A Baggage Handler’s Warning: Think Before You Ribbon!
When you’re getting ready for a vacation, you want your suitcase to shine bright and be easy to spot, right? After all, nobody wants to confuse their luggage with someone else’s, especially when it contains everything they need for their trip.
But a baggage handler from Dublin Airport has a warning: those ribbons and decorations you tie on your suitcase might actually cause you more problems than you think!
Let’s face it. We’ve all been there, looking for our bag among a sea of black and grey suitcases at the airport. To avoid the dreaded mix-up, many travelers decorate their luggage with colorful tags, quirky keychains, and yes, even bright ribbons.
Some people go all out, putting their names in shiny diamantes or sticking on funny stickers, hoping to make their suitcase stand out. One clever traveler even attached a GoPro to their luggage, wanting to keep an eye on it during the long, confusing journey through the airport. Talk about having trust issues!
While all those decorations seem like a great idea, John, a seasoned baggage handler, has some important advice to share. He points out that those ribbons could backfire and ruin your travel plans.
He explained, “The ribbons people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall.”
Imagine standing by the carousel, waiting for your bag, only to find out it’s stuck somewhere because the scanning machine couldn’t read it correctly. “If the bag can’t be scanned automatically, it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it onto the flight,” John continued.
To add to his advice, John suggests that travelers should take off any old stickers from their bags, as they can also create confusion when it comes time to scan your luggage. “Just keep it simple,” he says.
Now, you might be wondering how to make sure your suitcase doesn’t get into trouble without sacrificing your style. John has got you covered! He shares a couple of handy tips: for instance, place your suitcase wheels up to avoid damaging them during handling. This simple trick can save you from disaster later.
But here’s a golden rule you definitely need to remember: never pack marzipan in your luggage! Yes, you read that right! John warns that this sweet treat, made from ground almonds, sugar, and egg, has a density similar to some explosives.
“If you’re carrying marzipan, don’t be surprised if you and your bag are pulled aside for a thorough search,” he cautioned. Missing your family holiday over a bit of marzipan just isn’t worth it!
So, what’s the takeaway from John’s airport wisdom? If you want a smooth flight this summer, consider leaving the ribbons and cake supplies at home. Opt for more practical ways to spot your luggage that don’t interfere with airport procedures.
What do you think about all this advice? Have you ever had a luggage mix-up at the airport, or do you have any fun tips for marking your suitcase? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
