Apparently the popular travel ‘hack’ can cause issues at the airport

When picking up your luggage at the airport, it all of a sudden hits you that your bag looks almost identical to everyone else’s .

With this in mind, people often put something on their luggage to help them differentiate it from the rest – a common one being adding a ribbon to it.

While this might seem like a good idea, a baggage handler has lifted the lid on the issues that popping an innocent-looking ribbon on your case can cause.

Speaking to RSVP Live, Dublin Airport baggage handler John said: “Ribbons that people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall.”

He added: “If the bag can’t be scanned automatically it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it to the flight.”

Old stickers from previous trips can also create problems, with John warning: “If the bag can’t be scanned automatically it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it to the flight.”

There’s a certain type of food that can cause issues too if you have it in your case – and that’s marzipan, apparently.

It’s not that baggage handlers have a particular vendetta against the festive favorite though, but because of its weight.

John further explained: “Don’t ever pack marzipan in your luggage. It has the same density as some explosives so your bag will be removed and you’ll be called from the plane for a bag search.”

Another tip provided by the travel expert is to put your suitcase wheels up to avoid damage before you check them in.