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The Baggage Handler Warns: Beware of Ribbons Attached to Suitcases
When you’re getting ready for a vacation or business trip, packing up your suitcase can be a bit of a whirlwind. To make your luggage easier to identify on the carousel, many travelers tie ribbons, bright straps, or even colorful pieces of fabric to their suitcases. While this may seem like a simple and effective way to spot your bag among a sea of luggage, there’s a hidden danger that comes with this common practice β and it’s one that many don’t consider.
A baggage handler’s warning to travelers is clear: beware of ribbons attached to your suitcase.
Why Ribbons Can Be a Problem for Travelers
Ribbons, straps, and colorful decorations may look cute and helpful, but they can pose a significant risk both for you and for the baggage handling system at the airport. Here are some reasons why you should reconsider using ribbons on your suitcase:
- Potential for Snagging in Conveyor Belts Airport baggage handling systems are highly automated and operate at high speeds. The belts, rollers, and sorting machines used to process luggage are efficient, but they are not always forgiving of things that get in the way. Ribbons attached to your suitcase can easily get caught in the machinery, causing delays and potentially even damaging the bag.
Once a ribbon or strap becomes caught in a conveyor system, it can cause a serious backlog of luggage. This can slow down the entire baggage process, impacting other travelers’ flights and causing disruptions.
- Ribbons Can Be Torn Off Baggage handlers deal with hundreds of pieces of luggage every day, and they are trained to handle them quickly and efficiently. However, delicate attachments like ribbons can easily be torn off, leavi