when most of their luggage is a similar, dark color. However, as travel expert and former airport employee Michał Kowalski explains, this practice can impact the security and on-time delivery of baggage.

Disrupting the Scanning Process
“Modern baggage sorting systems rely on automatic scanning of barcodes found on airline labels,” says Kowalski. “If the ribbon obscures the label or gets caught on the belt, the bag can be held for manual processing. This delays the process and increases the risk of the bag not arriving on time for the flight.”

Old Labels? Remove Them!
Another common mistake is leaving old labels from previous trips on suitcases. According to an expert, this can confuse systems and lead to luggage being sent to the wrong flight. “Always remove old labels—it’s a simple step that really makes a difference,” he adds.

How to safely distinguish your luggage?
Instead of tying ribbons, the expert suggests other solutions:

Choose a suitcase in an unusual color or pattern (e.g., yellow, purple, or with a geometric print),

Use a protective cover with a distinctive pattern,

Mark your luggage with a permanent sticker or fabric paint—making sure it doesn’t obscure the label.

Summary
Although tying ribbons to suitcases seems harmless, it can lead to delays and even lost luggage. Therefore, it’s worth considering other, safer ways to distinguish your bag. When traveling – especially by air – details really matter.