We’ve all done it — tied a bright ribbon , a custom luggage tag , or even a balloon or stuffed animal to our suitcase in the hopes of spotting it quickly on the baggage carousel .
It seems harmless — even helpful. But if you ask someone who works behind the scenes at the airport, they’ll tell you that tying anything to your suitcase could actually cause more harm than good — and may even damage your luggage or delay your flight .
A baggage handler at Dublin Airport recently took to social media to issue a clear warning to travelers: stop tying ribbons, bags, or anything else to your luggage .
Here’s why.
The Hidden Dangers of Tying Ribbons or Accessories to Your Luggage
While your colorful ribbon or cute plush toy might make your suitcase easy to spot, it could also get caught in airport conveyor belts, baggage machines, or loading equipment , leading to:
- Delays in luggage delivery
- Damaged suitcases
- Malfunctioning airport equipment
- Safety hazards for baggage handlers
A simple attempt to stand out in the baggage claim crowd could end up causing a chain reaction of problems .
What a Baggage Handler Warns About
According to the Dublin Airport baggage handler, tying ribbons, plastic bags, or any loose items to your suitcase is a major issue for airport staff.
Here’s what they shared:
“Please stop tying ribbons, balloons, or anything loose to your luggage. It gets caught in the system, jams the conveyor belts, and causes delays for everyone. We see it all the time — and it’s avoidable.”
They also added that some suitcases have even been removed from the system entirely due to ribbons getting tangled in machinery .
Why Airport Luggage Systems Can’t Handle Loose Attachments
Airport baggage systems are high-speed, automated networks designed to sort and transport luggage quickly and efficiently . Anything hanging off your suitcase can:
⚠️ 1. Jam Conveyor Belts
