Why a colored ribbon could be a problem
What many people don’t know is that this solution, although widely used, can hinder the smooth running of automated baggage processing at airports. Mike Harvey, a specialist in international transport, explained it very clearly: “If a belt or tape interferes with automatic scanning during scanning, the bag can be removed from the automated circuit and require manual processing.”
And frankly, who wants to arrive on vacation without a swimsuit, a charger and a toothbrush? And this is where things get complicated: a manually handled bag means a slower process, an additional workload for ground staff — and a very real risk that the suitcase will not be loaded on time on the plane. At major international airports, every minute counts. A small colored knot can be enough to create a friction point in a system calibrated to the second.
Decorative stickers, also to watch out for
The ribbon is not the only cause. Many also like to decorate their suitcase with stickers. It’s cute, it’s fun, it allows you to spot your luggage… But it can also disrupt the sensors of the machines at the airport.
A misplaced sticker, a hidden barcode, and your suitcase may end up in the slow lane. The expert therefore recommends keeping the surface as legible and uncluttered as possible. Because sorting equipment does not like fantasy: the smoother it is, the faster it is.
Safe alternatives to identify your suitcase
That said, it is still perfectly possible to recognize your luggage quickly, without taking unnecessary risks. The first solution, the simplest and most preventive, is to choose a suitcase with a distinctive design from the start. Opt for a bright color, an original pattern, or an unusual finish.
A quick tip: also add a rigid label with your first name in large print — it’s eye-catching without getting in the way.
Another trick that is often overlooked: the luggage strap. Unlike tape, it is designed to be detectable and readable by machines, while adding a layer of security in case of accidental opening.
For cautious travellers, the use of a GPS tracker in the lining of the suitcase is a valuable insurance. If the baggage gets lost, it can be located in real time. A simple photo taken with your phone before check-in can also make all the difference: in the event of a claim, having an accurate photo of the baggage greatly speeds up the process.
Favouring simplicity also means travelling more serenely
Clearly, it’s better to keep it simple. Avoid anything that could confuse airport machines, and rely on solutions that have proven their worth.
Personalize, yes — but with common sense. A ribbon, a badly placed sticker, can be enough to slow down an entire well-oiled system.
The ideal? An easy-to-recognize suitcase but without a trap for scanners. A well-thought-out look, a practical strap, a small, discreet tracker… And it’s less stress at the time of disembarkation.
