A baggage handler’s insider tip: ribbons on luggage can cause more harm than good . Here’s why you should skip the bows and opt for smarter luggage markers instead:
1. Ribbon = Red Flag for Theft
- Why It’s Bad: Bright ribbons or decorations signal that your bag might contain valuables, making it a target for theft.
- Handler Insight: "Thieves often target 'unique' bags—they assume you’re carrying gifts, electronics, or luxury items."
2. Mechanical Mayhem
- Why It’s Bad: Ribbons can get caught in airport conveyor belts, scanners, or sorting machines.
- Handler Insight: "A single ribbon can jam equipment, delaying hundreds of bags. Yours might get torn off or damaged in the process."
3. Confusion with Security Tags
- Why It’s Bad: Ribbons resemble security seals or airline tags, leading to unnecessary inspections.
- Handler Insight: "We’ve seen bags flagged for ‘suspicious tampering’ because a ribbon looked like a broken seal."