Airport passengers are warned against tying ribbons on their luggage

A popular tip… which complicates the life of baggage handlers

It was John, an employee at Dublin Airport, who lifted the veil on this very common practice. According to him, these small ribbons attached to the handles of suitcases can block the automatic scanning systems used behind the scenes.

As a result, if your baggage does not pass the scan, it must be processed manually. And in the best case, that means a delay. But sometimes, it can go so far as to prevent him from getting on the right plane… Admit that starting your holiday without your suitcase is not really ideal!

Suitcase decorations: a false good idea?

It’s not just the ribbons that are the problem. Another culprit pointed out: decorative stickers. Very trendy, especially among frequent travellers, these cute or original little visuals can also disturb the machines responsible for identifying and sorting luggage.

Pro tip? Clean your suitcase of any old or superfluous stickers before you leave. This avoids confusion and ensures that your bag will follow the same path as you.

Other mistakes to avoid for a stress-free trip

Speaking of small habits that can be expensive, John also shares some practical — sometimes unexpected — recommendations. For example, do you know how to put your suitcase correctly on the conveyor belt? To limit the risk of damaging the wheels, it is better to place it with the wheels facing up.

Another surprising tip: avoid taking certain foodstuffs in your checked luggage. Especially… marzipan! Yes, you read that right. Its density is such that it can be mistaken for sensitive substances when X-rayed. Not exactly the dream start to your vacation, is it?