If you’ve ever spent any time at an airport scanning the baggage carousel for your suitcase, you’ll understand the stress of seeing hundreds of nearly identical bags pass by on the conveyor belt. It’s a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you’re hoping to spot your own luggage among the sea of look-alikes.

Many seasoned travelers have discovered that attaching a colorful ribbon to their suitcase makes it easier to identify. It seems like a simple solution to avoid grabbing the wrong bag or waiting too long. However, an airport worker is now warning that this common practice could bring about complications you might not expect.

In this article, we’ll explore why using personal markers, such as ribbons, on your luggage can backfire, and we’ll also address an unexpected item that could cause major travel delays: marzipan.

One of the biggest fears for any traveler is losing their luggage. The anxiety of wondering if your suitcase will make it to the destination safely or whether another passenger might accidentally take it is very real. To combat this issue, many travelers have resorted to marking their bags with ribbons, tags, or other identifiers. These personal touches are meant to make the luggage easier to spot and differentiate from the crowd.

While these tricks seem useful, John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, warns that they could actually create bigger problems. In fact, using ribbons or similar items might lead to your luggage being delayed or even missing your flight altogether.

Why should you avoid ribbons?
In an interview with RSVP Live, John explained that adding a ribbon to your luggage can interfere with the baggage scanning process at the airport. “Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” John said. He further explained that if a bag cannot be automatically scanned, it may have to go through manual processing. This additional step can result in significant delays and even cause your bag to miss the flight entirely.

To ensure a smoother travel experience, John advises travelers to leave their identifying ribbons at home. Additionally, he suggests removing any old travel stickers from your bag. “Old stickers can confuse the scanning process,” John noted, so keeping your luggage clean and free of excess identifiers can help it move through the system more efficiently.

But ribbons aren’t the only thing to be cautious about. John also issued a surprising warning about packing marzipan. Yes, marzipan—the sweet almond-based treat many people enjoy as a snack or dessert—can actually raise red flags at security.

“Never pack marzipan in your luggage,” John cautioned. “It has the same density as certain explosives, so your bag could be flagged, and you may even be called off the plane for a bag search.” Imagine the inconvenience of having to explain a harmless snack while your fellow passengers wait!

Finally, John offered one more tip: make sure your suitcase is placed on the conveyor belt with the wheels facing upward. This simple step can help prevent your luggage from getting damaged as it moves through the system.

Modern luggage design has also come a long way, so travelers no longer need to settle for standard black, brown, or navy suitcases. While black luggage remains a popular choice due to its versatility, it often blends in with the masses. According to **Travel & Leisure**, black may be convenient, but if you want your bag to truly stand out at baggage claim, opting for a different color or a patterned design is a smart move.

If bold colors like hot pink aren’t your style, there are plenty of other bright, eye-catching options available. Alternatively, if you’re attached to your current suitcase, you can customize it with fabric paint or stickers. These solutions allow your luggage to stand out without causing any issues with airport scanning equipment.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to add personal touches like ribbons to your luggage, it’s worth reconsidering for the sake of smooth travel. Stick to safer alternatives, and remember John’s advice to avoid marzipan in your suitcase!