Why You Might Want to Think Twice Before Tying a Ribbon to Your Suitcase

Adding a bright ribbon to your suitcase may seem like a smart travel trick.

After all, when dozens of nearly identical black bags appear on the airport baggage carousel, a colorful ribbon can make yours much easier to recognize.

But there is a downside that many travelers don’t consider: anything attached to the outside of your luggage can potentially interfere with automated baggage-handling systems.

That doesn’t mean a ribbon will automatically cause your suitcase to disappear or get lost. But there are better ways to make your luggage easy to identify.

Why Do Travelers Put Ribbons on Their Bags?

The main reason is simple: visibility.

A colorful ribbon, scarf, or strap can make an ordinary suitcase stand out immediately. Instead of waiting for the luggage tag to come into view, travelers can spot their bag from several meters away.

It’s especially useful when many passengers have the same model or color of suitcase.

However, there’s an important distinction between helping you identify your luggage and helping the airport’s baggage system process it.

The Problem With Things Attached to the Outside

Airport luggage can travel through a complex network of conveyor belts, scanners, sorting machines, and other automated equipment.