If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a crowded airport, nervously scanning the luggage carousel for your beloved possessions, you’re probably familiar with the helplessness that comes from seeing a seemingly endless stream of similar bags go by.

Many savvy travelers have long tied ribbons around their bags to make them stand out, hoping to prevent mix-ups. However, an airport worker warns that this strategy can lead to complications you might not expect.

The Risks of Ribbons

John, a veteran luggage handler at Dublin Airport, cautions that these popular tactics can backfire. In fact, they may inadvertently make your travel experience worse.

According to John, attaching ribbons for easy identification can cause delays that might prevent your bag from making its flight. “If a bag cannot be scanned automatically due to these identifiers, it will be processed by hand, increasing the likelihood that it won’t make it onto the flight,” he explains.

To improve the chances of your bag arriving at its destination on time, avoid using ribbons or old travel stickers. “Remove any old stickers from your bags; they can interfere with the scanning process,” John advises.

Avoiding Airport Security Hassles

Another potential luggage hazard is marzipan. John notes that carrying marzipan can raise red flags for airport security. “Marzipan should never be packed in a suitcase. It has a density similar to certain explosives, which may result in your suitcase being searched, and you could even be asked to leave the aircraft,” he warns.

As a precaution, always turn your luggage wheels up when handing it over to the handlers at the conveyor belt.