Why You Shouldn't Tie a Ribbon on Your Luggage—and 12 Smarter Ways to Help It Stand Out

Travel + Leisure

3 days ago

Having a stranger mistake your checked luggage for their own at baggage claim is a common fear shared by frequent fliers—hence why some travelers choose to buy colorful, unique-looking suitcases over more common styles. But if you're looking for a way to make your gray or black bag easier to flag down at the carousel, baggage handlers ask that you heed this one warning: Don't tie a ribbon around your luggage.
This dated attempt at making your suitcase stand out may cause your luggage to get swept up in the airport's baggage handling system, one baggage handler previously shared with RSVPlive. Ribbons tied around a suitcase handle can accidentally cover or get in the way of the barcode tags that are used to scan the luggage and direct it to its final destination. 'If the bag can't be scanned automatically, it can end up in manual processing," they explained, "which could mean your bag doesn't make it to the flight."
Rest assured, there are plenty of better ways to help your luggage stand out that won't prevent it from making it to baggage claim. Keep scrolling to shop for some of our favorite luggage accessories that'll add personal flair to your checked suitcase without compromising its journey to the carousel, including luggage tags, TSA-approved locks, and handle wraps starting at just $8.
Outfitted with steel cable loops, a waterproof PVC identification tag, and a bendable, flexible silicone body, these Ovener luggage tags were built for the long haul. Unlike some other luggage tags, this option only displays your name, keeping the rest of your information shielded from curious onlookers and potential thieves.
Nearly 5,000 Amazon shoppers awarded this luggage tag set a perfect five-star rating, with many reviewers noting how bright and eye-catching they are. Their level of durability got plenty of shoutouts, too: One reviewer shared that it 'survived multiple flights over five weeks,' while another reviewer deemed them 'unbreakable' after holding up to a month-long international trip.
Handle wraps are another way to add personal flair to your luggage—and they can upgrade your comfort level at the same time. These ergonomic neoprene handle wraps provide additional cushioning around the handles of your carry-on or checked suitcase, a dream for tired, achy hands that have been tugging on luggage all day. These handles also have hidden ID cards on the inside that you can label with your personal information.
Looking for another way to make your luggage stand out, sans ribbon? Invest in some colorful luggage locks, like this four-pack from Forge Store. These vibrant cable locks loop into the zippers of your carry-on, checked suitcase, or duffel bag, and have a three-digit combination that can be safely bypassed by TSA for quick inspections, no boltcutter necessary.
Ringing in at just $6 per lock, over 16,000 travelers have given this multipack a five-star rating—with flight attendants and pilots leaving the most notable positive reviews. One flight attendant shared that they're so good-looking and practical, they've now gifted them to fellow flight attendants. Meanwhile, a retired airline pilot wrote that these luggage locks have 'absolutely' no downsides, adding that their 'excellent construction' and flexible cable design make them well worth the purchase.
Maximalist trendsetters, rejoice: These neon luggage tags are a fashion statement all on their own. On sale for just $8, this three-pack of luggage tags has an embossed checkered design that'll be hard to miss at baggage claim. Along with clear, waterproof ID sleeves, these standout tags have a rounded metal clip that's large enough to hold additional funky keychains, charms, or even Apple AirTag holders, allowing you to further customize your luggage to your heart's content.
This fruit-themed luggage tag looks more like a designer handbag ornament than a functional travel accessory. Crafted with colorful faux leather cutouts, this Zouity luggage tag comes with a matching AirTag holder, so you can track your checked suitcase on all legs of your journey. Available in nine fun shapes—including a persimmon, an avocado, and a strawberry—this luggage tag and AirTag holder combo is an 'adorable' way to spot your suitcase more easily on the conveyor belt, according to one five-star reviewer.
Vibrant luggage straps are another way to make your suitcase stand out in a sea of black and gray rollers (hence why flight attendants swear by them). This heavy-duty Luggitime luggage strap has a wide adjustable belt that, when tightened, provides additional compression to the outside of your suitcase to keep it tightly shut. It comes in a variety of unique patterns, including a tropical blue floral and a classic houndstooth print.
You can also make your duffel bag or purse visually pop just by switching out the shoulder strap. This wide, adjustable shoulder strap comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and prints, and has an extra-long belt that can be extended up to 66 inches long. Thousands of five-star reviewers attest to the strength, style, and functionality of this $14 shoulder strap, with one shopper reporting that they've earned plenty of new compliments on their 'new duffel bag that nobody else has.'
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