Important Advice from a Baggage Handler: What to Know Before You Fly
If you’ve ever tried to make your suitcase stand out at the airport, you’re not alone! Many travelers put ribbons, colorful strings, or cute stickers on their luggage to keep it from getting lost in a sea of black bags. But according to a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, this popular method might not be the best idea.
The Challenge of Finding Your Bag
Picture this: you’re excitedly heading off on your dream vacation, and you want to easily spot your suitcase when it comes around the baggage carousel. You might think, “I’ll just tie a bright ribbon on it!” After all, no one wants to accidentally grab a suitcase that isn’t theirs and end up with nothing but a pair of underwear for a week-long trip!
We’ve all been there, right? You might even remember being stuck wearing a hotel gift shop T-shirt because you mixed up your luggage. One creative traveler even started strapping a GoPro camera to their suitcase to keep an eye on it! “It shows just how much we worry about our bags,” they said.
Listen to the Experts
However, John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, has some important advice that could change the way you think about decorating your luggage. He warned that those cute ribbons and tags could actually cause problems.
“Ribbons people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall,” he explained in an interview.
He further explained that if a bag can’t be scanned properly, it might end up needing manual processing, which can lead to it missing its flight. Imagine being on vacation, only to find out your suitcase never made it! John advised travelers to keep their bags clear of old stickers, as those can also confuse the scanning systems.
Top Tips for Hassle-Free Travel
So, what should you do instead? John shared a few handy tips to ensure your luggage experience is smooth and stress-free:
Keep Your Bag Simple: Avoid adding extra decorations that might complicate baggage scanning.
Position Your Suitcase Correctly: Place your suitcase with the wheels up when you check it in. This helps prevent damage during transport.
Leave the Marzipan at Home: Perhaps the most surprising piece of advice from John is to never pack marzipan in your luggage. “It has the same density as some explosives,” he cautioned.
“If you try to take it with you, don’t be surprised if your bag gets pulled aside for a thorough search!” Missing your family vacation just to save a bit of marzipan wouldn’t be worth it, right?
What Should You Do?
In the end, the best advice seems to be to simplify your luggage. Leave the ribbons and cake supplies at home if you want to ensure your suitcase boards the plane with you. Traveling should be about adventure and fun, not a stressful race to identify your bag among hundreds!
So, what do you think about these tips? Have you had any luggage challenges while traveling? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
