If you’ve ever tied a ribbon, scarf, or colorful tag on your suitcase to “make it easier to spot,” you’re definitely not alone. Millions of travelers do it for convenience. But according to several longtime baggage handlers, this habit can actually cause more problems than it solves — and may even put your luggage at risk.
A veteran baggage handler recently issued a viral warning that has shocked frequent flyers:
“Please stop tying ribbons, scarves, and fabric tags onto your suitcases. You think it helps — but it creates major issues behind the scenes.”
Here’s why.
1. Ribbons Can Get Caught in Conveyors and Machines
Airport conveyor belts are powerful, fast-moving, and full of moving parts. Loose fabric — like ribbons, scarves, strings, or tassels — can get easily caught in rollers or machinery.
When that happens, one of two things follows:
➡️ Your bag gets yanked off the belt and stuck.
This often causes delays, jams, and mishandling.
➡️ Your ribbon is torn off and your bag keeps moving — unidentifiable.
The marker you relied on is gone before your bag even reaches the plane.
According to handlers, this happens far more often than passengers realize.
2. Ribbons Make Sorting Harder, Not Easier
Most people tie ribbons to help themselves spot their luggage quickly at baggage claim.
But behind the scenes, these ribbons can actually confuse the sorting teams.
Different handling zones use color codes — and bright ribbons can be mistaken as:
- Priority markers
- “Do Not Load” flags
- Oversized baggage tags
- Transfer luggage indicators
One former ramp agent explained:
“We see a red or orange ribbon, and sometimes we have to double-check if it’s an actual tag or just something the passenger tied on. It slows everything down.”
Those extra seconds can send your luggage down the wrong chute — and that can send it to the wrong plane.
3. Fabric Tags Often Rip Off and Get Lost
Let’s say you tie a ribbon on your suitcase to identify it.
Reality check:
Baggage systems chew those things up.
With:
- conveyor belts
- high-speed drop points
- automatic diverters
- tight cargo holds
- piles of luggage stacked quickly
…a delicate ribbon doesn’t stand a chance.
Handlers say the majority of ribbons and fabric tags get torn off long before they reach the final destination, leaving bags unmarked.
4. Ribbons Can Hide Important Information
Sometimes ribbons cover:
- the barcode the machine reads
- airline-issued tags
- the handle area, making it harder to lift
- TSA inspection stickers
If a scanner can’t read that barcode, your bag won’t be loaded.
And if handlers can’t grab the handle easily, they may grab the zipper or side — and you know what that causes?
Zippers breaking. Bags tearing. Handles snapping.
All because a ribbon was in the way.
5. There’s a Better (and Safer) Way to Identify Your Luggage
Baggage handlers aren’t telling you to stop marking your bag entirely — just to stop using loose fabric.
Here’s what they recommend instead:
✔️ Use a bright luggage tag
Hard plastic or silicone tags are ideal because they don’t rip off.
✔️ Choose a distinctive luggage strap
These wrap around the suitcase securely and won’t get caught in machinery.
✔️ Get a unique luggage cover
Colorful fitted covers are easy to spot and safe for the system.
✔️ Buy a suitcase in a bold color
The era of basic black luggage is fading for this exact reason.
✔️ Personalize your bag with stickers or decals
They stay on. They don’t snag. They’re instantly recognizable.
6. The One Thing You Should Always Attach: Your Info
If you do nothing else, baggage handlers say this is non-negotiable:
Put a durable luggage tag with your full name and contact number inside AND outside your bag.
If your exterior tag tears off, the interior one saves your luggage from becoming “unclaimed.”
Final Thoughts
Tying a ribbon on your suitcase feels helpful — until you realize the risks behind the scenes:
- It can jam machinery
- It can get your bag misrouted
- It can get torn off
- It can slow down handlers
- It can even damage your suitcase
A simple switch to safer identifiers can save you time, stress, and the nightmare of lost luggage.
And honestly?
I can’t believe how many years I traveled without knowing this.
