Most travelers have stood at a baggage carousel squinting at a parade of nearly identical suitcases, hoping to spot their own before someone else grabs it. For years, the go-to hack has been tying a colorful ribbon to the handle — a simple trick meant to make your bag instantly recognizable. But according to Dublin Airport baggage handler John, this seemingly harmless habit can actually delay your suitcase or even cause it to miss the flight altogether. “Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause problems with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” he explains. Those dangling ribbons sometimes block barcode scanners or get caught in conveyor machinery, forcing the bag to be diverted for manual processing. In the high-speed world of airport logistics, even a small obstruction can mean your bag ends up in a different city than you.
Instead of ribbons, John recommends choosing luggage that stands out naturally — bright colors, bold patterns, or unique textures that don’t interfere with automated systems. If you prefer to personalize your bag, he suggests flat, non-obstructive options like fabric paint, stickers, or discreet markings on the sides. These identifiers make your suitcase easy to spot without dangling pieces that can jam scanners or prompt a manual handler to pull your bag from the line. A few subtle changes in how you label your luggage can save you from a surprising amount of airport stress.
John also revealed another unexpected packing tip: never put marzipan in your checked luggage. While it sounds like a joke, marzipan has a density very similar to certain explosives, which can confuse security scanners. “Don’t ever pack marzipan in your luggage,” he warns. “It has the same density as some explosives.” When a scanner detects this anomaly, your suitcase is flagged for a manual security search — meaning delays, inspections, and potential holdups that could separate you from your belongings. Something as innocent as almond-and-sugar candy can send your bags into a security detour you weren’t prepared for.
Small decisions can have big consequences in the fast-moving ecosystem of airport baggage systems. A ribbon tied too tightly, a snack packed too innocently — both can slow down an operation designed to move thousands of bags per hour with near-perfect timing. By choosing visually distinctive luggage, marking it safely, and keeping certain dense items out of checked bags, you can significantly reduce the chances of mishaps. Smooth travel often comes down to these overlooked details, and taking a moment to adjust your packing habits can make the difference between your suitcase greeting you on arrival… or greeting someone else in the wrong terminal.
