Important Warning For Those Using Baggage Tags On Suitcases
Also, marzipan stands out as a problem.
Traveling always involves a to‑do list: book flights, pack clothes, double‑check passports. Many of us add a personal touch to our luggage, bright ribbons, stickers from past trips, colorful tags, thinking it makes our suitcases easier to spot and less likely to go missing.
It feels logical: make your bag stand out so baggage handlers and you can pick it out quickly. But it turns out those custom touches might actually be working against you.
A baggage handler at Dublin Airport named John says many of the decorations people add to their bags can confuse automated scanning machines. “
Take old stickers off your bag - it can cause confusion with the scanning process,” he said. While it may be fun (and nostalgic) to plaster your suitcase with stickers collected from around the world, leaving them on could increase the odds that your bag gets pulled out for manual processing or, worse, ends up on a different flight.
Ribbons are another common way to personalize luggage, but John warns they’re even more problematic. “Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” he explained.
If the scanner can’t read your bag’s barcode properly, it won’t automatically route your luggage to the right plane. Instead, your suitcase gets sorted by hand - a slower, less reliable process that raises the chances it won’t arrive with you.
The expert strongly advised removing all stickers and ribbons.
It’s tempting to think these visual cues protect your belongings, but in reality, they often do the opposite. Keeping your suitcase clean and simple, with a clear, legible barcode tag, gives airport scanners the best shot at sending it straight to your destination.
John also shared a surprising tip about what not to pack. While packing snacks or souvenirs in checked luggage is generally fine, marzipan stands out as a problem.
“It has the same density as some explosives, so your bag will be removed and you’ll be called from the plane for a bag search,” he said.
If you’re heading home with edible gifts, stick to chocolate bars or cookies—avoid anything that could trigger extra security checks.
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Once you’ve cleared security and boarded your flight, there’s another small trick to minimize wear and tear on your suitcase. John suggests placing its wheels up in the overhead bin. This simple change can reduce scuffing and damage caused by tumbling around during handling and storage.
Over time, the underside of your bag tends to take the brunt of airport conveyor belts and baggage carts, so flipping it protects the wheels and prevents it from being roughed up.
Despite your best efforts, suitcases can still suffer significant damage in transit. If you open your bag at your destination to find cracked plastic, broken handles, or detached wheels, don’t panic.
Many airlines will offer compensation or even provide a replacement suitcase if the damage is severe enough. The exact policy varies by carrier, but it’s worth reporting any major damage as soon as you collect your luggage at baggage claim.
No one wants to deal with the stress of a lost suitcase.
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Before you head off on your next trip, take a moment to simplify your suitcase: Peel away old stickers and tags and skip ribbons or other decorations that might hide its barcode. Pack snacks thoughtfully, leave dense treats like marzipan at home to avoid extra security checks, and turn the wheels up when stowing your bag in the overhead bin to minimize wear.
Once you land, check your luggage right away and report any severe damage to the airline so you can get compensation if needed. By making these quick adjustments, you’ll cut down on the risk of lost, delayed, or damaged bags and travel with one less headache. Immediately compensation, if necessary.
Damjan
