A colorful ribbon can make a suitcase easier to recognize at baggage reclaim. But according to one Dublin Airport baggage handler, this familiar travel trick could complicate a bag’s journey before it even reaches the aircraft.

The worker, identified as John in comments reported by RSVP Live, said ribbons attached to luggage can interfere with scanning in the baggage hall. When a suitcase cannot be scanned automatically, staff may have to process it manually, potentially delaying its transfer to the plane. In some cases, he warned, the bag could miss the flight.

That makes the issue more than a matter of waiting a few extra minutes beside the carousel. An accessory added to help you find your suitcase at your destination could create a hold-up at departure.

John also recommended removing old stickers from luggage, saying they can confuse scanning. His advice offers a useful reminder to check the outside of your suitcase while preparing for a trip, as well as its contents.

Another suggestion concerned how travelers position their cases on the conveyor belt. John advised placing luggage with its wheels facing upwards to reduce the risk of damage. This was his handling recommendation, rather than a guarantee that a suitcase would avoid wear during transit.

These comments reflect an individual baggage handler’s experience; they should not be read as an airport-wide ban on ribbons. His concern is that seemingly harmless additions can sometimes interfere with baggage processing.

Before your next flight, take a moment to inspect your suitcase for old stickers and unnecessary attachments. Making a bag recognizable helps, but keeping it easy to process matters too.