Seeing hundreds of nearly identical suitcases moving along the conveyor belt at an airport can be a source of stress, especially for those who have spent time anxiously scanning the baggage carousel for their belongings. For frequent flyers, the fear of losing luggage is all too familiar, leading many to adopt strategies to make their bags more identifiable. However, an airport employee has issued a surprising warning about a popular luggage-marking tactic that may create more problems than it solves.

Travelers often tie colorful ribbons to their suitcases in an effort to make them stand out, believing this will reduce the chances of someone else mistakenly taking their luggage. While it might seem like a simple and effective solution, John, a seasoned baggage handler at Dublin Airport, cautions that this approach could backfire in unexpected ways, potentially turning a traveler’s worst nightmare into reality.

In an interview with RSV Live, John shared that attaching identifying ribbons or other markers to luggage can interfere with the baggage handling process, leading to delays or even causing luggage to miss its flight. “Tying ribbons to your luggage to help identify it can make it difficult for the baggage hall to scan it,” John explained. “If your bag cannot be scanned automatically and has to be processed manually, there’s a risk it won’t make it onto the flight.”

To avoid such issues, John advises travelers to keep their luggage free of any unnecessary decorations or outdated travel stickers, as these could also cause confusion during the scanning process. “Removing old stickers and keeping the bag clean ensures a smoother scanning process,” he noted.

But ribbons aren’t the only concern when it comes to packing smartly for air travel. John also issued a surprising warning about a seemingly harmless item—marzipan. This sweet almond-based confection, often a popular souvenir or snack, has a density similar to that of certain explosives, which can trigger security concerns. “Marzipan should never be included in your luggage,” John advised. “If detected, your bag may be flagged, removed from the plane, and you could even be called back for a security inspection.”

John also offered another practical tip to protect luggage from damage. When handing over your suitcase at the check-in counter, ensure it is placed wheels-side up on the conveyor belt. This small step can help prevent unnecessary wear and tear during the handling process.

In addition to avoiding these common pitfalls, travelers can take other steps to make their luggage more recognizable without compromising the scanning process. Luggage design has evolved significantly in recent decades, and today’s travelers have plenty of options beyond the standard black, brown, or navy blue suitcases. According to Travel & Leisure, black remains one of the most versatile and popular colors for luggage, but it may not be the best choice for those looking to easily spot their bags at baggage claim.

“If you want your luggage to stand out, consider choosing a suitcase in a bright or distinctive color, such as hot pink or a patterned design,” the publication suggests. For those who prefer a more understated look but still want to differentiate their bags, fabric paint or non-obstructive stickers can be used to add unique identifying elements without interfering with the scanning process.

With so many options available, travelers no longer need to rely on outdated methods like tying ribbons to their luggage. Instead, they can select from a wide range of vibrant, attention-grabbing luggage styles that combine practicality with personal flair. If bold colors like pink don’t suit your style, there are plenty of other vivid hues and designs to choose from that will make your belongings stand out on the carousel.

Ultimately, John’s advice serves as a helpful reminder for travelers to think carefully about how they prepare their luggage for a trip. By avoiding potential pitfalls—like using ribbons, packing marzipan, or leaving outdated stickers on their bags—travelers can minimize stress and reduce the risk of delays or security complications. These small adjustments can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth and worry-free travel experience.

Travelers around the world can benefit from the insights shared by John, a Dublin Airport baggage expert. By following his tips, frequent flyers and occasional vacationers alike can feel more confident and prepared as they navigate the challenges of air travel.

What tips would you offer to help fellow travelers stay safe and stress-free at the airport? Share this advice with your friends and family, and let us know your thoughts—your experience might just help someone else have a smoother journey.