Marking your luggage could delay or detour your suitcase
Many people worry about their suitcases before a flight. That’s why they mark their luggage to make it easier to locate on arrival. However, they may not realise that this is not always the best idea.
One popular way to distinguish a suitcase is by adding a colourful ribbon, usually a red one. Passengers also attach various tags or leave old stickers from previous trips. According to airport staff, this can have the opposite effect and cause the luggage not to reach its destination. Why?
Marking luggage can have the opposite effect
Ribbons that people tie to suitcases to help identify them can cause problems with scanning in the baggage hall. If luggage cannot be scanned automatically, it may require manual handling, which could mean that your suitcase doesn't reach the plane on time. Besides, it’s worth removing old stickers from the bag as they confuse the scanning process, explains a baggage handler from an Irish airport to RSVP Live.
Everyone knows not to pack liquids or potentially dangerous items in hand luggage, but it's worth knowing that marzipan should not be packed in any luggage. Airport staff reveal that its consistency can be mistaken for explosives. As a result, both the passenger and their bag may be identified and removed from the plane.
It’s also not worth putting locks on suitcases
Placing a lock on the suitcase's zip can also lure thieves. Such a signifier may imply that something valuable is inside the luggage. It’s better not to tempt fate.
