Tying a bright ribbon on a suitcase feels like the ultimate travel hack. It’s quick, cute, and easy to spot on the carousel.
I used to do it too, especially when I started traveling more and realized most people own the exact same black or blue hard-shell suitcase.
Once, a guy even took my suitcase by mistake at the airport. It was a nightmare, but luckily he returned it the next day.
Although a ribbon makes a suitcase more recognizable, some luggage handlers say this method should be avoided for several reasons.
1. It can confuse baggage scanners
Airports and cruise terminals don’t just toss bags onto a belt. A lot of luggage handling is automated and relies on scanners reading tags and tracking bags quickly.
A ribbon (especially if very long) flopping around near the tag, handle, or barcode area can interfere more than people realize.
Sometimes it blocks a clean scan, and when that happens, the bag can get diverted for manual checking.
2. It can get caught in conveyor belts
This is another aspect that almost no one takes into account. Those belts and rollers are not gentle at all.
They’re fast, they’re tight, and they grab anything loose.
A ribbon hanging off a suitcase handle can snag. It can get pulled. It can rip off. And if it really gets caught, it can slow down the belt or force someone to deal with it manually.
In the worst cases, it can even damage the bag handle or the ribbon gets tangled, and your bag gets pushed aside.
3. It can trigger security checks
Tracking systems are designed to work with bags that look consistent, clean, and easy to process.
Extra stuff like ribbons, straps, unusual shapes, or big bows can make a suitcase look “different” in the wrong way.
Loose attachments can lead to extra attention from staff, especially when bags are being loaded quickly in big batches.
And if something looks like it might snag, interfere with equipment, or create issues during transport, the bag may get pulled aside. Sometimes it’s just to remove the ribbon. Sometimes it gets routed differently. Sometimes it gets handled more than it should.
More handling usually means more chances for delays, scuffs or torn handles.
4. Many people do it
This is the funniest part. The ribbon idea spread so much that it’s not even unique anymore.
I swear, every time I’m flying or going on a cruise, I see at least five identical bright red ribbons on the handle.
So instead of making your bag stand out, it can make it blend into the crowd of people who had the same idea.
Then you still end up doing the awkward carousel stare, walking in little circles, pretending you’re calm when you’re absolutely not.
And the real danger: someone else grabs your bag by mistake because it looks like theirs.
Better alternatives that actually work
If the goal is to spot your suitcase fast and avoid mix-ups, there are better ways that don’t mess with scanners or belts.
Use a bold luggage tag
Get a bright, oversized luggage tag with a unique design.
Something that sits flat and doesn’t flap around. Bonus points if it’s easy to recognize from ten feet away.
Add a large vinyl sticker or decal
A big sticker on one side of the suitcase is honestly underrated.
It’s flat, it’s visible, it won’t snag, and nobody else will have the same one.
Choose a distinctive suitcase cover
Those stretchy suitcase covers with patterns are hard to miss, and they don’t create loose dangling parts.
Plus, they add a bit of protection from scuffs.
Use a colored handle wrap made for luggage
There are wraps that velcro around the handle and sit snug.
No loose ends, no flopping, just a touch of color. But again, they are not unique, and someone else may have the same ones.
Personally, I would opt for the stickers or a large and original luggage tag.
