Have you ever felt your heart sink as you scan the baggage carousel, desperately searching for your suitcase amidst a sea of identical bags? The fear of losing luggage is enough to make even the most seasoned traveler uneasy. To avoid this nightmare, many travelers resort to colorful ribbons, hoping to make their luggage stand out. But hold on, because an airport worker has revealed a shocking truth: these seemingly harmless ribbons could actually be sabotaging your trip!
John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, has spilled the beans on a common travel misconception. While ribbons might seem like a harmless way to personalize your luggage, they can actually cause significant delays.
“Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” John explained. “If the bag can’t be scanned automatically, it may need to be processed manually, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it onto the flight.”
Think of it like this: imagine a busy airport conveyor belt, with each bag needing to be scanned quickly and efficiently. Those ribbons can interfere with the scanning process, leading to delays and a potential missed connection.
John’s advice extends beyond ribbons. He also warns against using old travel stickers, as they can cause confusion during the scanning process.
But the most surprising revelation? You might want to reconsider packing marzipan in your luggage.
“Never pack marzipan in your luggage,” John warns. “It has a similar density to some explosives, so your bag might be removed, and you could be called off the plane for a bag search.”
While it might seem absurd, the security measures at airports are designed to be extremely thorough, and marzipan could trigger an alarm. So, save your marzipan cravings for your destination!
Finally, John emphasizes the importance of placing your luggage on the conveyor belt wheels-side up. This simple trick can prevent damage to your precious belongings during the handling process.
If you’re determined to make your luggage stand out, John’s advice is to ditch the ribbons and opt for a unique color or pattern.
Travel & Leisure suggests that black luggage, while versatile, can be easily lost in the crowd. If you want your bag to be easily identifiable, consider a bold color like hot pink, a fun pattern, or even a personalized design.
If you’re not ready to part with your current suitcase, consider using fabric paint or stickers to add unique identifying features. Just make sure they’re placed in a way that won’t interfere with the scanning process.
By following John’s expert advice, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure your luggage arrives at your destination safely and on time. Remember, a little bit of planning can go a long way in making your travel experience smoother and stress-free.
