Here’s why you should never tie a ribbon on your luggage

• Get caught in conveyor belts
• Block barcode scanners
• Prevent bags from being properly scanned

When a scanner can’t read your luggage tag, your bag may be pulled aside for manual inspection—or miss your flight entirely.

2. Higher Risk of Luggage Being Delayed or Lost

If your bag is flagged due to scanning issues:

• It may be rerouted
• Loaded late
• Sent on a different flight

What was meant to help you identify your bag can actually make it harder for airlines to track it.

3. Security Concerns

Airport security may view tied ribbons or cloths as:

• Potential tampering
• Suspicious attachments
• Concealed items

In some cases, bags with unusual additions are opened or inspected, increasing the chance of damage or delay.

4. It Can Get Ripped Off Anyway

Even if your bag makes it through:

• Ribbons often tear off during handling
• They may wrap around other luggage
• They can end up in airport machinery

So the identification benefit doesn’t always last.

Better Ways to Identify Your Luggage

Instead of a ribbon, try these safer options:

✔ Choose a unique suitcase color or pattern
✔ Use luggage with built-in color accents
✔ Add a distinctive luggage tag (secure and flat)
✔ Use airline-approved straps designed for scanning
✔ Personalize with stickers placed flat on the surface

These methods won’t interfere with airport systems.

What Airport Staff Recommend

Many baggage handlers advise travelers to:

• Remove old stickers and ribbons
• Keep luggage surfaces smooth
• Ensure tags are clearly visible and unobstructed

Simple designs help luggage move faster and more reliably.