I’d always read about how to keep from losing or damaging your luggage while traveling, especially about not putting ribbons on your suitcases because they will likely lose their way or damage your luggage. I have to admit, I used to do that all the time. I’d always used a bright green ribbon tied with a double knot on the handle of my totally ordinary black suitcase. I thought it was harmless and that it would help me locate my bag when I had a bunch of identical Samsonite cases coming down the conveyor belt. However, after reading all these scary stories (like how your luggage could be routed to Siberia), I started wondering: Is this an actual problem, or is this another viral myth that seems much worse than it really is?
So, I went looking for answers. I talked to a number of regular fliers, watched videos of how baggage gets handled (more intense than I had anticipated), and attempted to find the truth behind the stories. Spoiler: the ribbon has nothing to do with it, but there are some nuances to understand before you begin decorating your carry-on with ribbons.
Why We Put Ribbons on Our Suitcases
I think we’ve all traveled with our own nondescript black suitcase and struggled to tell them apart when checking them in. A ribbon on the handle of your luggage? Simple solution. I began doing this when I was traveling with my family and all of our luggage resembled each other. With one little strip of color and voilà, no longer confused.
For many of the travelers who tie ribbons to their luggage, the main reason is to reduce stress. It is common. It is not careless and it is certainly not a warning sign.
What Baggage Handlers Really Warn Us About
Where the story begins to get somewhat technical is that the major concern isn’t with the ribbon per se; it is how the ribbon acts as your luggage travels through the belly of the airport. Airport baggage handling systems may not be the most gentle. Your suitcase will travel through rollers, sorters, conveyor belts, and possibly even robotic scanners. If that ribbon is long, loose, or flailing like a party streamer, it can become stuck. If that occurs, your luggage will likely be removed from the automated system and manually inspected.
Best case? Your luggage is delayed. Worst-case scenario? Your luggage is jammed or slightly torn. In high-volume airports, even a slight snag can send your luggage on a detour.
That is what baggage handlers are really worried about. It isn’t that ribbons are bad; it is that loose items in general can trip up equipment. The same applies to long straps, bow-tie scarves, or even a hoodie sleeve hanging out of a zipped-up bag.
Why the “Never Do This” Warnings Are Misleading
I get why viral articles go full doomsday with headlines such as “One Thing to Avoid May Ruin Your Entire Trip.” The fact is, however, much less frightening. Millions of bags travel daily with countless types of external characteristics, wheels, handles, luggage straps, etc. Are they perfect for high-speed conveyor belts? No. Airports are designed to accommodate variation, though. Luggage isn’t supposed to be perfectly smooth or featureless.
It is not the ribbon itself that is the problem; it is how it is secured. Handlers aren’t attempting to get rid of personalized ID tags or colorful loops; they simply wish to discourage individuals from attaching loose items that may snag.
When a Ribbon Is More Likely to Cause Trouble
Okay, so when does that fun little ribbon become problematic?
When it is extremely long or drags multiple feet
When it is made of a fragile, frayed material that can easily tangle
The ribbon is attached to the zipper pulls rather than the handle
The bag is stuffed beyond capacity, thus creating motion while being transported
All of these circumstances raise the likelihood of a snag or slowdown. Again, not guaranteed to ruin your entire trip, but something to consider before using the next piece of leftover gift wrap.
Better Ways to Identify Your Luggage
There are more secure and intelligent ways to identify your luggage, without running the risk of the dreaded “manual inspection” route. Here are some of the best practices that I am implementing myself, as well as what I’ve learned are the best practices among the most seasoned travelers:
Using a relatively short fabric loop (around 3 to 4 inches) and tightly tied
Using silicone handle wraps in bold colors; they attach quickly and remain in place
Purchasing a bold, multi-colored luggage tag (bonus points if it is also durable)
Applying stickers or decals if you are comfortable altering the appearance of your suitcase
Always placing ID information inside the luggage as well; in the event that tags come off, this will assist in recovering your luggage
For example, I now utilize a red handle wrap and a custom tag with my initials. Both are loud, both are safe, and neither has created a single issue at the baggage claim.
Should You Tie a Ribbon to Your Luggage?
So, tying a ribbon to your luggage is not some kind of egregious offense against airport rules. It’s not forbidden. It won’t necessarily ruin your vacation. But it can potentially create problems if your ribbon is long enough, loose enough, or flimsy enough to get stuck in the equipment.
So don’t let fear-mongering articles destroy a wonderful concept; simply develop a better version of it. Use secure, unobtrusive luggage identification techniques. Consider durability above design. Remember: travel is already stressful enough. Don’t allow your luggage ribbon to be the source of your pre-flight anxiety.
