Shocking reason you should never tie ribbon on your suitcase to help identify it – it may not even make the flight

The Sun

03-07-2025

FLIGHT experts are warning travelers not to use a popular bag-tracking method, as it may cause more harm than good.
Experts are urging flyers not to tie a ribbon around the handles of their suitcases.
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A baggage handler, who goes by the name John, warned that tying a ribbon on the handle may cause issues with the bag being scanned.
'Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,' he told RSVP Live.
'If the bag can't be scanned automatically, it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn't make it to the flight.'
The handler also told flyers to take off old stickers on the bag and place your suitcase wheels up for less damage.
As for snacks, John told travelers not to pack marzipan in their bags.
'Don't ever pack Marzipan in your luggage,' he said.
'It has the same density as some explosives, so your bag will be removed and you'll be called from the plane for a bag search.'
Another flying expert warned passengers about the type of suitcase they choose to check in.
Emilie, a flight attendant of 16 years, told retailer House of Fraiser that travelers should never check a hard-covered suitcase.
"Passengers tend to think that hard-shell suitcases are more resistant than fabric ones, but it's actually the opposite.
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"Hardcovers can get easily broken by the pressure of the other bags once they're all packed together in the hold."
The flight attendant added, "To avoid damage to your bag, I always recommend choosing a fabric suitcase as these are actually more durable.
"Picking one in a bright colour can help you spot your bag more quickly during baggage delivery. Just avoid white as it won't stay that colour for long!"
She also recommends going for a two-wheeled suitcase over a four-wheeled one.
What to do if you luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged
IT is an awful experience when your baggage does not appear on the carousel.
However, travelers can take steps to get their bags back.
What if baggage is delayed?
If your bag doesn't show up at your destination, make sure to speak to the nearest airline representative.
Airlines have a system that tracks where bags are and can see whether luggage has ever left an airport.
After getting as much information as possible from the representative, passengers can file a claim.
Once the bag is located, airlines will either deliver it straight to a flier's door or send it to the nearest airport.
What if baggage is lost?
Fliers should stay in close contact with airlines throughout the search for their bags.
Sometimes, airlines will tell lucky passengers their bags are gone for good.
Most airlines will declare a bag lost between five and fourteen days after the flight, but this can vary.
Airlines are responsible for compensating travelers for lost bags' contents as long as it doesn't surpass maximum liability limits.
Airlines must also reimburse any fees that fliers paid out for a bag to be transported if it was found.
What if a bag is damaged?
Airlines are also required to pay back customers for bags' contents that were damaged during flight.
However, the airline won't take responsibility for items that were destroyed because the luggage was improperly packed.
Most airlines also won't reimburse cash, electronics, fragile items, and perishables.
Anyone who has a bag damaged during flight should file a claim and discuss whether they can get a refund.
"[Four-wheeled suitcases] are never as durable or reliable as a two-wheel spinner and I'd always avoid them."
One TikToker, who goes by the username @allycase1, warned travelers to be aware of a common luggage tag faux pas.
In the video, the flight attendant shows a luggage tag with contact information written on it.
'Always make sure that your luggage tag has the contact information facing the other side,' she said in the video.
'I see so many people with their luggage tag and their information displayed for everyone to see.
'Their name, their address, their phone number, their email. That is way too much information for just anyone to have.'
She recommends just flipping personal information to the other side so its not out on display.
'In the event that your bag is ever lost, whoever has your bag is going to take out the tag and flip it to the other side.'