Why baggage handlers say you should never tie a ribbon to your suitcase

Baggage handlers and airport staff often advise against tying ribbons to suitcases, even though many travelers use them to easily recognize their luggage.

Modern airports rely on automated scanning systems that read baggage tags quickly as suitcases move through conveyor belts. If a ribbon hangs near or over the tag, it can interfere with scanning and make the label harder to read.

When a tag can’t be read properly, the bag may need to be processed manually. This slows it down and increases the chance it could miss connecting flights or be delayed.

Another issue is physical interference. Loose ribbons can get caught in conveyor belts, rollers, or sorting machines. Even small snags can cause delays in the system or require staff to stop and fix the issue.

Handlers also note that ribbons can sometimes flip over baggage tags or tangle with other bags, increasing the risk of misrouting.

Although travelers often use ribbons to make their bags easier to spot at baggage claim, airport systems don’t rely on visual markers. They track luggage through barcode scans and digital records instead.

Because of this, experts recommend safer alternatives like distinctive luggage straps, unique suitcase covers, or sturdy tags that don’t hang loosely or interfere with handling equipment.

In short, while ribbons may seem helpful, they can actually cause more problems than they solve in modern airport systems.