The baggage handler’s warning against attaching a ribbon (or any highly visible, unique marker) to your luggage might seem counterintuitive at first—after all, many travel experts suggest marking your bag to easily spot it on the carousel.
But from a baggage handler’s perspective, here are the key reasons they often advise against it:
1. Ribbons can get caught in conveyor belts and machinery
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Airport baggage systems are a maze of belts, rollers, sensors, and automated sorting equipment.
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A loose ribbon, strap, or dangling tag can snag on machinery, causing the bag to jam or even tear off.
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This can delay your luggage, damage it, or even shut down a section of the baggage system until cleared.
2. It can make your bag a target for theft
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While this is debated, some airline and security personnel have noted that a distinctive marker makes it easier for someone to identify and potentially steal a bag intentionally — especially if they know it belongs to a frequent traveler or someone who might carry valuables.
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In some cases, thieves in baggage claim areas have been known to watch for uniquely tagged bags because they’re easier to describe and harder for the owner to prove were taken by mistake.
3. “Flagging” for special handling (not in a good way)
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If a ribbon or strap is loose, baggage handlers might have to take extra time to secure it or avoid getting their hands tangled — in a fast-paced environment, that could mean your bag gets set aside temporarily or handled more roughly to avoid personal injury.
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Also, in some regions, conspicuous luggage markers have been rumored to signal to corrupt baggage handlers that a bag might contain gifts or valuables, making it more likely to be opened.
4. Easier to mistakenly take
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Ironically, while meant to prevent mistaken pickups, a ribbon can sometimes make it easier for another traveler to quickly grab your bag thinking, “Oh, the one with the red ribbon — that’s mine,” if they’ve forgotten what theirs actually looks like.
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Unique but common markers (like a red ribbon) might be used by multiple people on the same flight.
What baggage handlers recommend instead:
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Use a distinctive, durable luggage strap that fits snugly around the bag (not dangling) — it can still help identify your bag but is less likely to snag if designed for travel.
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Choose unique baggage tags with a bright color or distinct pattern on the hard shell of the bag itself.
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Place contact info inside in case the outside tag is lost.
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Take a photo of your luggage before checking it, including any distinguishing features.
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For true anonymity, some handlers suggest using a less obvious identifier — e.g., a small sticker in a particular spot, a scratch, or a patterned tape on the inside of the handle — visible to you but not screaming for attention.
Bottom line: The warning is mainly about safety (avoiding jams in machinery) and reducing the risk of drawing unwanted attention — not just about mistaken pickup at baggage claim. If you do use a ribbon, make sure it’s very short, secured tightly, and not dangling near zippers or handles.