Here’s why you should never tie ribbon to your luggage

We’ve all done it at least once: tied a small, colorful ribbon to our suitcase to spot it more quickly on the baggage carousel. After all, among hundreds of black, blue, or gray suitcases, how are you going to find yours without a little personal touch? But beware: according to some airport employees, this well-known trick could actually backfire…

Airport handling company warning

Jean, a baggage handler at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport, revealed a detail that few travelers suspect. According to him, ribbons and other identification markers can disrupt the automatic baggage sorting systems. As a result, your suitcase could get stuck, requiring manual checks… and therefore risking missing your flight!

His advice is clear: ditch the ribbons, stickers, or old travel tags still clinging to your suitcases. “These things can interfere with barcode scanners,” he explains. In short, the cleaner and more properly labeled your suitcase is , the better your chances of arriving at your destination without a hitch.

Luggage mistakes to absolutely avoid

Besides the famous ribbon, Jean also warns about another unexpected item: marzipan! Yes, this almond treat, due to its density, could be mistaken for suspicious material by detectors. Moral of the story: it’s better to enjoy it before the flight than risk an extra security check.

Another little-known but valuable tip: before placing your suitcase on the carousel, check that the wheels are facing upwards. This prevents them from being damaged during transport or loading into the hold. A simple little step that can extend the life of your luggage!

How to personalize your suitcase without risk

Fortunately, there are clever (and safe) ways to make your luggage easily identifiable without interfering with automated sorting. Travel experts recommend choosing a suitcase in a bright or unusual color: lemon yellow, mint green, or raspberry pink—anything but classic black or navy.

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According to the magazine Voyager malin , choosing an unusual color is the most effective way to quickly spot your luggage upon arrival. And if you prefer to keep your current suitcase, nothing prevents you from adding secure decorative elements: a well-placed sticker, a hand-painted design using fabric paint, or even a personalized leather tag.

Good habits to remember before packing your suitcase

Before each departure, take a few minutes to check these essential points:

Remove all old flight stickers and labels.
Avoid ribbons, strings or dangling objects.
Put a legible label with your name and contact information (without including your full address for security reasons).
Turn the wheels upwards before placing your luggage on the ground.
If you are carrying food products, place them in your hand luggage to avoid unnecessary checks.

Simple actions, but they can make all the difference before departure between a zen trip and a stressful start to your vacation!

Travel with peace of mind

The message from Jean and the airport staff is clear: a well-packed suitcase is better than an overly personalized one. By opting for simplicity and a few clever touches, you’ll save time, avoid the hassle of delayed luggage, and fully enjoy your departure.