From the airline’s perspective, these accessories are not helpful identifiers. They’re hazards.
Ribbons and straps can cause bags to be rejected
Many travelers tie ribbons or fabric strips to the handle of their suitcase, believing it will help them spot their bag faster. But baggage scanners often interpret these additions as irregular shapes.
If the system can’t clearly scan the luggage tag or the bag doesn’t move smoothly through the conveyor, it may be flagged for manual handling. While that sounds harmless, manual handling means your bag takes longer to process and increases the chance it won’t make it onto the plane in time—especially during tight connections.
Straps that wrap around the suitcase are another issue. If they loosen or shift, they can jam equipment or trigger safety stops, which airport staff must resolve immediately.
CONTINUE READING IN THE NEXT PAGE
